Scotland’s longest-running gaming convention is returning to the capital this spring with a dedicated focus on the evolving landscape of representation. GEAS, the Edinburgh University Roleplaying Society, has announced that Conpulsion 2026 will take place on 11 and 12 April at The Pleasance, carrying the theme “On Top of the World” to celebrate diversity and accessibility within the hobby.
The 2026 event marks a significant milestone for the convention, which has been a staple of the Scottish gaming scene since 1987. This year, the organisers are prioritising guests who place inclusive design at the heart of their work. The keynote sessions are expected to move beyond simple mechanics, exploring how roleplaying games can be made more accessible to neurodivergent players and those from marginalised backgrounds.
In a shift from previous years, the schedule will introduce megagames to the traditional mix of tabletop sessions and Live Action Roleplaying (LARP). These large-scale simulations often involve dozens of players navigating complex political or social scenarios, fitting the convention’s broader theme of global perspectives and community interaction.
The Conpulsion Team said on their website:
Get ready for Conpulsion as we celebrate diversity in all its forms in our industry! This year our keynotes will see our fabulous array of guests discuss diversity and accessibility in roleplaying games, surrounded by our usual combination of friendly people, great roleplaying and LARPs.”
The venue, the Pleasance Courtyard, is well known to Edinburgh locals and Fringe-goers, offering a multi-room environment suitable for the varied gaming blocks. While the guest list currently highlights “designers, artists, and pioneers,” the convention remains a grassroots effort, traditionally supported by local independent creators and a robust trade hall.
Geek Native will be there.
Quick Links
- Tickets: Eventbrite
