GenCon        Posted by:  L. S.
5/25/99     10:40 PM

Hi All,

Has anyone here ever been to GenCon or any other gaming convention? A lot of people I game with are going. I am new to their group and not an experienced gamer. I was just wondering if I would feel out of place there.

Lisa
 
 

Game Cons        Posted by:  J. R. in response to GenCon
5/26/99    06:59 AM

Hi.
I have been to a large con twice and small ones 4 or 5 times. There are tons of either new gamers there or people playing systems they are new to. You shouldn't feel out of place for that reason. Women are still a minority at cons, but not by much (at least the ones I've been to.)
If you can afford to go, and it is a good con (at least 500 people) (GenCon is definately _good_), don't think twice, GO! You will have so much fun if you just go out there and try to experience some new systems while enjoying the one(s) you know with new people. Maybe try to pair up with the other players you are going with and trying whatever they do. Also, bring a fat wallet if you can! :) There are usually lots of dealers at cons, and they don't want to take their murchadise (sp!!) back home with them; you will find some great prices. Heck, at GenCon you could even discover more new interests, like anime, SCA & ilk, or artwork & crafts.

Untitled        Posted by:  A. M. in response to GenCon
5/26/99    08:21 AM

I'll be there. I'm running two games, one on Friday  and one on Saturday.  I don't know yet what the rest of my schedule will look like, but perhaps if enough of us are there we could have some sort of face to face gathering for us all or all wear red carnations so that we can recognize each other or something...

I'd like a chance to put faces with names.

Untitled        Posted by:  C. L. in response to GenCon
5/26/99    09:21 AM

You wouldn't feel out of place at GenCon at /all/.  It's a huge convention, the new building is very nicely laid out, and the people are uniformly friendly and polite (at least in my experience). They usually have every kind of game you could possibly want to play (register early), and bring lots of money because they have great stuff to buy. Stick close to your friends and I'm sure they'll steer you through...

C.

GenCon madness        Posted by:  N. Z. in response to GenCon
5/26/99    10:10 AM

I would recommend GenCon to anyone who hasn't been to a Con.. just for the experience alone. I don't think that you would feel out of place.

However, conventions in general are highly dominated by collectable card gamers. This is perhaps something to keep in mind as you get your bearings at GenCon.

From my own limited experience, I'd suggest looking at joining up with the kind of events you aren't likely to be able to get to do elsewhere.. there are usually some exciting 'testing' of new games, free demos, that sort of thing. I usually have a good time doing that sort of thing, and the energy from the people is infectous.

Trying New Things        Posted by:  A. M. in response to GenCon madness
5/26/99    10:25  AM

I'd definitely agree that cons are good places to try new games. I usually try to fit in at least one system I've never played before. The con book lists the level of difficulty of each event and the familiarity the GM wants the players to have with the rules. That can help you figure out which events are at a level you can handle (although most groups are willing to deal with a newbie or two anyway, and if you have a friend who knows the rules well who's going with you you won't distract the GM).

If you like LARPs or would like to try one, I recommend my events (Yes. This is a shameless plug!). I'm running a system called PlotLuck. On Friday, I'll be running a scenario called Ship Out of Luck from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Saturday I'll be running Connect the Plots from noon to 6 pm.

GenCon is for gamers        Posted by:  L. E. in response to GenCon
5/26/99    10:48 AM

Hey.

I have been going to GenCon every year since 1989 and have never felt out of place. As long as you make sure that you don't enter an event where they have specified that they want ONLY EXPERIENCED gamers, most everyone will treat you as someone who is there to have fun. If you decide to go, let me know. I will be there and this year my daughter will be coming for the first time (she is 12). She is also a fairly new gamer.

L. E.

Untitled        Posted by:  I. M. in response to GenCon
5/26/99    09:01 PM

Some of the Gaming Conventions have games specifically for beginners. also unless it's a tournament most GM's are happy to have you.

good luck

"Daytona"

GenCon?!? Think Jell-O Shots! :)        Posted by:  R. H. in response to GenCon
5/27/99    02:38 AM

I've been to GenCon many times. It can be great fun if you go with a group and are able to get into a game or two that some people you know are playing as well. In my experience once you get to know the GenCon regulars you'll forget all about your friends. :)

If you go this year, go to the Safe House. A dance club/bar in the area. Mostly '80s music(usually), great drinks(I've been told, I don't drink alcohol), cool spy theme. Oh, and do some Jell-O shots for me, I won't be able to go this year.

Hope you have fun,
R.

The SafeHouse        Posted by:  A. M. in response to GenCon?!? Think Jell-O Shots! :)
5/27/99    09:03 AM

If you do want to go to the Safe House, make sure you get reservations. Otherwise the wait can be an hour or two. Also, if you have problems with cigarette smoke (which I do), you'll want to take precautions. I couldn't find anyplace in the building that wasn't saturated.

Re:  The SafeHouse        Posted by:  R. H. in response to The SafeHouse
5/28/99    02:14 AM

Well I will admit, I'm used to getting in the secret freezer entrance in the deli. And yes the smoke issue is pretty bad there I have to make sure to take my inhailer when I go. But it is still a really good time!

Fairy Laughter to you all,
R.

99 is 4th yr at gen con        Posted by:  A. M. in response to GenCon
7/20/99    03:52 PM

My first Gen Con was in 96 and it was husband's and my honeymoon. We live in Chicago and it was taking place the weekend after we got married, so we decided to do it as a cheap alternative. We've been going every year since (so this year will be our 4th honeymoon ;)). The first time I went I had never even played any tabletop games and I still had lots of fun. I attended a lot of the seminars, got in a lot of demo games (FREE!), and did manage to play an event on Sunday. Be prepared for a lot of people and a lot of fun.

A.
(btw, last year I entered the survey from the back of the schedule and won 2- 4 day passes for this year's Gen Con, should have seen my husband dance when Andon called, people do win those things)

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