Its that time again, guys--where I go out into Gen Con and tell you about everything that's out there, check up on the booths and products you ask me to, and give you my general sense of the convention and the events going on without and within.

Just like last year, I aim to please, so if you have anything you want to check into or get coverage of, hit that reply thread and let me know.  I'll cover as much as I can with the time I have. I also have some extra help on the ground this year, so that should help.

And, just like last year, there will be pics.  Nerds, products, and hawt chicks alike.

Ready?  Let's do this!  Keep your internet tuned here, or at least keep checking back!

The dealer hall opens at 10am tomorrow for the public!

Zachary, have you seen this? If you've got the time, I urge you to go over to the event, or at least track down Dave Weseley and have a chat.

Tonight, Indianapolis sees thousands of gamers take over its downtown.

I wrote last year about how my first time at Gen Con reminded me of when they opened the big gates in Jurassic Park--the wonder, the sense of tremendous scope & size, of a world entirely unto itself.

It strikes me, as Indianapolis cheerfully (if somewhat bewilderedly) handles the registering horde of Gen Con attendees, that the convention is also very much its own community.  Whatever roles people have in the outside world, for four days the role they have in our hobby are magnified.  Fan, player, critic, publisher, writer, artist--all are heightened and admired (if not revered) in their own way here.

The happiness of meeting up with old friends, the bustle of exhibitors trying to get ready, the lines of people comparing swag bags, the games already starting at every available restaurant table, bench, and open area in the interconnected skyways and hotels around the convention--that is the herald of Gen Con.

Sadly, we also miss together old friends no longer with us, friends that gave and gave and gave  to us and to this hobby.  We also gather as inseparable part of their legacy ourselves.

This is an event that takes over nearly every aspect of downtown Indianapolis.  Every hotel, every conference room, every last usable bit of the convention center, and every skyway that keeps it all wonderfully interconnected, gaming plants its flag, having no master but itself for a glorious, extended four-day weekend.

Gaming culture here--even for those who do not claim it as their own--is strong here.  The currency is dice, accolades, and available gaming time.  A lilting gamer jargon becomes the 2nd language.

I'll keep repeating this, but until you've gone to Gen Con Indy, some of these descriptions migth seem forced or far-fetched.  For me, and I suspect many of the others who attend, they aren't.  Seeing your dream, your love, your passion amplified, praised, and loved makes a physically enormous event mentally and emotionally so as well.

The pulse--the buzz--the feeling--of tens of thousands of expectant souls will not go away tonight, a night where gaming will be set to a neon hum, where again where all kids awaiting Christmas morning.  Along with the thrill of a year-long wait fulfilled, that feeling will grow, reaching a crescendo just before 10 a.m. Thursday morning.

This is the event in gaming.  Gen Con is ready for launch.

And I cannot wait.

Quote from: Elliot Wilen;235271Zachary, have you seen this? If you've got the time, I urge you to go over to the event, or at least track down Dave Weseley and have a chat.

I have.  Cool as hell, and I'll do my best.  Sometimes its a bit of luck alone--it can be tough to track down folks not at a specific location, but the ENnies should be a great opportunity for it.

See you tomorrow, I hope, Zach!

-clash

Don't forget to take pictures of the wet T-shirt contest!

Zachary,

 IF I make it there - I'll see you on either Saturday or Sunday.

 I have a 'chane' of a riude there Friday afternoon and maybe a room to crash in for Friday & Saturday night.

I'm gonna miss doing the jail thing.

- Ed

Awesome, Zach. Thanks for doing this again.  Someday, someday, I'll make it there.

RPGPundit

Have fun there Zach!

I can't wait to read about it

The two best threads in the last 13 months were the Liveblog ones from Zach!

Thanks for doing this again Zach, looking forward to reading it.

Wakey-wakey!

We are heading back downtown in just a bit.  Theresa will be dropping me & my buddy Dennis off--she's not sure if she'll be attending today or not.

The 1492: Conquest of Paradise theme is playing.  And we are off!  Back later on today!

The dealer hall has opened, I'm online, and we are off!  Keep those recommendations coming!

Quote from: Zachary The First;235356The dealer hall has opened, I'm online, and we are off!  Keep those recommendations coming!

If you happen by the FFG booth, say hi to Jay Little for me!

And if you go over to C7, say HI and see how jet lagged they look