2012 Judges

I’m a gamer, a husband, a father, and a professional analyst and editor. I’ve been in love with gaming since I first saw an ad for Dungeons & Dragons on the back of a comic book when I was 6. I was irrevocably hooked when an uncle, seeing in me a fledgling nerd, bought me a copy of HeroQuest for Christmas and introduced me to my first dungeon.

I didn’t start playing a regular game until a few friends picked up WEG’s Star Wars RPG, but I haven’t gone more than a few months without a regular game since. I was deeply involved with the ENnies from 2007 – 2009, serving as a booth volunteer, ceremony coordinator, and as a judge. If chosen this year, I’ll judge the entrants fairly and systematically, using a weighted pair-ranking system that ensures each product’s merits are carefully considered.

Hi! My name is Kat, and I am a gamer! I’m also geek, and proud of it.

I love games, all sorts. My only requirement is fun, because it’s called “playing” games for a reason! If it’s not fun, why bother?

I’ve been gaming for 30 years, and the hobby has had an extraordinary impact on my life, from the friends Ive made to the skills it’s taught me. I still love cracking open a new gaming book, awash with ideas and inspiration and potential fun. I’ve been a both a volunteer for the ENnies as well as serving a term as a judge, and I’m proud of the attention and recognition the awards have brought to the artists, writers, and designers that have brought me so much enjoyment. I would relish another opportunity to work with my fellow gamers to find and celebrate the best that the gaming industry has to offer. I believe that the years of experience I have as a player and GM provide me with valuable insight into what makes a great role-playing game.

My name is Matthew Muth and I would like to join the ranks of the ENnies judges as a first-time judge.

I bring a lot to the role, including my vast experience with games and gaming, as well as a true passion for the hobby. I love finding and reviewing games with friends, trying new systems and debating the pros and cons of each one. I would love to share this insight with the gaming community on a broader level.

I have a Master’s degree in History from Marquette University (’97) and a Law degree from the University of Dayton (’00) and currently live in the greater Cincinnati area.

Hi. I’m Kurt Wiegel. I’m a professor of chemistry and a husband and proud father of three. I’m an aging gamer now – 39 years old (“The Gamer in Winter?”), and I’ve been gaming for 32 pretty continuous years, and I’ve been lucky enough to find a way to balance my work, family and hobby. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been involved in an on-line RPG review show: Game Geeks on YouTube. One of the things I love about my hobby is the wide diversity of products and opportunities that it offers- so many stories and so little time. There is a game for everyone and anyone who wants to play it. We’ve always had a “no negative review” policy at Game Geeks, something I’d continue here at the Ennies.