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Gencon and D&D?

Mark CMG

Creative Mountain Games
How big a part of Gencon do you consider D&D and why? Has it always been that way in your opinion? How much a part of Gencon have you been? How often have you gone and when?
 

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GenCon and D&D are inextricably linked, for me. First went in 1984 with my 1E group. There for 2E. Even though I dumped 2E in '91 or '92 and didn't get back to D&D until 2000 (3E), GenCon was somehow still D&D for me.

Now that my D&D is technically called Pathfinder, GenCon is still all about D&D. 28 years, 26 GenCons, and I'm still playing D&D, and I still get excited for GenCon every year.
 

I played a game of OD&D there once and last year I ran a 1e game as part of a 1e Tournment. I think that's all the D&D games I've played in the 7 or so Gen Cons I've been to.

Gen Con is about meeting my friends, gaming with my friends, hanging out with board games with them, getting meals with them, and spending too much money in the dealer Hall. Most of everything I do is off books except for the 1e Tournment and once I tried True Dungeon.
 

Been going since 2001. The first three years D&D was not only a part of my GenCon it was the entire reason I was there, well that and meet all the folks from ENWorld.

I was a big into the RPGA and was a member of the tourney. Once 4e came out, I was done. I was there for the expo when 4e was released, I did the original run-throughs and demos. And after I tried it, I didn't like it, so D&D became less of a reason for GenCon and it became more about the other activities, working the ENnies, volunteering for True Dungeon and shopping in the dealer's hall.

I really wish it had more of a part, it really is the reason I wanted to go to GenCon, and while True Dungeon is close, I miss sitting at a table and rolling dice. Now that I don't have a group at home, it really makes me itchy to play D&D at GenCon, I'm just not sure when it can happen.
 

I've been twice - this year will be #3.

Both times I had all sorts of big ideas regarding the amount of D+D I was giong to play.

Both times I didn't play much D+D at all.

First one ('03) I got in a 3e game where all the characters were monsters of some sort (I had a lizardman), not much fun. Rest of the time went to Magic, the dealers' hall, the auction store, the art show, killer breakfast, a few board games, and just saying "wow" a lot.

Second time ('09) I ran one D+D game and played in two (one was Jeff Wilder's), the rest of the time went to the dealers' hall, the auction store, the art show, killer breakfast, Braunstein, a few board games, and that damn stupid unsolveable treasure hunt puzzle. Oh, and standing in an overnight line for Magic cards; the only overnight line I've ever done.

This time - well, not sure; other than the dealers' hall, the auction store, the art show, killer breakfast, and trying to meet more of you guys. I'll know more perhaps once the planning forum gets going in here. (hint hint, mods!)

But I do tend to think of GenCon as a D+D-primary event; even if only because when I'm trolling the dealers' hall etc. I'm usually looking for D+D-related stuff. :)

Lan-"4 nights without sleep, what could possibly go wrong"-efan
 

Good question..
My first year, 1985, the first year in in Milwaukee, was spur-of-the-moment in going and I played what was available. There was some D&D but mostly demos and new game stuff. It was great!!! Thought it was going to be all D&D but have to say, D&D was only 25% of my time and set the stage for all my other GenCons (20 of them), looked for the new stuff.

The late 90s were all about meeting people and making friends. Still gamed but started paying attention to my fellow games more and try to stay in contact.

Now, work schedule has been interupting GenCon and gaming, more and more, I find I miss the gaming. I also been feeling like I should be giving back something to GenCon, volunteering. When I make it to GenCon, it is about gaming.
 

I haven't played DnD (other than a 4e demo) since 4e actually launched. I've played Pathfinder, Cortex, MouseGuard, and board games. WotC has put less and less into GenCon every since 2005 and it really shows.
 

Been there a few times, last year I played in five RPGA events and had a blast. That was actually my first RPG play there. Before I had done the minis tournaments , demos and last year finally tried out True Dungeon, but I don't think I would go there without D&D being a big part of my trip.
 

I was first made aware of Gen Con (and started attending) because of D&D, but I now go back because it's an opportunity to try out games I wouldn't normally get to play with my regular gaming group (when I had one). That's not the only reason to go, of course (I also enjoy catching up with friends I only get to see at Gen Con, as well as geeking out in the Dealer Hall, the seminars, working on the ENnies, etc.).
 

I've gone to every Gen Con since 2000 except 2002 and the very first one in Indiana. So this will be my 9th.

D&D is a huge part of why I go because I DM for almost the entire show (usually 4-7 slots) and play in as many slots as I can manage. Most, but not all RPGA.

Just to counterpoint Irasach: Each year since 2008, D&D has actually been bigger than in any previous year. Living Realms is huge. But GenCon attendance (in general) has also been higher.

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This year, I also survived the Tower of Gygax. Not everyone gets to survive, man.
 

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