I don't know if I'm going to go next year or not? 

This year was "ok" as far as Gencon goes and it's really starting to get expensive for what you get out of it.  For some reason, this year just was not as fun for me as the previous years have been.  This is just my personal opinion and it's mostly (and probably) my own fault for not having a great time.  I don't know, maybe the con is just starting to lose it's luster for me a little bit.

It just seems like it's getting harder to get your events.  Hotel costs are increasing a lot each year.  I find A LOT of the attendees becoming more and more rude each year.  Each year there are changes that decrease the fun of the convention for me and my son. Here is only one example:  (i.e. this year the all weekend Star Wars miniatures event was changed to 10am to 6pm, it use to be 8am to 8pm.  That's a loss of 4 hours each day to play, or 16 hours for the whole weekend.  In addition, you now had to play three games (with three different players) to make a single roll for a single miniature.  It use to be one game, then one roll.  So now you might get a few miniatures for gaming 1/2 the day.  During previous Gencons, I remember my son showing me a pile of miniatures he "won" at the end of each day.  He would have a ball playing this.  This year it was very poorly run and he did not have anywhere near as much fun as previous Gencons.  Plus the group running this for WotC would not give him another "tracking card" to continue playing with other gamers past 6pm, AFTER THEY TOLD ME THAT HE COULD!)

The above example is only one of many where I see the convention has failed. 

Again, this is my (and my son's) observation.  I don't expect others to agree with our opinion. And I'm sure as long as Gencon is getting their money they could care less.

After 7 years of attending, I just don't know if it's worth going back...

Yeah, the situation you ran into with that Star Wars game does show that some groups and companies are not putting as much effort into the convention as they used to.

Myself, I run games independently and play in games run by other independents, so the experience for me is pretty much the same from year to year, and I enjoy said experience enough that I plan on continuing to attend for the foreseeable future.  I also look forward to the non-gaming, social time, with other people, almost all of whom I see at most once or at best a few times a year.

For me, that is the GenCon experience, and at least up until this point, it continues to be worth it for me.

themaninawhitecar:

Yeah, the situation you ran into with that Star Wars game does show that some groups and companies are not putting as much effort into the convention as they used to.

Myself, I run games independently and play in games run by other independents, so the experience for me is pretty much the same from year to year, and I enjoy said experience enough that I plan on continuing to attend for the foreseeable future.  I also look forward to the non-gaming, social time, with other people, almost all of whom I see at most once or at best a few times a year.

For me, that is the GenCon experience, and at least up until this point, it continues to be worth it for me.

You know what....you're on to something.  The events I play in run by individuals are usually the better events. Maybe if I go next year, that's what I'll stick to, ...events run by the individuals as opposed to the "companies".

It sounds like WotC is failing you, not Gencon for the most part.  I'm not sure how you can hold the convention responsible for a vendor not giving you as much free stuff as they used to in the past or for not wanting to pay for as many volunteers.  Just like you, the companies are also feeling the money crunch because everyone wants stuff for free but isn't willing to pay for it.   Hotel costs are also out of the conventions control.  Gencon really has no say in these issues so there isn't anything they could do to help change your mind. 

If the things you enjoyed are no longer being offered by the vendors or volunteer GMs and the cost of operation expenses for the hotels has become to high, then I think everyone will understand that you won't be attending again.  But you really can't blame Gencon.

 I only went for the past 2 years. Last year was a one day trip and this year was a 4 day vacation. I didn't get to do what I wanted this year either, a game compnay ticked me off too, and costs were up. But I still had a great time.

 I think the difference is mentally. I go to be around other gamers since my area has other gamers but who have too much drama for my tastes. It's also a break from work and a re-entry into reality. Less drama, interesting people, and seeing so more games at one booth than I can in town. Just relax and think of it in those terms and Gen Con can be a great event to attend.

Sherilyn:

It sounds like WotC is failing you, not Gencon for the most part.  I'm not sure how you can hold the convention responsible for a vendor not giving you as much free stuff as they used to in the past or for not wanting to pay for as many volunteers.  Just like you, the companies are also feeling the money crunch because everyone wants stuff for free but isn't willing to pay for it.   Hotel costs are also out of the conventions control.  Gencon really has no say in these issues so there isn't anything they could do to help change your mind. 

If the things you enjoyed are no longer being offered by the vendors or volunteer GMs and the cost of operation expenses for the hotels has become to high, then I think everyone will understand that you won't be attending again.  But you really can't blame Gencon.

No where do I specificly "blame" Gencon?  Please don't put words in my mouth.  I'm just saying as a WHOLE, Gencon is not worth the value for me any more as it use to be.  I live in NY, that's a long way to travel.  It's much easier to enjoy Gencon when your only a few hours away, like yourself...  Plus, those are just a few of many example I could waste space griping about, but won't.

I find Origins in Columbus to be twice as fun and a third of the cost.

LiterateWolf:

 I only went for the past 2 years. Last year was a one day trip and this year was a 4 day vacation. I didn't get to do what I wanted this year either, a game compnay ticked me off too, and costs were up. But I still had a great time.

 I think the difference is mentally. I go to be around other gamers since my area has other gamers but who have too much drama for my tastes. It's also a break from work and a re-entry into reality. Less drama, interesting people, and seeing so more games at one booth than I can in town. Just relax and think of it in those terms and Gen Con can be a great event to attend.

I agree!  I'm not saying Gencon can't be great.  I've gone for the past 7 years.  I'm saying it's not worth the value anymore...TO ME!  This does not mean it can't have value to others...

I hear you, David.  Its true that the con does seem to become more expensive with each passing year.  I went for the first time in 2001 and had a great time.  Spent relatively little money for the whole experience.  The next year, flight prices had gone up, hotel room prices had gone up... it was a bit tighter, but I still went and enjoyed it.

 When SoCal launched, I dove right in because I lived a couple hours away.  It was great value for money, so I didn't have to hem and haw over whether or not to go.  The last couple years, its just been WAY too expensive to justify going, and I am kinda missing it.

I can see your point - regardless of whose "fault" it is, if you aren't enjoying the events that you go to the Con for, then it can be difficult to drum up the interest to return.  I do agree that playing in the independent games is worth a serious attempt - I run several indy games when I'm there, and everyone always has a great time (tooting my own horn there, sorry...).

I hope you go again next year and have a blast, whatever you do.  Or not, and save some money and have a blast doing something else!  :) 

I had some good and bad experiences and I still plan to attend (if I can).  Hey, did you and your son come to the event my wife and I ran in 2005? We ran Galaxy Zento RPG (my game) at two different tables.

In any case, take some time (like the rest of this year) to mull it over and maybe try it from a different angle. Maybe the independents will be more fun? Maybe WotC will do better next time? Who can say. The con was very different for us this year because we lost a person from our gaming group in a car accident earlier in the year and it just wasn't the same without him. Yet we shall carry on because he wouldn't want us not to.

 Maybe you should give it one more shot and see what happens? Just my thoughts.

thewildeman:

The con was very different for us this year because we lost a person from our gaming group in a car accident earlier in the year and it just wasn't the same without him. Yet we shall carry on because he wouldn't want us not to. 

Wow! I'm very sorry to hear that.  All my best to you and his family.  Nothing is worse in this time and age than losing someone you love.

David, for whatever it's worth, this year's GenCon didn't seem as fun as it was for me in the past, either. Maybe it's because I was running on so little sleep when I drove down, or maybe it's because almost all my events were in Union Station or the Omni, when I was staying at the Hilton Garden Inn. Yes, I played in some fun games, but I also was disappointed with a couple games.

I'd recommend you provide some feedback to the companies that disappointed you with their games this year. It is a business, after all, and if the folks selling the games aren't making a good impression on you, that ultimately could affect the company's bottom line. Don't know how well that'll work with WotC, but who knows.

Stick around. I'm already planning my Indy excursion for '09.

I go to gencon to meet up with a old friend and to generally have a good time while letting my geek flag fly.  I have pretty much given up on playing rpg events and any kind of tourment, never had much fun doing either at the con.  I still find enough to events to keep me occupied.  

The way the economy is going you will probably find game companies giving less and less free stuff and gencon giving you less bang for your buck. As long as I can split the cost with 3 or 4 people I can justifiy the con   

David (& others),

I hear hear where you're coming from.  I also live in So Cal, so the So Cal Gen Con was really easy to get to.  I attended all of them, and when it was dropped, my wife let me go to the 07 one.  Since it was my first Indy Gen Con, I didn't have anything that big to compare it to.  I missed going this year, but am well into prepping for attending in 09.

You're not the first person to indicate they didn't have a good time, and that is a bit of a concern for me.  I will still go, but it sounds like I better not get my hopes up.

Before I get too far into my post, and need to start defending myself, let me say this, in agreement with what I think David was saying:  The con is different things to different people.  Some go for the the social aspect, others to try new games, get their geek on, compete in events, attend seminars, etc.  So for what David, and others have mentioned (which were some of the reasons I DO like to go), I'm worried.

For me, I go alone, like to shop the Hall, check out new products, try new games, get the latest news, do a seminar, and pick up some swag.  I'm a bit shy to jumping into a D&D game with people I don't know, since I'm more of a ROLL-player than a ROLE-player.  I don't get the feeling I'd be as welcome...but that's just me (based on posts over the couple years here).  Somewhere else someone posted something to the effect that one should not be ENTITLED to swag.  I totoally get his position, but personally, I think I am.  I've been a D&D player for over 25 years and can't even guess how many 100's of $$$'s I've spent on product.  I feel that a little kick-back, in the form a book here, and a plastic fig there is more than fair.  Last year they gave away an Axis & Allies booster, and I promptly came home and bought 2 staters and 20 boosters.  Do I think I am entitled to that free booster, yes, I do.  (now, freebies to games I don't play, aren't "swag," they are trash, so I get that those freebies are "lost" on me).

I also know that Gen Con is not WOTC, and they are not responsible for my air-fare, hotel, car rental, etc. HOWEVER, they are part of MY expenses to get out there, and hence part of my experience.  I feel that since I make the effort (and pay the cost) to go, I'd like to see some "thanks" for my effort from companies that I support with my consumer $$$'s.  AGAIN, this is how >>> I <<< feel.  No need to flame or justify...we're all entitiled to feel how we fee, right?  When I spend 100's flying out, renting a room, and spend time at the booth, and $$$ on their product, I'd like to see some "love" from WOTC (since I'm mainly into D&D, that's the "love" I'd appreciate the most).  When I hear that swag sucked, and from personal experience have been treated coldly by WOTC booth staff the last few times, I'm concerned.

Now, if the Hall is not a major attraction for a specific person, I can see why it matters little.  I'd love to just spend 1 day at in the hall, and the other three days playing D&D, but like I said, I go alone and don't have the network to jump into a game I'd enjoy.  I had a friend play in a RPGA event at So Cal GC, and he was bored to tears and got up and left mid game.  I just don't have to heart to do that, and being stuck in a bad game at Gen Con...well, that would just hurt. So, I just spend my time in the Hall, trying demos, checking out new products, and wandering the halls & rooms in search of gaming in action.

Are you still reading this?  Really?  Wow, ok...I'm about done.

In the end, I'll go out this coming year and make the most of it.  It (the WHOLE experience) will likely determine if I come back afterwards or not.  I'm only 1 person, so I know GC & WOTC care not.  I do look forward to meeting Faepooka (& spouse) in person, and perhaps I'll have the guts to join an independant D&D game.

David, if you decide to go, I hope you & your sone have a better year than this one past.

I go because so many of the friends I've made over the years have scattered, and it's the one time we're all in one place. This year, the people staying in our room were from Michigan(3 of us), Maryland (1), and Alaska (2). 2006 had 2 from California, 1 from Alaska, 1 from Texas, 2 from Michigan. Last year, things fell through, but our little group is already planning next year. Sadly, our Alaskanite will be up for his overseas tour of duty, but the point I'm making is that everyone goes, for different things. I have no FLGS in my area, no TT group. People don't even know what gencon is, nor who Gary Gygax was, nor really, that games exist other than poker. Even mentioning Magic will often get blank looks.

GenCon is more than swag, though swag is nice. For >>ME<< it is being able to comment about things and have the people around me 'get' it. For laughing at tshirts, admiring costumes, immersing myself in this culture where I feel at home--because it just is nonexistent where I live.

 This year was a rough year, a lot of prices have gone up, GenCon crawling through bankruptcy, Gary's passing, WOTC deciding until a week before event registration closed to commit to gencon. I think that this was a terrible year. I been going since it first arrived in Indy and this year seemed real light on the people. This part of the gaming industry is having a hard time fighting against video games and MMORPGs. So this year is gonna be poor but hopefully next year it will be much better

I keep seeing the same major complaint from people. I do not mean to pick on the OP, but why is everyone complaining about the lack of "free stuff?" Is this really that big a deal? Now I agree getting great SWAG is fun, but whether I recieve a lot of perks or just a few, I still try and have a great time at GenCon (or any con for that matter).

I guess maybe our priorities are different, but for me its all about spending time with friends old and new and having some QT to myself as well. I work as a corporate attorney, so believe me when I say that my profession is not very friendly to gamers. If a partner or client finds out i play D&D, you can see on their face that they are reevaluating my position with the firm or as their counsel.

GenCon affords me the opportunity to "let my geek flag fly" as one poster stated. Additionally, it allows me to just have some fun playing games I don't get to play regularly due to job and family commitments. I would recommend viewing this experience differently. Isnt it a great time for you and your son to spend time together and do something you both enjoy diong? Sure, maybe he only gets 2 minis instead of a "stack", but these are memories and experiences you will have that will survive long after the minis you "win" or the money you would save by not going.

Now, I am not a GenCon apologist, I agree that this year's Con was lacking some. Although I have in the past mainly attended Origins and then come to GC for a day or two, I did the opposite this year and could tell. But Origins has shrunk too (more than GC). Previous posters are right, the economy, plus WoTC's late decision to come undoubtedly affected some things. But it was still fun.

I will echo the voices of some previous posters and say that if you have complaints express them to the companies. If nothing else hoperfully they can provide you some explanation. But also, look into independent games. I am a big D&D player and try to get a happy mix of RPGA games and independent games.

I hope you will reconsider and come next year. But if not, still try and find something that you and your son can enjoy together.

David, I appologize if you thought I was putting words into your mouth.  Text is such a tricky way to communicate sometimes.  When you stated "And I'm sure as long as Gencon is getting their money they could care less." I did interpret that as you saying that Gencon was somehow responsible for the things that you mentioned. 

Having everything spread out to the various hotels killed things for me this year.  I just felt disconnected from the convention as a whole. 

  I've noted that part of what makes gencon more expensive each year is that I find more minor expenses that I can cover that improve the experience just a little more. Of first gencon was thu-sun, now we travel wed and mon, which bumps up the cost, but improves the convention enough to justify the expense. This year was a bad living for stuff just costing more. Tough times.