Gen Con 2025

Jacob, Justin and I just got back from Indianapolis and our 3rd Gen Con -- the largest gaming convention in the US and (maybe?) 2nd largest in the world. Attendance was around 72,000 gamers.

But this is really spread out across a vast area that it doesn't feel like it until you get in the exhibitor hall or food truck line! The promoters and Indy do such a fantastic job that it is really smoothly run. We had a really good time, not the least of which is because gamers are generally happy, chill people and eager to share their love and knowledge of games.

For those who have never been, there are thousands of board games, card games, RPGs, seminars, historical miniatures, electronic games, LARP, miniature painting and, of course, people watching. You have to just sign up to play what you want months in advance. In addition, there is a massive exhibitor hall selling anything related to the above, a consignment hall, auction hall, beta testing of new games, demos and so on. Last, there is a huge open gaming area where you can just play pick up games.

Our small band of North Carolinians ended up playing the following games: D&D 3.5E, Star Wars Age of Rebellion, Great Western Trail, Dominion, Ascension Tactics, 5 tribes, Marvel Multiverse, Blade Runner, Planet Unknown, Thunder Road: Vendetta. We really liked all the board games. Great Western Trail was heavy and complex, which I love. It reminded me of Ark Nova, Jacob, smart kid that he is, smoked us all. Thunder Road Vendetta is a blast and just a lot of fun. Think Mad Max board game. While the RPGs are fun, it can be a bit hit or miss based on the DM/GM at the table and the other players. Next time, more board games and less RPGs.

Our games were spread out with plenty of time to shop and eat in between. Usually got started at 8am and were done around 10p. We were basically wiped out but in a good way. Get back to the hotel, and the lobby is full of gamers playing whatnot. Sunday is a light day and we hit the Christian worship service early that morning before heading out. Tom Vasel from Dice Tower does a great job with the message each year, and this year was no different!

We absolutely love the consignment store where you can sell and buy older, used games -- most of which are out of print. You can see our haul in the gallery pics below. It runs for 3 days, with the price dropping each day. Unsurprisingly, Saturday is the most popular.

Added bonus: the Fieldhouse where the Pacers and Fever play is located on the same street as our parking deck, so Jacob had to hit this for jersey shopping ... he was in his happy place here!

If you like games and have never been, Gen Con is worth seeing at least once. I think the value for the $ probably lies in the smaller cons like Dice Tower East & West for board games, or Gary Con for RPG's, but Gen Con is the daddy of them all and is a mecca, of sorts, for any proud geek. It isn't cheap, but then, what is these days?

Last, the goal of playing/learning 25 board games + RPG was fulfilled this weekend!