Welcome to 2D Con 2022: Simulation. We are excited to be back for our 7th year. When we started this event we never expected it to grow as quickly as it has and while we have experienced normal growing pains, and a year without events we’ve never stopped doing what we love, hosting a great event for great people.
The goal of 2D Con is, and always will be to provide a quality, memorable event for gamers, while raising money for charitable causes.
This year our charity of choice is Children’s Cancer Research fund. Please help us raise funds for this wonderful charity by donating to Midwest Speedfest, the charity auction, on the 2D Con website or the 2D Con Twitch stream.
Creators Against Childhood Cancer is a streaming and gaming fundraising program benefiting Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Funds raised support the brightest scientists whose ideas make the greatest impact for children with cancer. We also fund resources and programs that help families who are fighting cancer stay strong, find community, and take care of themselves. Cancer is a tricky disease – it figures out how to hide from the immune system and build up defenses against chemotherapy. Join Children’s Cancer Research Fund community of streamers to fund researchers who are more creative than cancer. By fundraising with us or donating directly, you’re helping ensure that lifesaving ideas can keep moving forward.
Friday 10:00AM – 11:30PM
Saturday 9:00AM – 11:30PM
Saturday 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Friday 12:00PM – 7:00PM
Saturday 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Friday 10:00AM – 11:59PM
Saturday 12:00AM – 11:59PM
Sunday 12:00AM – 4:00PM
Friday 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Saturday 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Sunday 10:00AM – 4:00PMx
Friday 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Saturday 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Sunday 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Friday 10:00AM – 11:30PM
Saturday 9:00AM – 11:30PM
Sunday 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Friday 11:00AM – 11:59PM
Saturday 12:00AM – 11:59PM
Sunday 12:00AM – 4:00PM
The 2D Con Mainstage is where you will find the
main events of 2D Con such as the 2D CONcert.
Mainstage Schedule
Artists
Vendors
Friday 12:00PM – 7:00PM
Saturday 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Arcade
Pinball
Console
VR
Friday 10:00AM – 11:59PM
Saturday 12:00AM – 11:59PM
Sunday 12:00AM – 4:00PM
Tabletop
Independent Designers
Friday 10:00AM – 11:59PM
Saturday 12:00AM – 11:59PM
Sunday 12:00AM – 4:00PM
Tattoo Artists
SpaceCowGirl
Katie K.
Friday 12:00PM – 7:00PM
Saturday 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday 10:00AM – 4:00PM
The 2D Con Mainstage is where you will find the main events of 2D Con such as the 2D CONcert.
Started at 2D Con in 2015, Midwest Speedfest
is a nonstop speedrun marathon that features
talented players from across the country
completing various video games as quickly as
they can, all in support of charity.
Friday 3:00PM – 11:59PM
Saturday 12:00AM – 11:59PM
Sunday 12:00AM – 4:00PM
Pathfinder Society
Dungeons & Dragons
Friday 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Saturday 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Sunday 10:00AM – 4:00PM
The 2D Con Mainstage is where you will find the main events of 2D Con such as the 2D CONcert.
Tournaments
Friday 10:00AM – 11:30PM
Saturday 9:00AM – 11:30PM
Sunday 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Sushi Train 1200 Nicollet Mall
Brits Pub 1110 Nicollet Mall
Chipotle 1040 Nicollet Mall
Lakes and Legends 1368 Lasalle Ave
The Nicollet Diner 120 W 14th St
Lotus 113 W Grant St
Eggy’s Diner 120 W 14th St
2D Con is an all ages event until 10pm, all we ask is that you follow the nudity and public decency laws of Minneapolis and be aware that children are present.
Breastfeeding is allowed in public space, we also have a quiet room available.
In the rare instance we find your outfit to be an issue one of our staff members will speak with you.
We encourage cosplayers to carry props, sometimes they complete the costume. We do have a few general guidelines.
Any imagery that is considered offensive or that will make people uncomfortable is not allowed.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Anyone caught spreading or displaying anything blatantly offensive may be subject to revocation and removal from the event.
Most of use are adults and we all have fun in different ways. Our drug and alcohol policy is as lenient as possible, we aren’t the police. We only have a few common sense rules.
The most important thing about tournaments is that they are meant to be fun. While we encourage playful banter, we do not allow offensive language (see discrimination and harassment above)
You are expected to show up to the designated tournament area twenty minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Failure to do so may result in disqualification or forfeit.
You must be a registered attendee of 2D Con to participate in any tournament.
Tournament registration for some games start prior to the event, and certain tournaments may fill up before the event. For these tournaments there may be a limited amount of on-site sign ups.
If a player is disqualified prior the tournament, we will fill their spot on a first come first serve basis.
No one likes a cheater, if you are caught cheating you will automatically be disqualified. Depending on the severity you may also be removed from the event.
If you are accused of cheating, and feel that you did not cheat, tournament staff will review and decide on a fair outcome.
Cheating includes, but is not limited to;
Each game will have it’s own set of rules. Cheating reports are handled on a case-by-case basis.
There are a few reasons why you may be bringing your own equipment to 2D Con, we encourage this and even recommend it in some instances. Different equipment has different policies.
2D Con is not responsible for any lost or damaged items.
Bringing your own PC is great, and is required for certain tournaments. We understand that you don’t want to leave your PC unattended while you enjoy the event. We will have limited space to store your items.
Your PC may be subject to a health check, these are non-intrusive and include scanning for malware prior to connecting to the network. Nothing will be installed on your PC.
2D Con is not liable for any damage or loss of items, please keep an eye on your PC and make sure you know it’s status at all times.
We do ask that you use the below list as a guideline when bringing your PC:
If you are going to step away from your PC – lock it (Win+L) or log-off and have someone you know and trust keep an eye on it for you.
There are designated spots for PC set ups,they are limited. You will want to arrive early to guarantee a spot. Please keep your equipment in your dedicated spot.
If you are going to be away from your PC for more than 4 hours and are not registered for a PC tournament, we ask that you remove your equipment and store it in your car or with 2D Con. Space is very limited.
It is highly recommended that you bring your own controller and/or joystick. We only have a limited amount and can not guarantee functionality, battery life, or availability.
Please bring your controller to the tournament organizer for approval, prior to the tournament.
Controller modifications that give you an unfair advantage are not allowed. These include, but are not limited to macro or turbo buttons.
Each tournament will have it’s own set of specifications on what is allowed.
Sometimes equipment fails. Games can freeze, and controllers can stop responding.
If this happens you have the option to restart the current match. You must used the same exact settings and/or characters as the previous match.
If the console or controller is failing, or dead we will do our best to obtain a new one.
If a new one is not available the tournament may end prematurely.
Below is a breakdown of this year’s attendee guidelines, and the measures we will be taking. The last thing we want to do is put anyone’s health at risk. We realize that some of these seem overboard, but we want to be as safe as possible.
Masks will be required in all event spaces. We will have a VERY limited amount of disposable masks available. If you forget your mask there is a Target a few blocks north of the venue that will have masks available for purchase.
13+: Wear a mask in all 2D Con event spaces
Show proof of at least half vaccination OR a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours prior to the event
Between 6 and 12: Wear a mask in all 2D Con event spaces
5 and Under No current rules apply
MASK EXCEPTIONS:
Due to venue policy we are unable to require masks in any public areas of the hotel. This includes spaces such as the hotel lobby, the registration line, or any hallway excluding the hallway to the main gaming room. We strongly encourage masks in ALL places.
The following only applies to ages 13+
Due to current CDC guidance being vaccinated against COVID-19 or having a negative test taken within 72 hours of the convention is required.
It is the easiest and safest way to handle the variants and keep community spread low. If you are not currently vaccinated, and are able to be, there are many places offering walk-in vaccinations to the general public. Having just 1 poke prior to 2D Con is better than none! You can find a location to receive the vaccine here: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp .
The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine is a single dose vaccine that takes two weeks to reach 77% effectiveness – This is the best option to ensure you, and the people around you are safe.
If you are unable to be vaccinated, we require that you do your part to keep this event safe and have a negative COVID test taken within the last 72 hours. There are many places to receive a rapid test prior to the convention. Many of the test locations do not require an appointment.
You can find a location to receive a rapid test on the MN COVID-19 Response page:
https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/index.jsp
Upon check-in with registration you will asked some basic screening questions and may have your temperature taken. These questions aren’t meant to prevent you from attending the convention, but as a way for us to gather useful information such as percentage of vaccinated attendees.
The questions will be non-intrusive.
Example questions:
There will be a variety of sanitation items in all rooms.
This may include:
These items will be available for use. While we will be cleaning at set intervals, we ask that you sanitize equipment before and after use. We also request that you come prepared with your own hand sanitizer in case we do not have enough!
Arcade and pinball machines: Use the available sanitizing spray and a paper towel to wipe down buttons and joysticks – DO NOT SPRAY DIRECTLY ON THE MACHINE! – We can not stress this enough. Use a minimal amount of spray directly on the paper towel.
Consoles: Return the controller to the console desk and our staff will sanitize the controllers.
PC: When you are finished using a PC, flip the keyboard upside down and our staff will sanitize the station.
Microphones: Wipe down with a sanitizing wipe.
*For Karaoke specifically we will be using single use mic caps for each singing!
*Upon entrance to any room you may be asked to use hand sanitizer.
PLEASE ONLY USE THE PROVIDED SANITIZING SOLUTIONS – OTHER SOLUTIONS MAY DAMAGE EQUIPMENT
One of the fastest rising stars in Minnesota's music scene, Nur-D burst onto the stage in 2018 and has been making headlines ever since. Performing on stages alongside national acts like Migos, Logic, Tyler The Creator, and The Wu Tang Clan Nur-D is well on his way to becoming a house hold name. Voted Best New MN Artist in 2019 (Citypages), Headlining The "Best New Bands" Show in 2020 (First Avenue), and being voted Best Live Concert 2021 (Citypages) Nur-D brings an explosion of energy every time he hits the stage.
Hey everyone! I don’t like 3rd person bios so I’m gonna speak to you directly. My name is Theølogy and I am a VGM Remix producer and DJ from Lexington, Kentucky. Believe it or not, a few nerds exist here 🙂 I have been DJing and producing for 15 years and I am a veteran of the trance scene (my previous music being supported by Above & Beyond, Cosmic Gate, and Fatum), but I also create every single genre of EDM. My remixes are melodic and beautiful (as video game music is) but I combine this nuance with really uplifting chords and incredibly dirty bass
Have you ever noticed how some songs sound like other songs? See a cover band like you've never seen before! Do a Barrel Roll! is a videogame music band with a mission unlike any other--to SMASH together VGM classics, deep cuts, and unexpectedly similar music from the popular realm into a beautiful ear stew. This 5-piece act is focused on tight grooves, exciting arrangement ideas, and high-level musicianship.
We are a video game music band from Austin, TX!
Growing up in the era of the Nintendo and Super Nintendo we spent a lot of time playing video games! Many Friday nights were spent trying to finish that one last level or beat that last boss, only taking breaks to get another slice of pizza until we could finally raise our hands in victory as we passed the finish line ahead of our friend who was determined to beat us on the next track. Video games were a large part of our social lives but we didn’t yet realize that the music from those games was going to be an influencing factor in our musical lives. As the years passed our interest in music grew. We picked up guitars wanting to learn how to play the riffs from our favorite Rush and Metallica songs and to maybe even start a band of our own one day.
And now The Masters of Unlocking have arrived, paying tribute to the games we grew up with, the games being made today, and the composers that have left a lasting musical legacy within those games that we feel is greatly under appreciated!
Nitrowave Twin Cities is a group of retro-themed electronic musicians from the Twin Cities dedicated to promoting, supporting, and creating outreach within their community.
Video game enthusiast Matt Silverberg is an accomplished percussionist, composer, and educator. His compositions have been featured at numerous events such as his percussion quintet Hypnotic Crystals being selected as a winner for the 2017 Wisconsin Alliance for Composers (WAC) New Music Festival and the large chamber version of Silver Filled Dreams being featured on a panel at the MidWest Band Clinic in December of 2020. He’s had commissions ranging from percussion ensemble, chamber works, full wind ensemble, and orchestra.
The Arkadian is a solo/group act based out of OKC that writes songs about video games in the style of 80s heavy metal. The band was founded in 2016 by frontman Jon O’Neal while in Boston and their first live show was at PAX East 2018. Since then, the project taken the gaming community by storm with the release of their 2019 album, “Playing With Power” and an epic catalog of tunes following after.
DJ Phatzo is the first speedrunner to sequence break the rap game. A nerdcore artist from Wisconsin, current Earworm Entertainment affiliate, and a member of Midwest Speedfest.
Video games have some of the best soundtracks, from large budget AAA games like Skyrim and the Legend of Zelda to smaller independent games like Undertale and Ori and the Blind Forest, the unique sounds span generations.
We embrace the musical feats of video games by hosting multiple musical events during the weekend including concerts featuring video game cover bands playing your favorite songs in different styles.
6:00PM – Twin Cities Brass Band
7:00PM – Matt Silverberg (Marimba Matt)
8:00PM – Do a Barrel Roll
9:00PM – Nur-D
10:00PM – The Masters of Unlocking
7:00PM – DJ Phatzo
8:00PM – The Arkadian
9:00PM – Theology
11:00PM – Nitrowave TC
It’s 2D Con vs The World. Join your fellow attendees for a special screening of Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World where the audience is encouraged to participate. Bring props, shout your favorite quotes, sing along with Sex Bob-Omb and The Clash at Demonhead.
Friday 4PM – Mainstage
While not a 2D Con original, Spicy Fanfiction was created by our amazing arcade head and the crew at our production team at Rivet City Limited.
This late night (18+) panel features the hottest of hot peppers and the steamiest fan fiction you can imagine. This is a panel that is never the same, and will get weird!
Saturday 11PM – Panel Room
YTK is a spin on classic karaoke. We will find ANY song that you would like to sing, and let you take over our mainstage. Invite your friends.
While you are singing we display song lyrics on all of our main screens so the audience can sing along.
Friday 11:00PM – Mainstage
Saturday 11:59PM – Mainstage
KikiCraft is a multi-medium artist, designer, and cosplayer from Minnesota with over 15 years of experience. From a young age KikiCraft began costuming as her favorite characters from anime and video games, but it wasn’t until she attended her first convention, Anime Detour in 2006 that she found her true passion.
Award-winning writer and professional fanboy. Previously serving as Editor at Large for Cosplay Culture Magazine and creative consultant for Skin & Ink Magazine. Currently serving as the cosplay lead for Vero Social. Alan has been in the business for 20+ years.
Cosplay, props, and whimsical satire.
Anime Layer Cosplay is a midwest based cosplayer who has been cosplaying for 18 years, best known for her Sakizo and CLAMP cosplays. She nurtured her love of costuming through three years of working in a theatrical costuming shop and launched off of that to win multiple Best in Show awards as well as other awards for Best Master at Performance. She put her master level knowledge and love of cosplay to use judging craftsmanship and performance competitions at various conventions around the USA.
Laney is a local Twin Cities cosplayer, prop maker, and fan merch creator. She is best known for her love of ruffles and 3D printed propwork, producing props such as full scale replicas of Kingdom Hearts keyblades, and elaborate costumes that she has been creating since 2007. When she is not vectoring a new pin design or working away in her craft room, Laney spends her time gaming, binging newest anime and manga releases, and snuggling with her three cats.
Please read as the cosplay contest has changed from previous years!
The 2D Con cosplay contest takes place on the Saturday of the convention on the mainstage.
Registration
Pre-registration is required. To register visit the Kikicraft Booth in the market before 3PM on Saturday.
Judging
The cosplay contest will be pre-judged. Pre-judging takes place and will be immediately followed by the show.
Rules
Categories
Saturday 6:00PM – Mainstage
Come spend some quality time with three nerdtastic rock and rollers as we answer questions and probably try to make you laugh.
Hosts: Matt Brewer
Saturday: 5:00PM – Panel Room
A live recording of a dnd one shot for the room and bard podcast. Working to help include audience participation, this podcast is based around Good friends playing a great game and doing it poorly. Apprising their roles of Joe, Wylee, and the Dungeon Master; Vito, Tyler, and James work their way into the world of Adanac to breathe life into some ridiculous story that no one can expect.. 18+
Hosts: James Paine
Saturday: 6:00PM – Panel Room
A How-to and Q&A podcast covering how to get started with podcasting and how to address growth and technology needs of the modern podcaster. Using our own experiences and struggles as advice and experience.
Hosts: James Paine
Saturday: 1:00PM – Panel Room
A Genshin impact Panel, hosted by Xiao (The host in cosplay). This panel is a quiet place to relax at the con. Listen to ambient music, relax a bit, in character questions, and play some games!
Hosts: Kyana Heiken
Saturday: 4:00PM – Panel Room
The series SMG4 is a parody of Super Mario Bros. featuring other game franchises, original characters, and a whole ton of memes. Join me as I walk though the entire chronology of this 11-year series. All fans are welcome, though no prior knowledge is required.
Hosts: Quill Stern
Saturday: 8:00PM – Panel Room
Meet fellow Genshin Impact travelers in or out of cosplay 🙂
Hosts: Lauren Mullis
Saturday: 3:00PM – Panel Room
Meet Fellow Pokemon Go Tainers
Hosts: Jason Riplinger
Friday: 6:00PM – Panel Room
Tips and tricks on how to get better at playing pinball, including ball control, table control, strategy, playing in tournaments, where to find information about machines and tournaments, and more
Hosts: Matthew Sitko
Friday: 4:00PM – Panel Room
Have you ever wanted to see your favorite games intentionally broken in hilarious ways? Join the hosts as they break down the RTC Game corrupt and/or how to corrupt video games to find hilarious glitches. We’ll showcase some of the best glitches/corruptions and do some live corruptions as well! Expect character models to break, T-Poses to be unleashed, and more glitchy shenanigans to unfold during this panel!
*Due to the nature of video game corruptions/glitches, there is a risk of loud noises/flashing lights. Please be aware of this if you are sensitive to these.*
Hosts: Anders Wennerberg
Friday: 5:00PM – Panel Room
This panel will explore discussion topics on using technology to improve quality and efficiency in creating cosplay and props. The discussion will focus on 3D modeling and printing techniques as well as sourcing and installing LED lighting solutions to enhance the visual impact of your cosplays. Let’s get some XP!
Hosts: Tyler Reich
Saturday: 12:00PM – Panel Room
Good news everyone!
With the upcoming revival of the beloved Sci-fi show Futurama! What better way to celebrate than to have a trivia contest. Come flex your encyclopedic knowledge of common and obscure trivia! Come be the best Gigantic Brain you can be! Make the others contestants kiss your shiny metal daffodil! Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and third place!
Contestants chosen at random from the Audience!
Hosts: Tristan Finley
Saturday: 11:00AM – Panel Room
we read fanfiction and eat hot peppers
Hosts: Travis Gelhaye
Saturday: 10:00PM – Panel Room
Time | Game | Location |
Time | Game | Location |
Time | Game | Location |
Pathfinder Society will be on site all weekend running through sessions.
Game Times:
Friday 1pm – 11pm
Saturday 8am – 11pm
Sunday 8am – 6pm
Tabletop Roleplaying at 2D Con 2022 is hosting Pathfinder and Starfinder Society Play, as well as Dungeons & Dragons Adventurers League! Grab your sword, memorize your spells, charge up your laser pistol, and for the love of the Realms, bring some healing potions!
1 – KikiCraft*
2 – Maeca
3 – TuckTuk’s Trinkets & Terrain
4 – Set Adrift Art
5 – Mushki
6 – Giant Turtle Creations
7 – Hyde Hermit
8 – Awesome Industries
9 – Glitterbomb
10 – Highlander Games
11 – Gamebox Systems
12 – Cricket Bat
13 – DPAD Life
14 – Turtle Power Games
15 – Big Soft D & Lady Dragon’s Treasures
16 – Shibe Ink
17 – Sorbet Jungle
18 – Charity Auction
19 – SaBasse
20 – Merziggy
21 – Chance Wyatt
22 – KPON
23 – Mythic Phoenix
24 – Scout Bennett
25 – Wooper Works
26 – Phantom Star Studios
27 – LM Pederson
28 – Space Case Cafe
29 – Squishy Citrus
30 – AiMochi
31 – Kinda Nerdy Housewife
32 – Claire DooLittle & Chel Bizarro
33 – Erik Krenz
34 – Drawing Crows
35 – SugarBPlays
36 – Lemon Penguin
37 – OPEN
38 – Fragmented Nostolgia
39 – Enrique Draws
40 – Wonderful Daze
41 – Dragon Avenger Crafts
42 – Mimosa
43 – Technicolorstar
44 – Redbird Embroidery
45 – Pabgha
46 – Travis Bentley
It started as a joke and turned into a full fledged collectable game that also functions as a game! We have prepared over 20 cards for you to try and collect. To collect them all you’ll need to travel to all of the areas of 2D Con as well as meet the creators and guests behind 2D Con! There are a limited number of each card in circulation.
The Blue cards are chase cards and ONLY can be acquired by the task or by donating an equal star value to Childrens Cancer Research Fund while supplies lasts! (Example: Miku is 1 star so she would be a $10 donation)
Find the imposter. Bringing the video game to real live Live Action Among Us is a 2D Con original. Join 10 other people in a special version of Among Us. Receive tasks such as “Play Pac-Man” and try to avoid being caught by the imposter. Full rules available on-site.
Started at 2D Con in 2015, Midwest Speedfest is a nonstop speedrun marathon that features talented players from across the country completing various video games as quickly as they can, all in support of charity.
Time | Runner(s) | Game |
Time | Runner(s) | Game |
Category: Any%
Type: Single run
Console: PlayStation 5
Estimate: 0:06:00
<strong>Category: </strong>NG+<br><strong>Type:</strong> Co-op Race <br><strong>Console: </strong>PC<br><strong>Estimate:</strong> 1:07:00
<strong>Category: </strong>Meta Knightmare Returns<br><strong>Type:</strong> Single run 3<br><strong>Console: </strong>DS<br><strong>Estimate:</strong> 1:15:00
Time | Runner(s) | Game |
Questions, Comments, Concerns? Just want to chat?