Are tabletop RPGs becoming more popular again?

[Umbran]

Hmm.

Haven't noticed that last point in the conventions/symposia I attend. But then, I attend the stuffy, technical or scientific events -- which likely skews my observations far from the norm.

Oh, I think professional symposia are quite a different beast from hobby or media conventions.

 

[ThirdWizard]

Does it mean that conventions, in general, are seeing a resurgence, and GenCon is merely reaping the benefits?

I can say that DragonCon was bigger than ever this year. Also, there have been new conventions starting up in the Atlanta area that did fairly well. Andocon was a success, for instance.

Also, boardgaming is starting to gain a more mainstream appeal. As someone who has been boardgaming for years, there really is a noticeable growing fanbase. I can talk about my collection with co-workers, for instance. That wasn't happening even five years ago (in my anecdotal history).

I also know a few people who get a one day pass for a con just to go browse the exhibit hall, or go to the concerts, or watch the VAT, or play in a video game tournament. This might just be because I'm older and my friends have more disposable income now. Back when I started going to conventions, you went for the panels and to play tournament games. Now you can do dozens of different things. You can go to DragonCon and just watch Hong Kong classics with other fans all weekend. And people do that! It's crazy but wonderful.

 

[Roland55]

Oh, I think professional symposia are quite a different beast from hobby or media conventions.

By every account I've ever heard -- I am sure you are right!

For one thing, hobby conventions are a LOT more fun. But -- we might get more donuts!

 

[Umbran]

For one thing, hobby conventions are a LOT more fun. But -- we might get more donuts!

It really does depend on the economic times.

My wife has an obligation to complete a certain amount of continuing education each year for licensing. There are several ways to do that, but every once in a while, she goes to a conference. One year, it was in Florida, and she went snorkeling with manatees. Another year, it was in Hawai'i, with conference-supported hotel rates. That year, I went with her, as many of the expenses (other than my plane ticket) were tax-deductible. I don't know if a gaming convention really beats a vacation in Hawai'i in terms of fun

With the economic turndown, they stopped holding the conferences in locations quite so pleasant, because many of the attendees could not afford the more expensive trips.