A guide to Gen Con for superfans and casuals
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Gen Con 2024 is almost here! Photo: Courtesy of Gen Con
The nation's biggest tabletop gaming convention returns to Indianapolis this week for another roll.
Why it matters: Gen Con 2024 coincides with the 50th anniversary of cultural juggernaut Dungeons & Dragons.
- Excitement for D&D's 50th propelled this year's Gen Con to a total sellout — a first in the convention's more than 55-year history.
The big picture: The convention continues Indy's red hot tourism year that has already seen NBA All-Star Weekend, U.S. Olympic Swim Trials and a solar eclipse.
The latest: Gen Con has agreed to remain an Indianapolis exclusive through 2030, in part thanks to the ongoing Indiana Convention Center expansion.
What they're saying: "This year, we are not just celebrating games. We're honoring the legacy and the incredible community that has grown around these adventures," Gen Con president David Hoppe said in a statement.
- "From the open-air excitement at our Block Party to the immersive experiences inside the convention center, every element of Gen Con 2024 is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of gaming."
Here are five Gen Con 2024 highlights for veteran gamers and first-time attendees alike:
🐉 Celebrate 50 years of Dungeons & Dragons
The intrigue: A slate of special programming will look back at D&D's history through panels with special guests and a pop-up D&D museum inside the convention center.
- Wizards of the Coast, publisher of D&D, will release the 2024 Player's Handbook.
- To commemorate the moment, the USPS will reveal and sell D&D stamps on-site.
🍻 Kick back at the Block Party
The intrigue: The Gen Con Block Party on South Street is open to the public, offering food and drinks from Sun King Brewery, HotBox Pizza, Daniel's Vineyard, Helm Coffee, Social Cantina and Harry & Izzy's.
- You can also try Sun King Brewing's Cinnamon Roll 4 Initiative, the official beer of Gen Con.
📽️ Catch a movie at the Gen Con Film Festival
The intrigue: Filmmakers from around the world gather to compete in the film fest and attend an awards ceremony. Expect screenings of films focused on fantasy, sci-fi, horror, animation and gaming.
🎭 See local cosplay at the costume contest and parade
The intrigue: Gen Con's 38th annual Costume Contest continues to be a must-see event where cosplayers of all ages will compete in nearly a dozen categories.
- If you want to strut your stuff but aren't interested in competing, join the costume parade that will take place before the contest.
- The Costume Contest will also be streamed on Gen Con's Twitch Channel.
🎲 Play new games before anyone else
The intrigue: With Gen Con being the biggest gamer gathering of the year, it's also the best place for developers to get feedback from players.
- The First Exposure Playtest Hall will see creators bring their prototypes to attendees for free play tests and a behind-the-scenes look at the design process.
If you go: On Monday, Gen Con Indy announced that all badges have been sold and no walk-up badge sales will be available.
- The show runs Thursday through Sunday at Indiana Convention Center. The exhibit hall opens at 10am each day.
- Badges for Gen Con 2025, which runs from July 31-Aug. 3, 2025, go on sale in February.