Every year at Fastaval, prizes are awarded to the best premiere roleplaying games and designer boardgame, as well as an honorary Otto to a dedicated person or group [in the scene]. The prize is called Otto and takes the form of a golden penguin.
Here you can read about the different prizes, how they are awarded, who awards them and how they are defined.
THE SCENARIO OTTO
At every Fastaval since 1992, prizes have been awarded to the best premiere scenarios. The Ottos are awarded at the Otto Party Sunday night at Fastaval, and a jury consisting of six people with different roleplaying profiles decides who is nominated and who wins. The Otto jury is presided over by a head judge appointed by the previous head judge and the head judge then recruits their jury based on a desire for different skill-sets, diversity, and experience in roleplaying. The Otto is awarded based on the scenarios as written materials, but the jury also looks to player experiences in the form of the evaluation sheets handed out after each scenario has run.
For the scenario jury, it is a long and thorough process to read and analyze all the scenarios and shortlist those who are nominated and win an Otto award. If you want to know more about what it means to be in the Otto jury before, under, and after Fastaval, you can read more here:
Over the years, the Otto categories have changed several times, but at the moment prizes are awarded in the categories Best Presentation, Best Mechanics, Best Characters, Best Storytelling, The Participants’ Award, The Special Award, and Best Scenario. You can read the definitions of the scenario Ottos below:
BEST SCENARIO
Awarded to the scenario that creates the best basis for a good roleplaying experience at Fastaval. The scenario is assessed as a whole, with particular emphasis on potential, accessibility, and the harmonious combination of form and content.
BEST MECHANICS
Awarded to the scenario that best uses mechanics, techniques, rules, or structures to create a good roleplaying experience within the framework of the scenario.
BEST STORYTELLING
Awarded to the scenario that gives the participants the best means to create a good narrative experience through roleplaying and within the context of the scenario. The award takes both the idea, the overarching dramatic flow, and the individual scenes or foundations for roleplaying into consideration.
THE JURY'S SPECIAL AWARD
Awarded to the inspiring or interesting scenario, that attracted the attention of the jury by distinguishing itself from the rest of the games in a particular way. The award can be given for either the general concept or a specific part of the scenario.
BEST PRESENTATION
Awarded to the scenario that best presents its material in an accessible and inspiring way. The award includes text, structure, appearance, and presentation and is assessed both in relation to the preparation of the participants and the use during the game.
BEST CHARACTERS
Awarded to the scenario that presents the players with the best foundation for roleplay within the framework of the scenario and which ensures co-ownership of the experience. Another consideration is that the content designed for the players is inspiring and engaging.
THE PARTICIPANTS’ AWARD
Awarded to the scenario that has given the most participants at Fastaval an especially good roleplaying experience. The award is solely based on the experience of players and game masters via submitted votes.
Be considered as a jury member at Fastaval
Every year, the Head of Jury set their team of co-jury members for this year's juries. It's entirely up to the current Head of Jury to set their team, but they are always open to suggestions and input. Maybe it's you they're looking for?
Send an email with your name and whether you are interested in being in the board game jury, scenario jury or a member of the Honorary Otto committee, and Alea will compile a list that we will share with the Head of Jury´s as soon as they are appointed.
You can't expect to hear anything from the Head of Juries, but they may reach out to find out more or invite you to join. Alea updates the list regularly, so you only need to send an email with your name once, or write to us if you want to be taken off the list again.
Write to alea@fastaval.dk with your name and your desire for a jury position and possibly a few keywords about what you can offer as a jury member.
We look forward to hear from you!
- Alea's board (the association behind Fastaval)
