Hector Alejandro Perez Gonzalez

Online Nickname: CONAROL

Introduction 

I’m a Mexican TTRPG enthusiast with over 20 years of experience as a player and more than a decade as a game master. I’ve narrated countless campaigns and one-shots across a wide variety of systems, ranging from traditional fantasy to indie experimental titles. My curiosity drives me to constantly explore new genres, mechanics, and narrative structures. I’ve long moved beyond the boundaries of mainstream RPGs in search of what makes this hobby diverse, inclusive, and creatively rich.

Since discovering the ENNIE Awards, I’ve made it a personal mission to play and analyze many of the nominated and winning titles each year. This habit has helped me develop a critical eye and a deep appreciation for innovation, layout design, accessibility, and the cultural impact of games from all over the world.

I’m bilingual (Spanish and English) and have been involved in the growing Latin American TTRPG community, both as a player and as a promoter of lesser-known titles. I believe I could bring a valuable international perspective to the judging panel—one rooted in a love for both the craft of game design and the global reach of the hobby.

What makes me a strong candidate is my dedication to fairness, my openness to all kinds of playstyles and formats, and my constant effort to support new voices in the community. I’m not just looking for what’s “popular”—I’m looking for what pushes the medium forward.

Why do you play/run RPGs?

I believe role-playing games have the unique power to bring people together. They create strong, lasting bonds—friendships, relationships, and even marriages. They offer a meaningful escape from the stress of daily life, providing joy, creativity, and a sense of connection. When handled with care and empathy, a game master can turn the table into a safe space—one that goes beyond dice rolls and character sheets, and becomes a place of trust, healing, and shared storytelling.

For me, RPGs are more than a hobby—they’ve shaped who I am. They’ve helped me forge deep, lasting friendships with people I truly trust and admire. Through role-playing, I’ve learned to listen better, to be more patient, to understand different perspectives, and to become a more compassionate and complete person.

As a game master, I’ve had the privilege of watching players grow through their characters. I’ve seen shy players find their voice, anxious players gain confidence, and groups of strangers become close friends over a shared campaign. There’s something powerful about telling stories together—it encourages collaboration, creativity, and empathy in ways few other activities can.

RPGs also allow us to explore difficult topics—loss, identity, morality—in a safe and imaginative context. They can challenge us, inspire us, and sometimes even heal us. I’ve seen tables become sanctuaries where people process grief, celebrate victories, or simply laugh until they cry.

And, of course, they’re fun. Genuinely, joyfully fun. No matter what kind of day I’ve had, sitting down at the table reminds me that there’s magic in human connection and in the stories we build together.

The ENNIES requires a major commitment of time and energy. What resources do you have that will help you discharge these responsibilities? Will your gaming group or other individuals be assisting you? Does your family support you?

I own my own business, which fortunately gives me a flexible schedule and the ability to dedicate time and energy to important projects like this. I also pride myself on being highly organized and disciplined, which allows me to manage my responsibilities efficiently and stay focused, even under pressure. I’m confident I can meet the ENNIES’ demands in a timely and objective manner.

My gaming groups—composed of long-time friends and fellow storytellers—are always enthusiastic about supporting my RPG-related projects. Whether it’s playtesting, discussing new systems, or helping with reviews and feedback, they’re always eager to contribute. They’re a valuable resource I can count on for diverse perspectives and honest insights.

On a personal level, I have the full support of my family. I don’t have children and i’m not married, so I have the time and availability to commit deeply to this role without major personal constraints. Taking part in something as meaningful as the ENNIES is not just a commitment I can manage—it’s something I’m truly excited to take on.

Judging requires a great deal of critical thinking skills, communication with other judges, deadline management, organization, and storage space for the product received. What interests, experience, and skills do you bring that will make you a more effective judge?

In my professional life, I’m an optometrist with extensive leadership experience. I’ve served as the president of two national optometry associations in Mexico, roles that required strong communication, administrative coordination, and the ability to manage diverse teams. These skills—leading meetings, organizing collaborative work, meeting deadlines, and maintaining clear communication—are just as essential in a judging panel as they are in healthcare leadership.

I also hold a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and a postgraduate specialization in Hospital Management. While this isn’t the same field as TTRPGs, many of the core competencies—strategic planning, logistics, critical decision-making, time management, and working under pressure—are fully transferable and would serve me well in a judging role.

These experiences have taught me to evaluate large volumes of information critically and efficiently, to coordinate with people from different backgrounds, and to stay objective and fair when assessing work. Combined with my passion for TTRPGs and my commitment to community engagement, I believe I can bring a high level of professionalism, responsibility, and insight to the ENNIES judging process.

What styles and genres of RPGs do you enjoy most? Are there any styles or genres that you do not enjoy? Which games best exemplify what you like? Do you consider yourself a fan of a particular system, publisher, or genre?

I’m a huge fan of cyberpunk settings and dark, gritty futures—but overall, I enjoy a wide variety of styles, genres, and narrative approaches in RPGs. From high fantasy to cosmic horror, from survival to slice-of-life storytelling, I find value in almost every type of game and story structure.

I have a particular love for the OSR (Old School Revival) movement and its modern interpretations. Games like *Mörk Borg*, *CY_BORG*, *Old School Essentials*, *ShadowDark*, and the many variants of *Vieja Escuela* resonate with me for their creativity, clarity, and open-ended design. I appreciate how these systems encourage emergent storytelling, tactical thinking, and player-driven narratives.

At the same time, I’m passionate about innovative indie games, both in English and in Spanish. Some of my recent favorites include *Xeno*, *Eerie Stories*, *Crónicas Salvajes*, *Crónicas Solares*, and *Tezca Sentai*—many of which come from Latin American creators pushing the boundaries of design and cultural perspective. I also enjoy ENNIE-recognized titles like *Outgunned* and *Not the End*, which offer fresh mechanics and emotional storytelling.

While I don’t consider myself tied to a single publisher or genre, I’m drawn to systems that take risks—whether mechanically, thematically, or visually. I’m always on the lookout for games that surprise me, challenge assumptions, and give voice to new creators.

There are very few styles I actively dislike; I approach each game with curiosity and the hope of finding something valuable within.

List (up to 5) games you’ve played in the last 2 years. What drew you to playing them? Which did you like best and why?

– **MÖRK BORG** – I was drawn to this game due to its rising popularity in the Mexican TTRPG scene. What hooked me was its raw, apocalyptic atmosphere, brutal simplicity, and deadly mechanics. It forces players to think creatively to survive in a hopeless world, where everything is against them. The game’s aesthetic and tone make every session feel intense and unforgettable.
– **Outgunned** – After its ENNIE nomination, I was immediately intrigued by its unique action-movie mechanics and cinematic approach. The concept of each session being “a movie” is brilliant, and I’ve primarily run it as one-shots with great success. Players love stepping into the shoes of explosive heroes in fast-paced narratives. It’s fun, sleek, and full of adrenaline.
– **Power Rangers RPG** – A nostalgic pull brought me to this game. I grew up watching the series, and the RPG delivers a deep, customizable system that lets players become any kind of Ranger imaginable. The illustrations, lore expansion, and team dynamics make it incredibly satisfying to play and narrate. It beautifully balances homage and innovation.
– **Exhume** – This minimalist Mexican micro-RPG is perfect for quick sessions and new players. Its simplicity is its greatest strength, making it a go-to game for introducing people to the hobby. I consider it an essential title in the Mexican scene and highly recommend it to players abroad interested in Latin American indie design.
– **Not the End** – This game truly moved me. Its core principles—“Take risks for what matters,” “Let the story change you,” and “Every ending is a new beginning”—go beyond the table. It’s not just a game I love; it’s a philosophy I’ve embraced in my personal life. It has deeply marked me over the past year and remains one of the most meaningful RPGs I’ve ever played.

Have you been a game master in the past 2 years? If yes, what games have you run? What made you decide to run those games?

Over the past two years, I have served as a game master for a wide and diverse array of systems—so many that it’s hard to keep count! My driving motivation has always been curiosity and a passion for exploring new games, systems, and adventures. I enjoy the challenge of learning different mechanics and adapting stories to fit the style and tone of each game.

Some examples of games I have run recently include: *Dragonbane*, *MÖRK BORG*, *CY_BORG*, *Pirateborg*, *Old School Essentials*, *Shadowdark*, *Mausritter*, *Scurry*, *Power Rangers RPG*, *Pasión de las Pasiones*, *Exhume*, *Crónicas Solares*, *Crónicas Salvajes*, *Ten Candles*, *Dungeons & Dragons* editions 3.5, 4th, 5th, and the upcoming 2024 edition, *Pathfinder 2e*, *Eat the Reich*, *Concilio de los Sapos*, *Príncipes de Navidad*, *World of Darkness* (20th Anniversary and 5e), *Lamentations of the Flame Princess*, *Dungeon Crawl Classics*, *XCC*, *Vieja Escuela*, *Swords and Wizardry*, *Demon Castle Dracula*, *EzD6*, *Mutant Year Zero*, *Ratas en las paredes*, *Star Wars D6*, *Tomorrow City*, and more.

I choose these games based on a desire to challenge myself and my players with varied narratives, mechanics, and atmospheres. From OSR dungeon crawls to narrative-heavy horror, from indie games to classic RPGs, I’m always excited to discover what each system offers and to craft memorable experiences for my groups.

Summarize the criteria you would use to determine if a game deserves to be nominated for Best Game.

When evaluating whether a game deserves to be nominated, I would consider several key criteria that reflect both innovation and quality, as well as its impact on the hobby and community.

First and foremost, I look for what makes the game unique. Does it offer a fresh perspective or new mechanics that push the boundaries of role-playing games? Innovation is crucial—whether through its narrative style, system design, or thematic approach, the game should stand out from the crowd and contribute something original to the hobby.

Next, I consider how well the game fulfills its promises. Is it fun and engaging? Does it provide a cohesive and immersive experience for both players and game masters? A great game delivers on its core concepts with clarity and consistency, avoiding confusion or frustration.

Tools and support for both players and storytellers are essential. The game should include clear guidelines, intuitive mechanics, and resources that empower creativity. Whether it supports third-party content or encourages homebrew, the flexibility to expand and adapt the system is a strong plus.

Accessibility is another important factor. How easy or difficult is it for the target audience to pick up and run the game? Games that balance depth with approachability tend to have a broader and more lasting appeal.

Originality is also key. Does the game offer unique settings, mechanics, or storytelling methods that distinguish it from existing titles? This could be in its art, world-building, or the way it handles themes rarely explored in RPGs.

Finally, I evaluate the game’s production quality—layout, artwork, writing, and editing—which all contribute to the overall user experience and accessibility.

In summary, a nominee should be innovative, enjoyable, well-supported, accessible to its audience, and presented with professionalism. Above all, it should inspire and invite players and GMs to explore new possibilities within the role-playing hobby.

How will you judge supplements or adventures for game systems whose core rules you are unfamiliar with or you believe are badly designed?

I believe that every RPG system represents a unique language—a new way of storytelling and gameplay worth learning and appreciating. Even if I am unfamiliar with the core rules or personally find the system’s design flawed, I approach supplements and adventures with an open mind, recognizing that they can still offer valuable and exceptional contributions to the hobby.

When judging supplements or adventures for systems I don’t know well, I focus on their standalone qualities. Does the supplement deliver a compelling narrative, memorable characters, or innovative mechanics that enhance the gaming experience? Is it well-organized, clear, and accessible for players and game masters? A good supplement should provide tools and guidance that enrich the core game, even if that core is unfamiliar to me.

If I find the core system problematic, I will evaluate how the supplement addresses or overcomes those limitations. Does it improve the gameplay experience, fix common issues, or offer creative solutions? Sometimes supplements can revitalize or expand a system in unexpected ways, making them worthy of recognition.

Moreover, I value originality and cultural impact. A supplement that introduces fresh perspectives, diverse voices, or innovative settings can be significant regardless of the system’s reputation. I consider how well it empowers both players and storytellers, encouraging creativity and engagement.

Ultimately, I judge supplements and adventures by their ability to stand on their own merits while respecting the context of the system they belong to. My goal is to be fair, open, and thorough—recognizing value even in places others might overlook, because every contribution has the potential to enrich our shared hobby.

How would you like to see the ENNIEs change? What should remain inviolate?

I believe the ENNIE Awards have a crucial role in shaping and reflecting the evolving landscape of the tabletop RPG community. As such, I would love to see the ENNIES expand their reach beyond the traditional Anglophone sphere and actively engage with RPG creators and communities in Latin America, Asia, and other underrepresented regions. There is a wealth of creativity, innovation, and powerful storytelling emerging from these parts of the world that often goes unnoticed simply because of language barriers or limited international distribution.

Encouraging multilingual submissions and creating stronger bridges with international publishers could open doors to an even more diverse and enriching lineup of nominees. Highlighting global talent not only broadens the scope of what RPGs can be—it also validates the experiences of a much wider player base and fosters a truly international community.

Another area I believe should continue to grow is the recognition of indie games. The ENNIES have done a great job in recent years of spotlighting smaller, independent creators, and I feel this should remain a cornerstone of the awards. Indie games often bring bold experimentation, unique voices, and fresh perspectives that keep the hobby vibrant and forward-looking. The ENNIES can play a powerful role in giving visibility to these creators—many of whom might not otherwise reach a global audience.

What should remain inviolate is the ENNIES’ commitment to celebrating quality, passion, and innovation in RPG design, regardless of budget, publisher size, or popularity. The awards should continue to be a platform where creativity is honored, new voices are uplifted, and the love of gaming is shared across cultures.