A few folks have asked me about conventions in general and GenCon in particular.  I wanted to share my impression about the two summer time shows in the mid-west.

First GenCon.  It is big and crowded and expensive.  It’s the “best four days in gaming” because it is the primary show in the U.S. for most publishers to make big product announcements and releases.  Paizo, Asmodee, Arcane Wonders, Fantasy Flight, Upper Deck, and all the other industry leaders bring new and exciting things to GenCon every year.  It makes sense, this is where those companies can get the most exposure for their products.  The exhibit hall is enormous and packed full of all sorts of vendors.  It takes a full four days to visit all the booths and attend sessions and play games.  There is almost too much stuff going on.

Origins is smaller with fewer vendors and a few new products.  Since Origins happens at the start of summer a lot of companies do teaser releases or have demos of games they hope to have ready for GenCon.  You can make it around the exhibit hall in single day and have plenty of time to play games.  The show is easier to get to and less expensive (parking, hotels, etc.) but downtown Columbus has less to offer than downtown Indy.  However I tend to find my way into the German village and grab a creme puff at Schmitd’s while I’m attending.

Which Con is right for you?  If you don’t mind crowds and waiting in line and want to see the hot new releases of the year and wish to attend panels with the designer/editor/authors then you are headed for Indy and GenCon. 

If you don’t care much for crowds and want a more relaxed experience Origins is fantastic. I got to talk with designers at Origins who were simply too busy at GenCon either talking briefly to the many fans in line or out of their booth in meetings.