FEATURED GUESTS
MARK MEER
Known worldwide for his work as Commander Shepard, the Vorcha, Blasto, Niftu Cal, and more in BioWare’s Mass Effect Trilogy- Mark Meer will be joining us in Pittsburgh for PGX 2025!
Other voice work includes Hinterland Studio’s The Long Dark, multiple editions of the Dragon Age and Baldur’s Gate series, and Starro the Conquerer in WB Games’ Gotham Knights. He stars as the vampire lord Deadalus in Beamdog's newest release, MythForce and lends his voice to the commanding officer of the upcoming Green Hawk Platoon.
Mark is a co-creator, writer, and star of the award-winning Canadian comedy series Tiny Plastic Men, (available on Amazon Prime in the UK and USA) and a longtime member of the world-renowned improv troupe, Rapid Fire Theatre.
In the tabletop role-playing game sphere, Mark has been a recurring guest on the Vampire: The Masquerade stream L.A. by Night, a frequent player on Idle Champions Presents, a regular on Pod By Night, and a core cast member and guest DM on the official Dungeons & Dragons Ravenloft stream, The Black Dice Society. He serves as the Keeper of Arcane Lore on Chaosium’s Call of Cthulhu mini-series, Bookshops of Arkham, and its sequel, Graveyards of Arkham. Mark has been honoured to be a frequent Dungeon Master at international D&D in a Castle events since 2019.
COURTENAY TAYLOR
Psychotic biotic? Check.
Wasteland wanderer? Check.
Elusive spy? Check.
And— that’s right -- Jack from Mass Effect, the Sole Survivor in Fallout 4 and Resident Evil 6’s Ada Wong all share the same vocal cords... that of actor Courtenay Taylor!
She’s voiced countless roles in 175+ games: Caiatl & Amanda Holliday/Destiny 2, Juhani/Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, Serina in Halo Wars as well as major roles in Diablo 4, Call of Duty, and the DC and Marvel franchises. You’ve heard her as the Matron of Ravens on Critical Role’s “The Legend of Vox Machina”, KO from Cartoon Network’s “OK KO! Let’s Be Heroes!”, Starla on Regular Show and shows like American Dad, Family Guy, and X-Men ’97.
She is a voice director working on AAA game titles and is the co-founder of Nerds Vote– a nonpartisan organization that brings voter registration opportunities to pop culture conventions around the country, so get registered and hit her up for some swag!
ASH SROKA
Ash Sroka is most adored for her work as Tali’Zorah in Bioware’s Mass Effect trilogy. She has been acting professionally since she was 6 years old when she first started vo work in New York.
Ash is also known for voicing various characters in Mass Effect: Andromeda, Alicia in the AR-K trilogy written by Greg Rucka, the warrior Tiana in the rpg-fantasy game The Waylanders, and her recurring work in the anime show Blood+ on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim.
She has worked for Comedy Central, CBS, FOX, ABC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., as well as in countless commercials and radio spots. In addition to being a voice-over, tv, film and theatre actor, Ash is a dancer and medical clown!
ALI HILLIS
Ali Hillis is an American actress who has appeared in television and film and voices several video game characters. She is best known for her video game work as Dr. Liara T'Soni in the Mass Effect trilogy, Lightning in the Final Fantasy XIII series, and Palutena in Kid Icarus: Uprising.
Hailing from Huntington Beach, California, Ali has appeared in TV shows such as Felicity, FreakyLinks, Undressed (2000), Naruto, JAG, Boomtown, and Less Than Perfect. Her film roles are All the Wrong Places, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Must Love Dogs, Open Water 2: Adrift, The Ultimate Gift, and The Heartbreak Kid and the Los Angeles play, A Good Soldier.
D.C. Douglas
“After 30 years in “The Biz," it's easiest to just get to the beef” — D.C. Douglas
In video games, D.C Douglas is known for: Rayvis in the new Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Svarog in Honkai: Star Rail, Albert Wesker in NINE Resident Evil games— from 2007's Umbrella Chronicles to 2019's Teppen— over a decade of badassery.
Then there's Legion in Mass Effect 2 & 3, Kamoshida in Persona 5, Pod 042 in Nier: Automata and Grimoire Noir in Nier: Replicant, G1 Michigan in Armored Core VI, Burton in Borderlands 3, Azrael in Blazblue, and Raven in Tekken 6. There’s also THE FOXY GRANDPA Gunter in Fire Emblem: Fates, 89 in AI: The Somnium Files, Rufus and Valimar in the Trails series, and many more Japanese RPGs and Indie American Games.
In anime, he’s portrayed: X Drake in One Piece, Yoshikage Kira in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Kalego in Welcome To Demon School, Iruma-Kun, Shinji in Lycoris Recoil, Geo in Bastard!, Ryu in Shaman King 2021, The Praetorian in Super Crooks, Master in Akudama Drive, Randle in Tiger & Bunny, Edo in Netflix's Ultraman, Battuta in How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord, Gekko in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Kershner in Sirius The Jaeger, Igari in Baki.
There’s also Ryu in the cult hit Backstreet Girls: Gokudolls, Kamoshida in Persona 5: The Animation, Shoot McMahon in Hunter x Hunter, Locus in Berserk, The Professor in Cyborg 009, Jasley in Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blood Orphans, Vincent Pike in MSGT: Bandit Flower, Genji Kamogawa in Hajime no ippo, and many more— that only 12 people know about.
In animation, Douglas has played: Deathstroke in DC Super Hero Girls, Newton on The Rocketeer, Chase on Transformers: Rescue Bots, Colonel Rawls on the final season of Regular Show, Superman on Family Guy, Mick in The Tom and Jerry Show, and a few pilots that died lonely and unseen.
In live-action, he’s played: Pa Kettle in Z Nation, Bud in Sharknado 2, Zepht in Star Trek: Enterprise, Aiden Wexler in SyFy's Isle of the Dead, and another 200+ appearances on random shows and weird films over the last 25 years.
Check him out on IMDB and DCDouglas.com for more!
Ted has had a passion for gaming and fantasy for as long as he can remember. In high school, his passions culminated when he was invited to play Dungeons & Dragons, which sparked a new passion for the world of tabletop roleplaying. His love for the game quickly led to him becoming the "forever DM". Since then he has run numerous campaigns, spanning multiple years—including a Buffy the Vampire Slayer campaign every Friday night for 7 years in his childhood basement.
In 2014, Ted formed Nerd Immersion as a way to share his love for gaming and nerd culture with the world. With the release of 5th edition D&D, he shifted the focus of Nerd Immersion to D&D livestreaming and D&D videos. Since then, the channel has streamed over 19 campaigns and released over 3000 TTRPG videos.
ted sikora
At thirteen, Seth Skorkowsky picked up the D&D box set, kickstarting his love for Tabletop RPGs, a passion that eventually led him to writing.
His debut novel, Dämoren, was published in 2014. Seth has written five novels and many short stories. Game publishers he’s written for include Chaosium, Mongoose Publishing, Stygian Fox, and Helmgast.
He launched his YouTube channel in 2016, covering reviews, musings, and how-tos for Tabletop Roleplaying Games. His channel received the 2019 and 2023 Gold ENNIE Tabletop Awards.
When not writing or sitting before a camera, Seth enjoys cheesy movies, and travel. His favorite game is Call of Cthulhu and he’ll probably never finish painting all of his miniatures.
seth skorkowsky
The Baron returns to the 'Burgh for PGX 2025!
—
Geopolitical Strategist R. L. Baron de Ropp is the Founder of Green Dragon Fest and the Visionary behind Dungeon Masterpiece – a popular YouTube channel boasting over 75K followers and over 5M views.
His background in geopolitics and data engineering – paired with 3 decades of experience “Dungeon Mastering” for various RPGs – has made ”The Baron” widely-renowned for his unique perspective on tabletop games and fantasy world building.
By combining this expertise with a passion for cinema, literature, and video games – he’s become one of the leading industry experts on creating richer story lines, and developing cohesive fantasy settings on par with the Game of Thrones or Mass Effect franchises.
(And yes – if you’re wondering – The Baron is, in fact, an actual Baron.)
baron de ropp
A former journalist and radio host, Johnny produces documentary-style video essays about obscure video games from the '80s and '90s. His content blends research, analysis, and a deeply unnecessary enthusiasm for gaming oddities.
Host of "House of HuCards: A TurboGrafx Podcast".
TikToker with millions of views from his viral "Gaming in your 30s" videos.
An explorer of the weird and wonderful—from bizarre imports and cult-classics to the many overlooked gems of the past and present.
johnny grafx
Hi, I’m Jay and I’m a retro and modern video game content creator from Michigan. My content utilizes my time in the gaming industry and a lifelong love of games to talk about the best in retro and modern. The world is a better place when we all play more games.
square peggs
Paul Niemeyer is an award-winning illustrator and designer with over 30 years of experience across traditional and digital mediums. His work spans watercolor, acrylics, pastels, pen and ink, airbrush, Photoshop, and Illustrator, earning recognition with multiple POPAI, Mobius, and Calliope Awards.
His portfolio includes illustrations for major brands such as Jim Beam, Malibu Rum, M&M/Mars, McDonald’s, Burger King, Disney/MGM, Paramount Pictures, and American Airlines, as well as contributions to the gaming industry with companies like PopCap Games, Pegasus Games, and Eagle Games. He has also freelanced for top advertising agencies including Leo Burnett and J. Walter Thompson.
Niemeyer began his career at Bally/Midway, where he created art for classics like TRON, Tapper, Spy Hunter, and the iconic Mortal Kombat. Specializing in game art, cartography, and product rendering, his work has also been commissioned by the Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Brookfield Zoo.
paul niemeyer
Neo Ness is a YouTube channel dedicated to retro gaming, with a special focus on Neo Geo. Hosted by Ness, a passionate collector and lifelong gamer, the channel showcases his love for classic video games through in-depth reviews, personal anecdotes, and expert insights. From uncovering hidden gems to sharing his latest finds, Ness brings the golden age of gaming to life with infectious enthusiasm. Whether you're a die-hard Neo Geo fan or simply nostalgic for the games of your childhood, Neo Ness offers a rich blend of history, gameplay, and modern connections, making it a must-watch for any gaming enthusiast.
neo ness
Mark Bussler is a Pittsburgh born and bred native who is best known for creating and producing the Classic Game Room series, the longest-running Internet video series in the world. He has worked on numerous other films and written something like 75 books in his 25-plus year production career.
While Bussler spends most of his time running CGR Publishing, he recently rebooted the Classic Game Room franchise as an animated science fiction space-adventure series and plans to release action figures, new books, glassware, and more from the Pittsburgh-created Intergalactic Space Arcade.
He rarely does conventions. For one show only in Pittsburgh, Bussler talks about Classic Game Room: ENGAGE DISCO and what goes into making a feature-length animated television series on the Internet. While the upcoming Classic Game Room and Omega Ronin action figures and playsets are still a ways off, Mark will happily talk about the new Classic Game Room series, take a Q&A, and announce the new line of toys coming from CGR Publishing
“People say that they want to buy American and support American-made publishing and products. Well, this is it. We’re producing an American-made show, planning American production, and making cool-ass stuff right here in Pittsburgh. Let’s bring it.”
See y’nz there.
mark bussler
Deficient Master is obsessed with the art of Game Mastery. For over 13 years he's been running various d20 systems such as D&D, Pathfinder, Old School Essentials, and Dungeon Crawl Classics before making his YouTube debut as the Deficient Master, combining old-school philosophy with new-school principles as well as hacking TTRPGs into everything such as his D&D But Actually Monopoly series.
deficient master
Brian entered the tabletop gaming industry in 2016 with hand-sculpted monster taxidermy from his fantasy setting Revilo. Over the past four years, he has focused on Vast Grimm, an infectious sci-fi horror ttRPG. The vibrant colors and art-punk graphic style of the game juxtapose with the dark themes of the dying universe. The core book has been translated into Italian, Spanish, and is currently being translated into Hungarian. Brian has expanded the line into a collectible card game, miniatures skirmish game, and so much more. He wants to create all the things his 13-year-old self would have wanted.
Brian COLIN
John Hancock is a dedicated retro gaming enthusiast and mega-collector with a passion for preserving gaming history. A key contributor to the first six years of the Portland Retro Gaming Expo, he later launched a successful Youtube channel where he shares insights on video game collecting, independent games, and the vibrant world of homebrew and aftermarket titles for classic consoles.
As an independent video game publisher, John brings physical releases of unique games to conventions across the U.S., celebrating indie creativity and keeping the retro gaming spirit alive. His work bridges the gap between collectors, developers, and fans - offering a unique perspective on gaming culture.
The Immortal John Hancock
Brian is the Writer/Creator of Neon Lords of the Toxic Wasteland, the over the top cranked to 11 vomit punk TTRPG. He is also the creator of great games such as Zombie Braineaters and 1-900-Phantazy. He has also worked on other games: WHPA TV-13, 321 Action, Net Crawl, and Cyberpunk Red to name a few! In his spare time, he enjoys playing Primal Rage, although not very well.
Brian Shutter
Sarah Spectre is a professional cosplayer and content creator that has been making comic book, video game, and anime costumes for over a decade. She's known for her work as one of the hosts of Pittsburgh's Steel City Con, where she interviews celebrity guests and creates video content with fans, artists, and vendors.
Sarah's cosplay work has been featured on Disney+ (Marvel's 616) and in publications such as Yaya Han's World of Cosplay.
SARAH SPECTRE
Heywood is a dynamic figure at the forefront of the gaming industry— with a passion for technology and a keen eye for gaming innovation
Born and raised in the heart of gaming culture, Stephen's journey into the world of gaming began at a young age. His insatiable curiosity for all things tech led him to explore the intricate mechanics of gaming consoles, computers, and emerging technologies. This early fascination laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
With a natural talent for breaking down complex concepts into digestible content, he quickly garnered a loyal following on various platforms. With insightful reviews, in-depth analyses, and engaging commentary, The Tech Buzz became essential resources for gamers seeking guidance and insight.
Stephen Heywood
Hi! I'm Lindsay Lauwers, also known as LLCoolGames, and I have always been a gamer. Now as I'm raising my own family of gamers with The Husband, himself a gamer and retro collector, I'm finding both my degree in child development and my own gaming experience comes in handy! As a gamer, I can relate to what my children are going through, their niche interests, and their wants and needs around screentime. And the educator in me knows how to help kids develop appropriate behaviors that will serve them well as they mature and make their way out into the real world.
As a family, we truly enjoy our gaming time together, as well as researching games, focused skills practice and attending conventions and gaming competitions together. Screen time for our family is a tool and a great way to bring everyone together, and I really feel compelled to help families better understand their gamers, their relationships with screens and to point those struggling in a positive direction. I'm always up for a great game recommendation, or helping families recover from a hard-line "no screen" policy. Along with gaming on both retro and modern systems, I love audiobooks, Chinese buffets, my cats, and collecting Amiibo!
ll cool games
Doctor Scott, the slightly unhinged yet undeniably enthusiastic curator of the GAME CLOSET, has been excavating the dusty tombs of gaming history and bravely venturing into the uncharted territories of modern digital realms for five glorious years on YouTube. Like a caffeinated Indiana Jones with a penchant for pixels instead of priceless artifacts, he fearlessly unearths gaming gems (and occasionally some glorious digital duds, for comedic effect).
Expect insightful (and often absurd) dissections of both your beloved retro classics and the bizarre wonders of today's consoles. He's thrilled to be a featured guest at the Pittsburgh Gaming Expo for the second year, promising to bring a healthy dose of gaming geekery and possibly an obsolete & questionable Atari peripheral or two. Approach with caution (and maybe a spare controller... or a golden idol)
doctor scott
Returning to Pittsburgh in 2025
—
John Riggs is a 5 Tool Player when it comes to video games
He showcases video games you grew up with, games you forgot about, and even games you have yet to discover on his YouTube channel.
He's also a ‘Debug Indie Game Award’ winning game designer and publisher with his game: Chew Chew Mimic.
His voice is featured in a few video games, he published a book about nostalgic breakfast cereal, he's known to fix a game or two with Open Cart Surgery— and he loves attending video game conventions.
john riggs
GameDad, Kris Carlson, is a Content Creator who loves collecting and playing games. On his YouTube channel you will find Console Repairs & Mods, Game Reviews, Pickups Videos, Unboxings and more. With a focus on all things retro & modern, this channel features a little bit of everything gaming and tech related.
game dad
Arcade Matt returns for PGX 2025!
—
Matt is a Pittsburgh based YouTuber born and raised in Ambridge. He's always had a passion for being on camera and editing videos— as well as arcade games. He combined the two to grow one of the longest running arcade channels on YouTube.
arcade matt
Brian F. Colin is coming to PGX!
—
Creator of such video game classics as RAMPAGE, XENOPHOBE, ARCH RIVALS, PIGSKIN and GENERAL CHAOS, Brian F Colin is a vastly experienced Game Designer, Artist, Animator and Development Group Leader with over 90 video game titles to his credit.... including the creation of some of the most-popular, highest-earning & best-selling titles in video game history!
With over 4 decades in the industry, (and 34 years as CEO of Game Refuge Inc.), it’s not surprising that Brian has been inducted into the International Video Game Hall of Fame.
brian f. colin
JP Coovert makes videos that encourage you to get creative and have fun playing games! He loves making monthly zines about weird characters, heroic adventures, and simple but imaginative TTRPGs. Most recently, he published a hardcover collection and box set for his fantastical, system-neutral adventure, Dragon Town and the Darkness Below.
jp coovert
Guys Games and Beer return to the Pittsburgh Gaming Expo in 2025, bringing their signature mix of gaming and good times! Known for their fun-loving podcast where they discuss (you guessed it) games and beer, the crew also love sharing their massive collection of rare and unique gaming experiences with the community.
This year, they’re showcasing some truly one-of-a-kind setups, including the Vect-Rex (a custom Vectrex system), the world’s largest Steel Battalion collection, and retro network play like Quake on original iMacs. You’ll also get to try the hilariously chaotic Cursed Halo mod, which turns Halo’s weapons and vehicles into bizarre joke items.
Whether it’s beloved classics or games you’ve never seen anywhere else, Guys Games and Beer are bringing the party to PGX—so stop by their area and join the fun!