Game On: Rolling the Dice at GenCon
by Beth Kimmerling
Last week I went to my very first GenCon – a huge gaming convention in Indianapolis. While LPR did have a client there (shout out to the always-packed Play Pokémon!), I wasn’t working – just exploring and enjoying as a game-loving consumer. I was there on Thursday – the first day – for no other reason than the rest of the days were sold out by the time I realized I could go.
I will be back next year because I didn’t even scratch the surface of this event in one day. Card, strategy, board, and role-play games abound, with new launches and previews, demos and tournaments, collectibles and art – there was something for everyone and a surprise around every corner. Here are a few takeaways and highlights for brands and consumer fans from day one:
These gamers are passionate! Even though I knew it was sold out, I was surprised just how many people were there. Pro Tip: Order your ticket well enough in advance to have it shipped because the Will Call line is looooong. Even though the Cos-play parade and contest was on Saturday, there were a lot of amazing costumes showing up, which was fun to see. Everyone was kind, patient, and just really excited to be there!
Play on! A lot of brands have separate rooms throughout the convention center to host gameplay. As a consumer, do your homework to figure out what you want to play and where it all is so you can squeeze as much as possible. As a brand, make sure you stand out – from bold décor outside your room to sharing your location and plans with your fans to make sure they find you.
Exploring the Exhibit Hall. There’s just so much to see here. From huge booths to smaller spaces, some brands definitely stood out. Mattel drew crowds and caught the eyes of fans with oversized Uno signage; The Op Games went big for Gnome Hollow had a two-level booth that felt like a picnic; and Ravensburger had long lines waiting to play in their booth, and a game designer signing copies. FanRoll Dice had two booths, with fans consistenly about 3-deep at each, clamoring for GenCon 2024 strategy dice, among other fan favorites.
The Gaming Zone. Some brands went straight for The Gaming Zone, like Pokémon and Hasbro, while others had both exhibit hall booths and gaming areas. Ravensburger had gameplay experiences everywhere, and a fun stand out in the Gaming Zone with a claw machine for plushies of their new Oh My Pigeons party game. Kosmos was also in both areas, and included their own version of a Game Library in the Gaming Zone where you could play any of their games.
A surprise around every corner. Throughout the halls there is also a lot happening. There were a few charitable activations, like Cardhalla, a card city where anyone could build and stack, and then come out Saturday night to destroy it for charity. Gnome Hollow was doing a huge balloon sculpture throughout the four days (this is what it looked like the afternoon of day 1). There were entertainers on mini-stages, from jugglers to bands, Pinball Alley, an arcade area, and a community coloring project. And there was an enclosed Kid Zone room for families needing a little break in the action.
And finally, my personal highlight. Growing up, there was a game my dad played with my brothers and I all the time – taking over the living room floor for hours on end. For years I have randomly googled and checked Kickstarter for “Crossbows and Catapults” to try to bring back the fun. The best part of waiting in the Will Call line was that I saw a sign for the game! So you better believe I raced to that booth, and bought it – carried it around all day just to make sure I had it before it sold out. Spoiler alert – Merry Christmas, Bro! Thank you, Restoration Games and Goliath for recreating a family favorite!
Note – after exploring the Convention Center I also learned that there were activations happening in Lucas Oil Stadium across the street, including bigger tournaments and a Game Library. My recap and pics don’t do it justice – check out the GenCon Instagram to see all the fun that was had!
