Intro to GenCon 101 (+5)
July 28, 2011 8:06 AM Subscribe
I am a 41yo male nerd, who will be travelling with my female nerd companion to GenCon in Indianapolis next week. I have only been to GenCon once, back when it was still here in Milwaukee, and that was only to walk through the exhibition floor. We will be staying for the entire run and would like to make the most of it. So far, she has signed up for a few costume events and I have a few random board game events in mind. Otherwise, we are looking at a lot of open time on the schedule. I would like to try my hand at some D&D and signed up for a "Learn to play 4.0" event (I haven't played since AD&D in 1984), but it looks like to play any further than that you need to start off one of the campaigns run by "Baldman Games". Unfortunately, if you miss the early parts of these campaigns (such as the ones scheduled opposite their "Learn to Play" session) you can't jump in at the next part. Is there any other option for a D&D n00b? Any suggestions on what else to sign up for or see and do in Indy?
I generally play board games such as Puerto Rico, Power Grid, Catan, etc. She plays D&D 3.5 in a regular group, and would enjoy a quick campaign if it can be done in one or two sessions, but also enjoys board games. I would maybe like to see upcoming board game titles by the big-name publishers. Is that something that generally happens at GenCon (seems like the right venue) and how would I get to play these? Are there any great restaurants in Indy within walking distance of the convention center (we do have a car but we are staying a block away and I'd like to just stay in the area). Any other important/fun things to see/do in the area? Will anyone else be there for a MeFi meetup? Any common GenCon traditions we should know about? Any tricks to feeding yourself on less than 100 gold pieces a day?
I generally play board games such as Puerto Rico, Power Grid, Catan, etc. She plays D&D 3.5 in a regular group, and would enjoy a quick campaign if it can be done in one or two sessions, but also enjoys board games. I would maybe like to see upcoming board game titles by the big-name publishers. Is that something that generally happens at GenCon (seems like the right venue) and how would I get to play these? Are there any great restaurants in Indy within walking distance of the convention center (we do have a car but we are staying a block away and I'd like to just stay in the area). Any other important/fun things to see/do in the area? Will anyone else be there for a MeFi meetup? Any common GenCon traditions we should know about? Any tricks to feeding yourself on less than 100 gold pieces a day?
Best answer: New boardgame releases (confirmed and expected) @ GenCon, via BoardGameGeek
posted by mkultra at 9:46 AM on July 28, 2011
posted by mkultra at 9:46 AM on July 28, 2011
Best answer: Before the giant text dump, let me throw this at ya - the Gen Con forums. There's a lot of information there if you care to look through it.
My husband and I have been going to Gen Con since it moved to Indianapolis. And, to be honest, what you've described seems like a fairly good schedule - you don't want to do too much in one day, or you won't have time to wander around and wind down. The con can be overwhelming, given how much there is to do and how many people are there, and down time is nice.
Since you're interested in board games, I'd second the board game library. There have been some problems with it, usually during the middle of the day when everybody goes, but my group and I have had good luck with it. And as far as seeing/demoing new games from publishers... that's what the dealer hall is for. As a data point, the dealer hall is my favorite part of the con, not in the least because it's possible for me to wander up to a booth and engage someone in a game (or at least a truncated version of it) at my leisure. You could always try to get into a "Giant ____" game; basically Catan &c. on a huge scale. It's kind of fun.
D&D, I'm not going to be much help on, but for the most part unless a game requests prior experience one can probably show up at a table with generic tickets and hope for a spot. Most games that I've played in have short explanations for abilities and other players are generally friendly and willing to help. At least in my experience. (I've stopped playing RPGs due to noise issues in the rooms where role playing games were held, but that's my own quirk.) In fact, you can probably show up at most events with generics and hope someone doesn't show; it's surprising how often that works, even for popular events.
As far as restaurants... I suppose it depends on what you're looking for. A lot of what's available in Indianapolis is chain-based or otherwise convention-friendly. A pretty comprehensive listing is available here. The selection is OK, but if you're looking for innovative cuisine I haven't really found it, at least within walking distance. For the full Gen Con experience, hit the Ram or Scotty's - both go all out for the convention. Also Steak & Shake (but only after 1 AM). Personally, I enjoy stopping by the City Farmer's Market, and this year I may hike/take a taxi to the Goose for some cheese. For next year, should you return, consider a hotel with a kitchenette; it saves money that could be spent elsewhere (i.e. on spiffy new games), gives you more storage space in your refrigerator, and spares you from a restaurant-only diet for the week. I tried it a few years ago due to losing out in the housing lottery and haven't looked back.
Unfortunately, I'm not really all that knowledgeable about non-Con items, but I have heard that the Children's Museum isn't bad. And I would also be up for a meetup. I recall being involved in a discussion about it last year, but I don't think anything ever happened. Perhaps this year...
posted by daikaisho at 10:09 AM on July 28, 2011
My husband and I have been going to Gen Con since it moved to Indianapolis. And, to be honest, what you've described seems like a fairly good schedule - you don't want to do too much in one day, or you won't have time to wander around and wind down. The con can be overwhelming, given how much there is to do and how many people are there, and down time is nice.
Since you're interested in board games, I'd second the board game library. There have been some problems with it, usually during the middle of the day when everybody goes, but my group and I have had good luck with it. And as far as seeing/demoing new games from publishers... that's what the dealer hall is for. As a data point, the dealer hall is my favorite part of the con, not in the least because it's possible for me to wander up to a booth and engage someone in a game (or at least a truncated version of it) at my leisure. You could always try to get into a "Giant ____" game; basically Catan &c. on a huge scale. It's kind of fun.
D&D, I'm not going to be much help on, but for the most part unless a game requests prior experience one can probably show up at a table with generic tickets and hope for a spot. Most games that I've played in have short explanations for abilities and other players are generally friendly and willing to help. At least in my experience. (I've stopped playing RPGs due to noise issues in the rooms where role playing games were held, but that's my own quirk.) In fact, you can probably show up at most events with generics and hope someone doesn't show; it's surprising how often that works, even for popular events.
As far as restaurants... I suppose it depends on what you're looking for. A lot of what's available in Indianapolis is chain-based or otherwise convention-friendly. A pretty comprehensive listing is available here. The selection is OK, but if you're looking for innovative cuisine I haven't really found it, at least within walking distance. For the full Gen Con experience, hit the Ram or Scotty's - both go all out for the convention. Also Steak & Shake (but only after 1 AM). Personally, I enjoy stopping by the City Farmer's Market, and this year I may hike/take a taxi to the Goose for some cheese. For next year, should you return, consider a hotel with a kitchenette; it saves money that could be spent elsewhere (i.e. on spiffy new games), gives you more storage space in your refrigerator, and spares you from a restaurant-only diet for the week. I tried it a few years ago due to losing out in the housing lottery and haven't looked back.
Unfortunately, I'm not really all that knowledgeable about non-Con items, but I have heard that the Children's Museum isn't bad. And I would also be up for a meetup. I recall being involved in a discussion about it last year, but I don't think anything ever happened. Perhaps this year...
posted by daikaisho at 10:09 AM on July 28, 2011
daikaisho clearly takes a more organized approach to this than much of my group and that is probably a good thing. We are usually figuring out what we are doing on an hour by hour basis and so it's a bit chaotic. But that doesn't mean there isn't fun to be had still.
A couple years ago we ended up at some random guys sisters condo and got to play Braunstein being run by David Wesley himself. It was fantastic!
One year we we organized ( I use the term very loosely ) an impromptu improvised pro-wrestling thing just outside the con.
So yeah, no matter what approach you take, there is a lot to do if you want to do it.
BTW how do we make a Meetup happen? Because it really should.
posted by MrBobaFett at 11:04 AM on July 28, 2011
A couple years ago we ended up at some random guys sisters condo and got to play Braunstein being run by David Wesley himself. It was fantastic!
One year we we organized ( I use the term very loosely ) an impromptu improvised pro-wrestling thing just outside the con.
So yeah, no matter what approach you take, there is a lot to do if you want to do it.
BTW how do we make a Meetup happen? Because it really should.
posted by MrBobaFett at 11:04 AM on July 28, 2011
Best answer: The gencon schedule of D&D 4.0 events will say if an event is open to people with no experience or not. The ones open to people with no experience will take you, no problem. Most RPGs I've played at gencon have been one offs, not campaigns, but if campaignning is what you're more interested in, then you want some varient of Living D&D (or the other RPGs) The RPGA events are mostly living style events where you bring your own character (vs getting a pregen) and either play with your group, or meet up with a group as they marshal you.
I'm not as big of a fan of the boardgame library, because I've not brought down enough people to play the specific game I want. If you're the same way, then there are plenty of board games run at the con at specific time slots. However, be aware that some hosts do a better job helping you get a game going then others. If it's a new to you game, you'll probably want to stay away from Game base 7, or GB7 since they tend to give you the game and then abandon you. Puffing Billy, Rogue Judges, Mayfair, Rio Grande all do a good job of teaching a game at the table.
On cheap feeding: I usually end up scheduling gaming from 8 in the morning to 8 at night, forgetting to leave a break for meals at lunch. To alleviate my hunger without getting crappy expensive con food, at breakfast I normally grab a piece of fruit and a roll and wrap them up in a napkin and put them in my bag to eat when I'm ready.
A gencon tradition / trick to know about -- if you aren't too choosy about getting into a particular event consider getting generic tickets/tokens instead of registering for specific events. The lines tend to be much shorter for generics, and they tend to work for most any event that wasn't already sold out before you got to the con.
posted by garlic at 12:40 PM on July 28, 2011
I'm not as big of a fan of the boardgame library, because I've not brought down enough people to play the specific game I want. If you're the same way, then there are plenty of board games run at the con at specific time slots. However, be aware that some hosts do a better job helping you get a game going then others. If it's a new to you game, you'll probably want to stay away from Game base 7, or GB7 since they tend to give you the game and then abandon you. Puffing Billy, Rogue Judges, Mayfair, Rio Grande all do a good job of teaching a game at the table.
On cheap feeding: I usually end up scheduling gaming from 8 in the morning to 8 at night, forgetting to leave a break for meals at lunch. To alleviate my hunger without getting crappy expensive con food, at breakfast I normally grab a piece of fruit and a roll and wrap them up in a napkin and put them in my bag to eat when I'm ready.
A gencon tradition / trick to know about -- if you aren't too choosy about getting into a particular event consider getting generic tickets/tokens instead of registering for specific events. The lines tend to be much shorter for generics, and they tend to work for most any event that wasn't already sold out before you got to the con.
posted by garlic at 12:40 PM on July 28, 2011
MrBobaFett, I think you might have ended up at the same Braunstein game some of my friends went to. Huh. Definitely a cool thing if one can swing it. You also reminded me that Major Weseley hosts seminars, which in general are usually an easy way to relax without feeling like you're missing out. Sit down and listen to a lecture for an hour! It's fun.
One thing I forgot to mention: SHOES. Make sure they are awesome, because you will be walking on unforgiving ground for the entire con. Your feet will hurt. Also, try to smuggle water bottles or other beverages into the convention center if you can, because the water fountains are few and far between and the bottles sold there are $3, aka stupid expensive. The RPG rooms in hotels usually have water provided by the hotels themselves, but refills can be erratic.
(Also I think a meetup basically takes someone going over to IRL and posting a proposal along the lines of "Hey, let's do this!" I would, but I have to head off to work and don't have time.)
posted by daikaisho at 2:24 PM on July 28, 2011
One thing I forgot to mention: SHOES. Make sure they are awesome, because you will be walking on unforgiving ground for the entire con. Your feet will hurt. Also, try to smuggle water bottles or other beverages into the convention center if you can, because the water fountains are few and far between and the bottles sold there are $3, aka stupid expensive. The RPG rooms in hotels usually have water provided by the hotels themselves, but refills can be erratic.
(Also I think a meetup basically takes someone going over to IRL and posting a proposal along the lines of "Hey, let's do this!" I would, but I have to head off to work and don't have time.)
posted by daikaisho at 2:24 PM on July 28, 2011
Make sure you eat at least once at Maxine's Chicken & Waffles!!
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 4:51 PM on July 28, 2011
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 4:51 PM on July 28, 2011
South Street has the closest fast/cheap food - White Castle (24hrs), Subway, Arbys.
I'm not a sushi fan but Sushi On the Rocks seems to be a fav. It's on South Meridian.
Massachusetts Ave is trendy, mid to high price and there's a ton of different places to choose from. It's a good walk from the con though. Yats is a Cajun place that has a lot of good buzz. I just found out they opened one on Mass. Ave.
Here's Nuvo's listing (local free magazine) for downtown eats.
http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/LocationSearch?locationCategory=&neighborhood=1202233&locationSection=1276401&keywords=
It might help you to know downtown is set on a grid. Washington and Meridian St. is the point where the numbering system starts. If a street says South or North, it means South or North of Washington. If a street is East or West, it means it's East or West of Meridian.
posted by stray thoughts at 1:49 AM on July 29, 2011
I'm not a sushi fan but Sushi On the Rocks seems to be a fav. It's on South Meridian.
Massachusetts Ave is trendy, mid to high price and there's a ton of different places to choose from. It's a good walk from the con though. Yats is a Cajun place that has a lot of good buzz. I just found out they opened one on Mass. Ave.
Here's Nuvo's listing (local free magazine) for downtown eats.
http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/LocationSearch?locationCategory=&neighborhood=1202233&locationSection=1276401&keywords=
It might help you to know downtown is set on a grid. Washington and Meridian St. is the point where the numbering system starts. If a street says South or North, it means South or North of Washington. If a street is East or West, it means it's East or West of Meridian.
posted by stray thoughts at 1:49 AM on July 29, 2011
Response by poster: Make sure you eat at least once at Maxine's Chicken & Waffles!!
I may, but that site is horrible. Exhibits many of the qualities of the Worlds Worst Website: non-skippable intro, loud background music, frames, bad color contrast, etc. Whew! if people eat there despite the shortcomings of their website, the food MUST be good.
posted by JJtheJetPlane at 10:49 AM on July 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
I may, but that site is horrible. Exhibits many of the qualities of the Worlds Worst Website: non-skippable intro, loud background music, frames, bad color contrast, etc. Whew! if people eat there despite the shortcomings of their website, the food MUST be good.
posted by JJtheJetPlane at 10:49 AM on July 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for the great advice so far! We are trying to digest and note as much as possible. Keep it coming.
posted by JJtheJetPlane at 10:50 AM on July 29, 2011
posted by JJtheJetPlane at 10:50 AM on July 29, 2011
Delicious food- Siam Square (Thai restaurant) which is in the fountain square area of downtown Indy. If you're willing to drive, Recess (restaurant) in Broad ripple has amazing food.
posted by cynicalidealist at 7:03 PM on July 29, 2011
posted by cynicalidealist at 7:03 PM on July 29, 2011
Don't forget to wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, and avoid touching your eyes, nose mouth. Conventions are generally festering pools of germs.
posted by HMSSM at 7:39 PM on July 29, 2011
posted by HMSSM at 7:39 PM on July 29, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks for all the great advice. We had a fantastic time. I was completely wrong about the D&D sessions and garlic was correct that I would have no problem with the sessions I was looking at. I also ended up spending a lot of time at the Rio Grande demo room where I sampled Dominion (older but new-to-me) and based on the demo I wound up buying the base and a few expansions. Ms JetPlane went to several presentations on costuming which she absolutely loved. We will definitely return someday but we also have grand plans to see the San Diego ComicCon, PAX, and E3 before we kick out a little PropPlane spawn someday.
posted by JJtheJetPlane at 12:04 PM on August 8, 2011
posted by JJtheJetPlane at 12:04 PM on August 8, 2011
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There will defiantly be demos of new games of various sorts, many will be in the big vendor rooms, but some will be spread thru-out the convention.
If there is a MeFi meetup I would love to know about it, I and a couple other MeFites I know from Chicago will be there. We will defiantly be spending some time in the board game room.
I'll check back in on this during my lunch break.
posted by MrBobaFett at 8:13 AM on July 28, 2011