2004 Origins

A gigantic set from 2004 created in conjunction with Cheapass Games and James Ernest. Cheapass advertised the cross-promotion in a forum for game publishers, inviting dealers at Origins 2004 to participate with little financial output. James Ernest worked with the dealers to create appropriate characters, and then charged to make the buttons if the dealer in question did not wish to make their own buttons. Cheapass handed out a list of dealers participating at the convention to aid fans in collecting the full set.^[1]

The original solicitation for the promotion in the Origins 2004 coordinator's email is as follows:

"We have a unique advertising opportunity to announce. We are organizing a Dealer's Room-Wide Button Men tournament. James Ernest of Cheapass games has given permission for every participating manufacturer to produce their own Button Man button. Players will come to your booth and challenge you (or one of your volunteers) to combat. The players must visit at least three booths to win a limited edition button. This will drive gamers to your booth. Plus, if you want, you can sell your individual buttons. This opportunity is for Origins 2004 only. If you are interested in participating, contact Mark at [EDITED FOR PRIVACY] or Warren at [EDITED FOR PRIVACY]. If you have questions about Button Men itself, contact James at himself@cheapass.com [Probably defunct, left in tact].
...(other programs described)...
Time is of the essence, especially for Button Men. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mark or Warren."

Note: Individual button pages may contain more information about the background or origin of the button itself, so please consult those pages for that information.