History and Overview

The Theology of Play Conference started in 2018 as a theology of play conversation that invited five Presbyterian game designers to Menucha Retreat and Conference Center in Corbett, Oregon to meet with national staff around the topic of a theology of play and game design. From that gathering a robust conversation emerged about what it meant to have an embodied theology of play as ministers and in our ministries. One year later we launched a fuller expression of that conversation with our 2019 conference TOPCON! Over forty folks from around the country gathered to explore this important doctrine (and to play a lot of games). 

Due to the pandemic in 2020, we held our second TOPCON! gathering as a thirteen-hour online conference. Then after a four-year hiatus, TOPCON returned. In March of 2024, Stony Point Center hosted our third gathering. Hailed by 2019 and 2024 participants as the “best conference they had ever attended,” we’re excited for the return of TOPCON! 

This year, the Theology of Play Conference will center around the theme–Keeping the Faith. As religious adherence and expression decline in the face of western secularism, how does a developed theology of play help us form, educate, and engage the church in its identity, mission, and ministry to the world? More specifically, how might tabletop games contribute to our formation as Christians and help us keep the faith. 

Our special keynote speaker is Greg Loring-Albright, professor of Game Design and Interactive Media at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. He has been, throughout his life, a Presbyterian, a Mennonite, a Quaker, an Episcopalian, and a “none.” Greg is most known for his pirate themed game AHOY (Leder Games, 2023). The theme for this year’s TOPCON comes from Greg’s upcoming game Keep The Faith. 

Keep the Faith is a storytelling game about a religion in transition. Elements of role-playing and board gaming combine to make an experience that is designed to welcome new role-players. It plays 2-5 players in 60-90 minutes. In Keep the Faith, you’ll play cards and narrate short stories to describe how the practices and trappings of the Faith express different (and at times contradictory) beliefs. What does your religious music sound like if it’s demonstrating your commitment to welcoming the outsider, as opposed to your desire to wield power? What does your altar look like if it’s an altar for keeping secrets as opposed to spreading the word? External pressures and tensions within the Faith will cause your beliefs to shift and might even drive the Faith to fracture and fall into irrelevance (from the publisher’s website). To find out more about Keep the Faith, please visit: https://cmichpress.com/product/keep-the-faith/

Every registered participant for TOPCON 2026 will receive an included copy of Keep the Faith and have the opportunity to have it signed by the designer. During the conference, Greg will both share about the design and development of the game, but also led everyone in a game. 

At TOPCON! 2026, you’ll also have the opportunity to hear plenary lectures from our conference organizers, Jason Brian Santos and Brian Frick. TOPCON wouldn’t be TOPCON without a visit from world renown game designer and friend of TOPCON–Phil Walker-Harding (Sushi Go, Imhotep, and thirty others. Learn more about Phil at www.philwalkerharding.com). 

Below you will find more information on the schedule and costs for TOPCON 2026. Keep in mind, the schedule is subject to change and that the conference is all inclusive (lodging, meals, and program fees included). Transportation to and from Stony Point Center is the responsibility of each conference participant. We strongly encourage flying into Newark, NY (EWR) and ride sharing to Stony Point.