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Gen Con Indy, A Preview
Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Author: Jsgolfman
Provided By: None
Page: 1 of 2
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Billed as "North America's largest annual consumer game convention" and the "Best Four days of Gaming", Gen Con Indy, sponsored by Wizards of the Coast/Upperdeck Entertainment, makes a stop in the heartland August 18-21 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. This is the first leg of the gaming convention 4-event trilogy. It's reminiscent of THHGTTG isn't it? The second installment is a double scoop of fun. Gen Con Europe consists of an event in Barcelona (dates TBD) and another in the U.K. November 3-6. The tour wraps up in sunny Anaheim, CA November 17-20. An adjunct this year to all the Gen Con fun was the Star Wars Celebration that just recently concluded April 21-24 here in Indianapolis. You'd never know Wookie was an endangered species from the looks of downtown Indy last month.
Gen Con Indy boasts more than 25,000 attendees every year, not including the exhibitors. And exhibitors they have, in abundance. According to their official website, Gen Con is the venue where a multitude of vendors introduce their latest contributions to the gaming world. You can find "more new product introductions than any other game convention in the U.S." Having attended Gen Con Indy myself, I can attest to this statement.
Sheltered in the 620,000 sq. ft. facility in Indianapolis will be 250 exhibitor booths overflowing with all manner of games and associated paraphernalia. What began as a friendly gathering in Lake Geneva has blossomed into the premier game showcase. Everything from card games and board games to computer games, interactive role-playing games and live-action games are represented. The sheer number of vendors alone makes this event unique in the annals of gaming events. The vast majority of vendors will have games and accessories on hand for purchase or ordering, often at discounted pricing. Wow, you might say, that's all I need to know to get me on the plane. But, wait, there's more. Not only are you surrounded by hordes of burgeoning capitalists, but with over 5,000 gaming events during the four days you are sure to find one that will keep you busy well into the night and next morning. Oh, didn't I mention that Gen Con also offers 24-hour gaming during its Indy run, including an e-game arena? That's right, if you can't satisfy your game fix during convention hours there are plenty of opportunities during the witching hour.
Sponsored by Wizards of the Coast, True Dungeon returns to Gen Con again this year and promises even more enjoyment than last time with the introduction of the True Dungeon Fantasy Tavern. It's about time we had a chance to spend some time where most of our characters unwind. At 7,000 sq. ft., we should have plenty of room to stretch out. It's not an event, so to speak, it's just a place to gather and hang out. There will also be a magic shop, blacksmith and cartographers shop. The latter, I hear, will have some maps by Dwarven Forge on display. As always, the True Dungeon is sure to be one of the premier events at Gen Con.
Another scheduled event sure to be a crowd pleaser is the True Heroes walk-through adventure. Those who attended Gen Con Indy last year may remember it. This year it features all new art, modules and props. See how well you do as Captain America handling some comic adventures.
One happening that I found surprisingly fun last year was the Fan Films. To quote the Gen Con website it is "an artistic promotion whereby directors, animators, and others are invited to create and submit original films, parodies, documentaries of the fan experience, films pertaining to gaming or ones that employ a science fiction or horror theme." If you have a chance to see them this year, do it. It is an experience that has to be seen rather than described. Some of the entries are very well done, while others are at least entertaining.
A complete listing and description of events would take more space and time than I have at the moment, but I can tell you one event that everyone should make an attempt to attend. The "Party in the Plaza" is the kick-off event of the convention, scheduled for Thursday 7-11PM. Here you can mingle with the other gamers, dance the night away and wolf down some of the FREE food and drinks. Various activities are scheduled and prizes will be awarded. Did I mention the FREE food and drinks? Adult beverages are also available at a cash bar. Remember to bring your Gen Con Indy badge; you'll need it to gain entry to the event.
What else can I expect at Gen Con Indy 2005? How about a costume contest, fantasy and sci-fi art show, anime rooms, game auction and seminars/Q&A with celebs and industry experts. Now, I don't know who is scheduled for this year's bash, but some of the celebs on tap last year included David Carradine, Walter Koenig, Gil Gerard, Tanya Roberts (drool), Linda Blair (drool again) and Virginia Hey (double drool). Industry insiders included Justin Achilli, Dave Arneson, Monte Cook, Sandra Garrity, Ed Greenwood, Rick Loomis, Michelle Nephew and R A Salvatore. Also, for those of us with ankle biters there will be a kid's area provided. One last thing I should mention, Booth Babes. Yes, it's probably politically incorrect to call them booth babes, but that's how we know them and that's what they are. There is sure to be the usual quota of drool starters and I for one won't miss a single minute. Below you can sample one of the lovely ladies at last years Gen Con.
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