Nadu MTG organizes tabletop gaming conventions in South India. This article discusses NaduMTG and its regional events, like Bant Nadu MTG. It covers their history, featured games, activities and how to participate.
History of Nadu MTG
In 2010, a group of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) fans in Chennai formed Nadu MTG. They wanted to build a local gaming community. Hosting their first con at a café, just 12 attended. Over time, word spread in the MTG scene. Participation grew each following year.
In 2014, organizer Ramesh saw potential beyond MTG. He added role-playing games, miniatures and trading card games. This attracted a broader fanbase. Over 100 attended that year.
By 2018, Nadu MTG established as South India’s premier tabletop gaming convention. Nearly 300 participated in events, demonstrations and tournaments over 3 days. Seeing growth, organizers registered NaduMTG as non-profit. This enabled sponsorships to support expansion.
Today, Nadu MTG welcomes over 500 gamers yearly. It expanded offerings to include board games, live-action role-play and video games. What started small blossomed into a major pop culture phenomenon regionally.
Featured Games at Nadu MTG
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) – Original focus. Numerous constructed and limited tournaments.
Warhammer 40K & Age of Sigmar – Miniatures wargaming by Games Workshop. Narrative campaigns and competitive matches.
Dungeons & Dragons – Landmark tabletop role-playing game. Groups embark on adventures. Living Greyhawk also run.
Board Games – Popular modern games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne played casually and in tournaments.
Cardfight!! Vanguard – Popular trading card game. Structure decks or sealed draft tournaments run.
Yu-Gi-Oh! – Another famous TCG. Main and side events from structure decks to limited draft held.
Live Action Role-Playing (LARPs) – Live role-playing games like Mind’s Eye Theatre run outside. Weekend or day campaigns held.
Retro Games – Classics from 1980s-1990s like Warhammer Fantasy Battle, Flames of War, Battletech offered.
Activities at Nadu MTG
Aside from tournaments, Nadu MTG offers many activities:
Demonstration Booths – Publishers and stores showcase upcoming releases or run learn-to-play sessions. Recent demos included Warcry and Marvel Champions.
Miniatures Painting Competition – Gamers display painted mini-armies voted on categories like ‘Best Painted’, ‘Conversion’. Cash prizes awarded.
Seminars and Panels – Industry guests or community leaders share insights on topics from strategies to game design.
Board Game Library – Selection of games available for casual play throughout convention. Allows testing before buying.
Friendly Gaming Areas – Large spaces equipped with tables for pickup games in relaxed environment.
Dealer’s Room – Marketplace of stores, artists, sellers offering supplies, minis and collectibles for sale.
Costume Contest – Attendees often cosplay characters. Competition has categories like ‘Most Creative’ or ‘Best Replica’.
Social Events – Meetups like Friday party or Saturday ball encourage bonding.
Bant Nadu MTG
Beyond the annual main Nadu MTG con, organizers run smaller regional satellite events. One example is Bant Nadu MTG held annually in Bangalore. A one day event in July, it offers a condensed gaming experience for those in Karnataka and neighboring states. While not as broad as the main con, participants can enjoy MTG, Warhammer 40K and Catan tournaments. Local stores also demo upcoming games. With 100 attendees yearly, Bant proves popular for gamers seeking events closer to home outside the February weekend Nadu MTG requires. It spreads gaming joy wider across South India.
How to Participate in Nadu MTG Events
Registration – Sign up online in advance or on-site (usually in February). Day passes or full packages available.
Book Events – Preregister through the website for tournaments and activities. Spots allotted based on signups.
Volunteer – Help run events smoothly and gain free entry by signing up as staff, scorekeepers etc. Experience appreciated but not required – training provided.
Bring Your Games – Tabletop games from any genre welcomed for casual play in open areas. Meet people and learn new games.
Pick Up Demos – Attendees run demo tables introducing favorites to newcomers. Share gaming passion.
Cosplay (Optional) – Dress as characters for photos and as part of the pop culture celebration. Costumes not required to enjoy events.
In summary, Nadu MTG and its regional events offer gaming communities and experiences across South India. Competitive tournaments or casual socializing – something exciting awaits all attendees. Mark your calendar for early 2023!
