Judges

Kevin Combs
I have been gaming for over 40 years and enjoy discovering new games and books/modules. I run games at conventions, online, with my local players as well as running my own "mini conventions." Gaming is my passion and enjoy contributing to the hobby to help make it grow. I believe my passion for the gaming hobby as well as my depth of gaming experience makes me a great fit as an ENNIES judge.

Jim D’Alessio
I have been playing and running different role-playing games for 35 years. My experience with different RPG systems and genres over the years has given me the foundation needed to fairly and objectively review game products across many systems and genres and product categories.
My number one reason for playing RPGs has always been fellowship. The connections I have made at the gaming table, both physical and virtual, have blossomed into friendships that that have lasted years. I don’t think I could have made these sorts of friendships in any other hobby.
I love the experience of a story unfolding at the table. To see a character start as numbers and words on a page and evolve into something that everyone at the table is emotionally invested in is a magical experience we cannot have anywhere else.

Candace McAfee
I’m a queer, non-binary, Black TTRPG player and GM. I’ve been acting in actual plays for two years and have been playing TTRPGs for nearly seven. I’ve been a GM for three years.
Creativity and storytelling are two things I’m extremely passionate about. Both drive me to trying TTRPGs for the first time, and I was eternally hooked. The ability to craft a world that not only accepts others, but can accept one’s self is nothing short of magical, and I love being able to share in and inspire that bit of everyday fantasy.

Christopher Gath
I‘ve been gaming for decades and always am on the lookout for the new and creative games and books people are publishing. I’ve been an ENNIE Judge before so I understand as well as anyone what it takes to be successful. I run games online, at conventions and gamedays, and volunteer my time running RPGs for teens at the local library. During the Pandemic I’ve taken to engaging people on line by talking about my favorite RPG books and that has been a fun experience.

Shauna Ratliff
My first gaming experience was as a DM. I had heard about DnD for tears but did know anyone who played so I got the books and made my parents play with me. I was always an avid reader of mythology, Sci-Fi, and fantasy so gaming just seemed a natural extension.
I think the ENnies are an import part of the gaming community. It highlights games we could have otherwise missed. I think it’s a valuable platform for both new and established developers.