GenCon Question from a 1st Timer

[d20Dwarf]

My question for Gen Con pros: if I am going to pick 2 days to go, is it better to go Thursday and Friday, or Sat.-Sun.?

Also, can I make a grand tour of the place in one day? I am trying to decide whether I should go for two days or just one. I probably will watch people play some games rather than play myself; it's been years since I've actually played in a game and I would rather see how good games are run.

It's not on your list, but I would suggest Friday and Saturday as the best 2-day period to go on, although Thursday-Friday is good as well. Sunday everything's winding down, everyone's exhausted, and it won't be as good an experience.

It'll be difficult to really enjoy the dealer's room in 1 day, it's just too big and crowded to be a comfy "walkthrough." Do it in two or three trips, with breaks in between to eat, gawk at and drop off the stuff you bought, and just rest. This will let you spend a leisurely amount of time at each booth, and not make you feel too rushed to play a lot of demos.

Play a lot of demos.

Get in a game. I know you haven't played in a while, but don't be shy, most people playing in the games don't know each other, so they'll feel the same way. It'll only take you a few minutes to be talking with them, laughing, and comparing characters like y'all were old friends from college. It could be one of the best gaming experiences you've ever had, and it will be a shame to miss out on it.

Try out the True Dungeon, it's a lot of fun, and looks to be even better this year.

Lastly, don't try to micromanage your time there. If you're always worrying about where you've got to be next, you won't enjoy where you *are* as much. This might be the #1 best piece of advice, in my opinion.

Have fun!

 

[Michael Dean]

Play a lot of demos.

Get in a game. I know you haven't played in a while, but don't be shy, most people playing in the games don't know each other, so they'll feel the same way. It'll only take you a few minutes to be talking with them, laughing, and comparing characters like y'all were old friends from college. It could be one of the best gaming experiences you've ever had, and it will be a shame to miss out on it.

Try out the True Dungeon, it's a lot of fun, and looks to be even better this year.


Have fun!

Thanks for the advice! Yeah, the main reason I wanted to watch rather than play is that I am worried I will be pretty awkward and rusty. But I am willing to try.

Could anyone tell me how hard it is to get into a game? I mean, do I have to register before Gen Con, or is it possible to get into a "pickup" game while I am wandering through? Are the demos set up like that? I must admit, it sounds like a blast to get into some games that I've always wanted to try while I am there. And it does sound kind of silly to be at a game convention and not play any games. Anyway, thanks for the response.

 

[Crothian]

There will be sign up for games that you buy tickets for months in advance of the con. You can also buy generic tickets and get into games that need people that way. Pcik up games are tough at Gen Con as the last two years there just has not been a lot of space for them. The ENnies though will have a booth outside the dealer room that we use for Pick up games, so you might want to see what';s going on there.

 

[qstor]

There has been some pick up games advertised here on EN world in the past too.

If you're planning on playing any RPGA games, those fill up fast. I'd sign up as soon as you can for those. The Green Ronin Mutants and Mastermind games and the KenzerCo Learn to Hack games went really fast as well. I tried to sign up for those the third day of event sign up and the games were filled up.

Mike

 

[IronWolf]

If you're planning on playing any RPGA games, those fill up fast. I'd sign up as soon as you can for those.

Really? Last year a buddy and I were able to sign up for a Legacy of the Green Regent game in mid-July. We even scored a seat at a main table where the Dwarven Forge pieces were bing used. It looked like several other RPGA game slots were open as well. Maybe LotGR was not in high demand last year...

 

[physicscarp]

Lastly, don't try to micromanage your time there. If you're always worrying about where you've got to be next, you won't enjoy where you *are* as much. This might be the #1 best piece of advice, in my opinion.

Have fun!

I'll support Wil in saying this is the BEST advice that anyone can offer you. Last year was my first GenCon, so I signed up for almost a dozen games over the 4-day con. Unfortunately, there was simply so much that I wanted to see and do in the dealer room, at seminars, etc. that by Friday I simply decided not to show at 3/4 of my games.