GenCon 2022 Draws Over 50,000 Attendees

Gen Con reports that it attracted over 50,000 attendees this year. While that's not quite back to pre-pandemic figures (2018 saw over 60,000 attendees, and 2019 had 'nearly 70K'), it's a big step back towards it.

By comparison, UK Games Expo had just over 23K attendees, while Origins Game Fair reported just under 12K this year.

attracting a unique attendance of over 50,000 gaming fans to the Indiana Convention Center (ICC) and Lucas Oil Stadium

Not just attendees had a large turnout.

The convention’s exhibit hall featured more than 530 game publishers and vendors. Publishers released more than 500 new game titles during the convention. More than 15,000 ticketed events were held over the four days, ranging from board games, card games, roleplaying games, comedy, music, seminars, the Costume Contest, Film Festival, and more.

“This year’s Gen Con was even better for us than 2019,” said Stephanie Shossow, Event Manager for The Op. “Gamers came ready to bring fun to the table!”

Gen Con | Gen Con Draws Over 50,000 Attendees in Return to Pre-Pandemic Scale

The Best Four Days in Gaming

www.gencon.com

 

[Marc Radle]

The mask require is absurd.

No, it’s not. It’s an essential and well-proven way to keep the virus contained - not 100% effective of course, but MUCH more so than the alternative.

 

[Retreater]

For me, masks have also had the added benefit (so far) of preventing "Con Crud." I'd normally get sick after every GenCon. A friend of mine was hospitalized one year as a result of Con Crud.

 

[DorkForge]

The mask require is absurd.

It's proven to reduce spread, given that conventions have always been Petri dishes of infection ('convention crud') hosting such a large-scale event during an ongoing pandemic is risky, masks is literally the least they could do.

I got covid in mid July, it was awful and I'm still dealing with the aftermath on my health. I'm vaccinated and boosted and in my 20s. This isn't over yet.

 

[Von Ether]

The mask require is absurd.

The nurse disagrees. And if anybody wants to stop wearing masks for hours on end; it is me.

 

[Egg Embry]

Gen Con 2022 was a great time. I enjoyed the show, the games, and connecting with friends throughout the show.

 

[darjr]

It’s a long long way from when Gary boasted that early GenCon had 1600 attendees!

 

[Sacrosanct]

I'm afraid 60,000 is just too much for me. Especially in COVID.

 

[dragoner]

I had a good time, other than getting old, like my knee started to really hurt.

 

[wicked cool]

To show that your vaccination status had been verified by the staff.

so you had a bracelet and a mask? could u not get in without being vaccinated?

 

[Sacrosanct]

Besides, if I were to go, I'd have to drive (since I'd be bringing a lot of stuff as a vendor) and it's 2500 miles one way