I’ve never been to a gaming convention before, but this year my partner turned 50, their birthday coinciding with the last day of Gen Con and it felt like the perfect way to celebrate. Gen Con is one of the biggest tabletop gaming conventions in the world, and it was everything I’d hoped it would be and more. Cosplayers, gamers, creators, families, and fans of all kinds poured into the city, united by a shared love of games and storytelling.
What immediately struck me was how inclusive and welcoming Gen Con felt. No matter your background, experience level, or favourite corner of the hobby, there was something for you. As a first-time attendee I met lots of lovely new people some of whom I had really interesting chats with, some who showed me the games they’d bought and were excited by, some that taught me the rules of some of their favourite games. That sense of community carried through every hall, game table, and event I attended, and I’m not sure that I’ve ever felt so comfortable.
The buzz around new games
Being at Gen Con provided the opportunity to be among the very first to experience new games. Lots of people were keen to get their hands on Red Carpet and Ace of Spades. There was a lot of excitement around Lightning Train and 12 Rivers this year. That excitement very much included me, they looked great. The lines at their demo tables were always full, and the booths were selling out within 20 minutes each day. I was so excited each time I saw another attendee toting one of the ‘hot new games’ about. It was also fantastic to see games I’d heard about being demonstrated like Galactic Cruise and Bomb Busters.
Personally, one of my favourite surprises was discovering Tag Team. I hadn’t heard of it before arriving at the convention, but people were saying lots of good things about it, so we bought a copy. It’s fabulous, I’ve found it really addictive. A rare mix of simplicity and crunchy cleverness that makes you want to immediately play again. I think these kinds of discoveries, games you’d never come across otherwise or that you might not think were your cup of tea, are part of what makes Gen Con so special. We’ve also been enjoying Fliptoons, Forest Shuffle Dartmoor, and Trinket Trove, but still have lots of new games to try, including Cat and the Tower which I was really charmed by after seeing a giant version.
I got a sneak peek at several upcoming releases which I’m really looking forward to
· There and Back Again is a Reiner Knizia roll and write game based on The Hobbit. The production looks lovely.
· Ham Helsing is a co-operative game based on the Rich Moyer graphic novels sharing their quirky and charming style.
· Regicide Legacy, a continuation of the Regicide system with exciting twists, the components looked lush.
· Sanctuary is a streamlined version of Ark Nova which is one of my absolute favourites so I’m very excited about this. It looks to be what Ares Project is to Terraforming Mars.
· Propolis, a quick worker placement game with whimsical and charming art set in a medieval bee colony in which the ‘beeples’ gather pollen and nectar.
· The Voynich Puzzle, a co-operative deduction game where players work together to decode the mysterious Voynich manuscript by solving interconnected puzzles and combine clues.
· The Game Makers, a strategy game where players take on the role of board-game manufacturers, aiming to produce the most legendary games ever made.
As well as coming away with new games, the anticipation of what’s next, makes the convention feel like a living preview of the hobby’s future.
Beyond the table – events and experiences
Although there are plenty of opportunities to buy and play games there’s much more to the experience. One of the most joyful parts of the convention was seeing the cosplayers. Some went all out with elaborate armour or intricate costumes, while others put a clever spin on a beloved character. The cosplay parade was a real highlight, lined with other Gen Con goers cheering for the creativity on display. My favourites included Discount George Lucas, Howl (Howl’s Moving Castle), John Hammond (Jurassic Park), and a korok (Zelda).
One of Gen Con’s most unique traditions is Cardhalla in which people donate cards to build towering structures throughout the weekend, it’s quite a calm and quiet place to spend time if the exhibit hall is feeling a bit much. On Saturday night, the whole thing comes crashing down in a rain of cardboard chaos, all for charity. It’s equal parts silly and meaningful and feels like it’s part of makes Gen Con so special and distinct.
I also loved attending the Dice Tower Awards on opening night. It was really exciting seeing designers, publishers, and fans celebrating the best games of the year. Even better was spotting the awards out ‘in the wild’ at the booths in the days that followed.
Food, city, and atmosphere
Holiday for me includes good food and the Block Party food trucks absolutely delivered. There was plenty to choose from and Flying Cupcake provided us with a Dungeons and Dragons themed birthday cake on the Sunday. As well as finding a spot outside to eat, Lucas Oil Stadium (home to the Indianapolis Colts) had tables and even more food options inside. There were also tables set up for playing games and the Gen Con games library, so we could roll dice and shuffle cards where NFL players usually run touchdowns.
Indianapolis itself was a wonderful host city. The downtown area felt safe, lively, and full of local businesses that leaned into the spirit of Gen Con. Our hotel had a Gen Con room where we could all play games when the convention had finished for the day. As well as playing new games we’d picked up, we could see what the other guests had bought and were enjoying. We got to spend some time with another couple hearing about how they were finding Vantage, it looks gorgeous! Many restaurants had special themed menus or discounts for attendees, which added an extra layer of fun to exploring the city. It felt like the whole community was celebrating alongside the convention.
Treasures, design, and creativity
Gen Con is also a place for collectors and hobbyists to find accessories. I found unique player mats, upgraded components, and beautiful game inserts to bring back to my own table.
Even more special, though, was the chance to meet designers in person. Having them demo their games, explain their creative process, and share their passion added depth to the experience. I’m particularly excited about 3 Chapters and Wine Cellar after having played a demo hand with the designers.
And while games are the focus, the convention also celebrates creativity in all its forms. Artists’ Alley and Authors’ Avenue allows you to meet incredible illustrators and world-builders.
In summary
Gen Con very much lived up to its tag line, ‘the best four days in gaming’ for me. What stands out most isn’t just the games (though they were amazing). It’s the atmosphere of joy, discovery, and community that filled every part of the event. From late-night games with new friends to watching a card tower topple for charity, from the thrill of demos to the quiet excitement of meeting a favourite designer or content creator, Gen Con was a celebration of everything I love about this hobby. If you ever get the chance to go you absolutely should, I really hope that I’ll get to go again!
