GenCon UK is no longer

[Upper_Krust]

hello again!

I wasn't one of those with access to Peter's ear during that time but do know some of those who did and he wasn't interested in listening to anyone. Likewise, when 2003 failed and everyone was, politely, telling him "we told you so" he took a completely different tack and decided that he didn't want to run it again in the UK. He was willing to licence it out which is how Horsemen Events got the licence (and ran the show at Minehead, Bognor Regis, and Reading (twice)).

I heard they got great british weather for the Minehead event...wet and windy.

I did interview Peter while he was at Gen Con UK 2002 (which you can read over at UK Role Players if you're interested )

I glanced over it - I will read it in detail tomorrow, I have to get ready for work in a moment.

and he obviously had plans for the European market for Gen Con (he announced in 2002 that the 2004 event would be in Amsterdam) but possibly (and this is entirely conjecture on my part) took the view that the lack of support for a changed date would carry over to a changed location.

I wonder if some americans in general view the EU as a sort of United States of Europe rather than as different countries with various barriers, not least of which being language.

The idea of relocating to Amsterdam sounds like a great way of alienating about 99.9% of the gamers who would go to a UK event in London.

While in terms of distance its probably the same as moving to the next state in the US, its a totally different 'ball game' here in Europe.

Personally, I believe that if he had reverted to the August dates and kept it in the UK for 2004, we'd still have a successful show in the UK

Its a pity we have ended up where we are now.

 

[Erik Mona]

I had the opportunity to attend the "last" Gen Con UK in 2008 as a special guest. It was clear that the convention was far from perfect, but I had a great time, met lots of awesome gamers (and some great UK and European pros!), and was looking forward to attending again once things shook out with the licensing side.

I have heard great things about the UK Games Expo, and I'm hoping that that show turns out to be as strong and exciting as people tell me it is. The United Kingdom could definitely use a very strong, well-attended summer show, that's for sure.

--Erik Mona
Publisher
Paizo Publishing

 

[PaulofCthulhu]

UK Games Expo is excellent. We've been every year, and we're already booked in for 2010.

Hoping to do the odd live show or two from there as well. A fun and busy convention.