The GenCon SoCal Thread

[thorian]

I didn't see any threads for GenCon SoCal, so I created this to organize ENWorld games, meetups, ask questions, etc.

So, who here is going to GenCon SoCal?

Also, has anyone been to previous years? How does it differ from Indy? Any insightful suggestions?

Would anyone want to meet for some EnWorld games?

 

[Haffrung Helleyes]

I've been to both. To me, GenCon Indy is way better than GenCon Socal, mostly because all of my favorite game designers make it to GenCon Indy, and most of them don't make it to GenCon SoCal.

Ken

 

[Mistwell]

I went once (to the first one) and was disappointed. We have so many good game cons here in SoCal, where you pay to get in the door and then all games are free, that it was really difficult for me to swallow the concept that you pay to get in the door, and then pay to play the game as well.

I know that is how all GenCons work, I just didn't like it when faced with an option to NOT pay for individual games at other cons that are just as large as this one and which are also frequent in this region. OrcCon, Gamex, Gateway, ComicCon, Strategicon, etc...

That said, I am willing to give it another try...

 

[Festivus]

I went last year and had a pretty good time. This year I am better prepared and will hopefully have a better time.

I hope the dealer room is expanded a bit from last time, I was able to whisk through the whole thing in a few hours. It's bigger dealer area than anything else I had seen so it was nice, but I suspect it pales compared to Indy. I do need to turn in all those cans and bottles I have been saving to buy some nice goodies for the game table.

I have heard SoCal referred to as the less stressful GenCon. Lines are shorter, easier to get into a game, etc. I personally look forward to playing some RPGS, and learning at least one new game I have never played before (always a goal of mine at conventions).

I am still trying to figure out my schedule for GenCon, but I might be interested in getting together for a ENWorlder drink or play a game if it's not conflicting with other stuff.

 

[kenobi65]

I went last year. If Indy's your basis of comparison, it is TINY by comparison. This isn't necessarily a bad thing (IMO, Indy's almost TOO big), but it is a lot smaller.

IIRC, this is the last one that'll be in Anaheim; they're planning on moving it to a convnetion center in L.A. proper next year, and expanding the video-game angle.

Not going this year; it's a schlep for me to get out there, and so it was probably a one-time thing. I mostly went because it was a chance to play the penultimate Living Force modules face-to-face with some friends.

Helpful suggestion: pack a pair of sweats. The outside temp in Anaheim that time of year is pretty nice, but the A/C in the convention center is set to about 60 degrees. We all froze.

 

[thorian]

Thanks for the info so far.

I went to GenCon Indy two years ago. Four of us drove from SLC (an adventure in itself). We all had a great time at the Con. I am excited to see how So Cal differs from Indy. It is only $200 to fly round trip from SLC to Anaheim. Compared to a totaled minivan, that should be pretty cheap.

Also, I heard that the $10.50 price for RPGA games was in error, and that they will be crediting the difference to those who already purchased the games. I think they will be $6.

Has anyone heard who the guests of honor will be?

 

[coyote6]

I plan on going. I went last year & the first year; I had fun both times (more last year than the first time, because I was better organized). Never been to Indy, so can't compare.

I'd be up for a game.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

I plan on being there at least one day, and I hope there's enough there to bring me back for the other days.

 

[roytheodd]

Has anyone heard who the guests of honor will be?

They haven't said anything yet. Over on the Gen Con message boards everyone is bellyaching to get Bruce Campbell, but no one really expects they'll get him.

 

[Wycen]

A local con wont compare to Gencon Socal, which doesn't compare to Gencon Indy. Of course in the case of a local con you may have a better time due to being in familiar territory so knowing your way around and probably having your gaming friends along as well.

I've been to Gencon Socal for the last 2 years, it being only 3 years old.

You should be able to explore the exhibitor area completely, visiting every booth, playing every demo and getting all 10 stamps at the WotC area to wait in line to "roll the die and win a prize".

Both of my visits were not the whole 4 days and I didn't stay at the convention area so I don't know about where you might find an "iconic" restaurant like the RAM and can't recommend housing. But since Disneyland is literally next door, if you have non-gamers there is a natural activity for them.

One thing is that once midnight hits, unless you are in a pickup game or find an anime room, you are pretty much on your own. There's nothing con-related going on that late.