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On This Day In Gaming History...
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Special Sections: Gen Con '01
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The Arrival - Div Devlin, and Maestro (08-18-01)
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Disclaimer:
If you are thinking we are journalists, please read our FAQ on the main page. We are players talking about what we love, gaming, and sharing our views as we see it. So, don't chastise for typo's, improper usage of grammar, etc.
We're alive and back from the annual Gen Con Game convention hosted by Wizards of the Coast in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for paper role-playing games. The 'granddaddy' that started it all for us addicts in online gaming.
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| Nearing GenCon on the Road |
You know you've arrived when you see the billboard on the side of the road, and that downtown skyline. Note to the readers: Wisconsin State Troopers will appear out of no where when you pull onto the shoulder. Being from the city we had no idea what we did, and were already figuring out how much it was going to cost us for the coming ticket. We only stopped to take a picture. Turns out, State Troopers up that way, "Must stop for any vehicles on the Shoulder." Love those State Troopers - in our home state, if we break down and pull onto the side of the expressway, we can sit up to hours before anyone will stop.
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| The Convention Center |
The Convention held in the Midwest Express Center winds down with the last of the conventions to be held there before moving to Indianapolis, Indiana in 2003. Paradox Equation, Maestro and myself hit the con, and unlike the last trip that I went on, to E3, we actually returned (a camera short) without losing everything we covered. Now celebrating its 34th year, Gen Con is recognized as being the largest gaming convention in the nation that offers something for every science-fiction, fantasy, or general game-playing fan. There is no shortage of games; be it paper role-playing, strategy and miniatures, to cards and live action role-play, everyone has a great time and can find something to occupy themselves. Authors, Art Shows, Costumes contests, there is never a dull moment. Sleep is something that stops for four days! You can always sleep later!
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| It's fun for girls too! |
Gaming has definitely progressed to be not only a group activity but also an entire family affair, which is great to see. Most gamer's started in the hey day of when DnD was in the original formats of the Chainmail editions (hey, Maestro and I started in '78), now adults, married and bringing their children into the hobby. An estimated 27,000 players were there, and were still looking for that official count.
Problems were minimal as well. There was no one insulting everyone by referring to them as "Smat (Smelly and Fat) gaming geek dorks," as in previous years (which can be highly contested looking at the pics), and no long lines as the computers crash for those who did not pre-register (Hint: Always pre-register). The only complaint seems to have been that the majority of people did not get the games they picked to play in advance.
The Con itself was packed. Two buildings, three floors. All devoted to gaming. The first floor had empty lines for registration, and this was a first! No long waits. This is the way it should be. Buried in the back was the art show (no camera's allowed!) where some of the best works by the best artists graced the walls, and showcased their works. Card Gaming took up the vast majority of floor space all over the con, and continues to grow in popularity! Second floor tables scattered about, Third Floor and the Arena, across the street. You can always get into a card game!
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| Gathering for the Open of the Hall! |
The Huge draw though is the main hall. Game players can not wait to get inside, the lines formed and everyone is waiting to get inside. Dominated by the evil Mega Corp of WoTC, the castle takes center stage in the hall.
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| Do NOT mess with Security! |
The doors open and floods of people go rushing in to their favorite company to get the latest game, meet their favorite authors, or get in line to worship the stars! Remember though to flip you badge! Security has that down pat! "Flip your badge please! We must see everyone's Badge."
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| MUST...Have...Food! |
Another item of note is that around Gen Con, it's the only place you can pay for a can of warm soda that costs a dollar-fifty. We wonder if the vendors in the area jack the prices up to three times the normal cost. Gamers definitely flooded the mall's eatery across the street to scarf down greasy, expensive fast food. This is the life! They should of started the lines on the first floor and closed the section off just for the eatery as the escalators ferried folks up and down non-stop.
Next up: Exploring!
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