George Mason University’s Student Involvement and the Center for the Arts, in collaboration with Mason’s Computer Game Design program, and GMU Esports, team up once again for GAMEmason, an engaging two-day gaming convention on Mason’s Fairfax campus.
GAMEmason 2024 will feature guest speakers from the industry; educational sessions featuring faculty and staff from Mason as well as alumni and business leaders; free arcade play; tabletop and console gaming; artist alley featuring work by Mason students; vendors and businesses from across the game industry, and more!
Varsity-level collegiate Esports teams from across the region will be competing in tournaments. Games featured in the tournament will include Super Smash Brothers Ultimate Crew Battles (4v4) and Chess (4v4).
Click to see our previously featured artists and vendors.
Click here to see previous activities and food.
Click to see our previously featured sessions.
Click here to see the past participating schools and games.
Click here to see previously featured indie games.
Click here to see the Center for the Arts frequently asked questions.
Explore GameMason with Wes Johnson
Featured A Special Performance By The Triforce Quartet
The Triforce Quartet is a traditional string quartet that plays video game music.
The Triforce Quartet began innocently as a short Zelda medley for an encore of a recital in early 2007, but the video of using traditional string quartet instruments to play music of classic games gained viral popularity later that summer. Thanks to this, cellist Chad Schwartz was able to combine his love for video games, along with years of classical training, to arrange a variety of video game themes that even non-gamers can enjoy. The four members of the Triforce Quartet take audience members on an unforgettable musical journey.
The Triforce Quartet has played in front of sold-out shows at PAX Prime in Seattle, PAX East in Boston; MAGFest in Washington DC, the iDIG Music Festival in Ireland, and with Video Games Live!
2024 Fall Schedule
Congrats to the 2024 SSBU Winners!
1st Place Shenandoah University $350
2nd Place GMU $150
Important Announcement:
Friday: Get to GAMEMason early for parking at K lot for free.
Mason Pond Drive will be closed for GAMEMason, Handicapped parking is available in front of the CFA, at Buchanan Hall, or Mason Pond Parking Deck.
Friday, 20th: 1 pm – 9 pm
1:00 pm – 9:00 pm: All Day
Doors open @ 1:00 pm
Arcade Opens
The Old Console Gaming area opens
Mario Kart, Smash, and other Esports Games open
Open Play – Indie Games area opens
Vendor Tent and Food Trucks open @ Holton Plaza
Outdoor Giant Games and DJ open @ Holton Plaza Lawn
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Triforce Quartet Performance and Q&A @ Center for the Arts Concert Hall
Student Involvement encourages students and staff to think creatively. We want everyone to contribute ideas and think of new ways they may enhance campus and their experience at Mason. We offer opportunities to put your ideas into action, learn from hands-on experiences, meet new people, develop life-long friendships and gain skills that will help you be ready for wherever your future takes you!
The Center for the Arts
The Center for the Arts is part of the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), whose mission is to make the arts an intrinsic part of the lives of every George Mason University student and area resident. The Great Performances at Mason season is integral to the College’s mission, providing a diverse program of challenging and entertaining cultural experiences for the entire University community, as well as Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C. area.
The College’s professional presenting division plays an important role in enriching the academic programs across the University through performances that examine important issues and bring global cultures to Mason. Each year, CVPA students have opportunities to interact with artists from the Great Performances at Mason season through master classes and residencies. Through the Free Tickets for Mason Students program, all Mason students are invited to experience the many inspiring performances at the Center.
Computer Game Design
The 120 credit Computer Game Design program enables students to focus on the artistic components of computer game design while providing them with the technical skills prerequisite to the field. Required courses include computer science, art and visual technology, music, the humanities, and computer game design. The required internship provides students with practical experience that enhances their employability postgraduation. Students study both the sciences and the arts, all in a revolving-role team-based, project-based new pedagogical environment. The GMU Computer Game Design program hosts the only U.S. Serious Game Institute (in partnership with the University of Coventry U.K.), that concentrates on game-related applied research and new innovative game company cultivation.
Mason Innovation Exchange
The MIX provides a collection of collaborative spaces focusing on innovation + entrepreneurship.
Whether you are a faculty member hoping to add a hands-on component to your class, a student exploring a new technology, a group exploring a business idea, or just looking to expand your viewpoint, the MIX can support you.
Dungeons and Dragons Club at George Mason University
Dungeons and Dragons at George Mason University strive to encourage students to play RPG games and to meet other students with similar interests. We strive to allow people to be characters they would want to be and play out their own imagination. Members are encouraged to use their imagination to create backstories and gameplay. DnD focus is to allow students to have fun and to enjoy playing the game.
Our goal is to create an inclusive space for Pokémon ®enthusiasts. It’s a space to relax, hang out and participate in Pokémon ®-related activities throughout the school year.
Tabletop Role Playing Game Club at George Mason University
The Tabletop Role Playing Game Club at George Mason University aims to act as a means for those interested in playing, running, or learning about any table-top role playing games to do so among like-minded individuals. Members will be able to utilize the club’s online community to find or form a group for any type of tabletop role playing game, as well as socialize with other members. Members are encouraged to write creative content during their gameplay, players will write creative backstories and game masters will build entire worlds. The TTRPG Club is meant to be a fun and exciting way to meet people and enjoy playing a game in a judgement free environment.
The purpose of this organization is to provide a space for people to participate in games of Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar, learn about the game and setting, and find others who enjoy the hobby.
George Mason University Esports (GMU Esports) aims to promote video games and competition through social, competitive, and intercollegiate play. We are a student club that organizes tournaments and social events to bring gamers together. You can find our Discord server link as well as a list of upcoming events on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmuesports/
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