Meet Rory

Rory O'Connor is the creator of the internationally acclaimed Rory's Story Cubes, one of the world's most recognizable creativity and storytelling tools. His simple yet powerful system has inspired educators, trainers, facilitators, writers, therapists, and game designers around the globe to unlock imagination through collaborative storytelling.

Rory's work demonstrates that creativity isn't reserved for artists or writers. It can be cultivated through curiosity, play, and meaningful conversation, making his approach a perfect complement to the GamiCon ATX experience.

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Rory O'Connor
Creator of Rory's Story Cubes

Monday, September 14
7:00 - 9:00 PM

Story Sparks

Some of your best ideas appear when you stop trying so hard to find them. 

After a full day of designing and building, join your fellow GamiCon ATX participants for an evening dedicated to creativity, conversation, and play at Emerald Tavern Games & Café, Austin's original game café.

Using Rory's Story Cubes and a series of collaborative storytelling experiences, you'll discover unexpected narrative connections, challenge assumptions, and explore new ways of thinking about learner engagement. Rather than another presentation, this evening invites you to experiment, laugh, collaborate, and let your imagination wander.

Your registration includes appetizers and drink tickets during the evening program. You're welcome to arrive early and enjoy dinner from Emerald Tavern's scratch kitchen before the program begins. Following the session, you'll also have complimentary access to Emerald Tavern's extensive library of board and hobby games. Continue playing, connecting, and sharing ideas until the café closes at 11:00 p.m.

You'll return on Day Two with fresh perspectives, renewed creative energy, and new ideas to strengthen your learning experience. 

What You'll Experience

Great ideas rarely appear on command.

This evening is intentionally different from the rest of GamiCon ATX. Instead of building your project, you'll recharge your creativity through collaborative storytelling, conversation, and play while connecting with fellow learning professionals in one of Austin's most unique venues.

Where This Fits in Your Journey

Creativity needs space.

Story Sparks bridges Day One and Day Two, giving you an opportunity to step away from your project before returning with fresh eyes for playtesting and refinement.

Define It → Frame It → Design It → Build It
⭐ Story Sparks
Make It Better 

AI in This Session

This evening is intentionally different.

Rather than relying on AI, you'll rediscover the power of imagination, conversation, and collaborative storytelling. Many participants find that stepping away from technology for a few hours helps generate ideas they later develop using AI during Day Two.