Gen Con gets bigger as tabletop gaming grows
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Gen Con Indy is back for another record breaking roll. Photo: Courtesy of Gen Con
The longest-running tabletop gaming convention in the nation is making a habit of shattering records.
Why it matters: Gen Con, which has been held in Indy since 2003, has become synonymous with summer and is the city's largest annual convention.
- It was a driving force behind the city's expansion of the Indiana Convention Center and addition of a 38-story Signia by Hilton hotel after convention leaders warned the event was outgrowing Indy and needed more space.
- Gen Con has agreed to stay through at least 2030.
Driving the news: When Gen Con opens its doors Thursday, it will mark the start of the biggest event in the convention's nearly 60-year history.
- Last year was its first-ever sellout, and officials started the week by announcing they did it again in 2025.
- It's also adding attractions as it adds attendees. This year will feature a record 595 vendors selling games, merchandise, costumes, art, books and more.
By the numbers: Last summer, Gen Con drew more than 71,000 people and delivered an economic impact of $77 million.
The big picture: The biggest Gen Con ever arrives amid a global gaming boom that started in the late 2010s as the rise of crowd-funding allowed more developers to get in the game and millennials took to tabletops to disconnect from their devices.
- The industry got another boost during the pandemic as families stuck inside searched for new ways to spend time together and entered the worlds created by brands like "Dungeons & Dragons" or "Warhammer" to escape.
- Research suggests that gamers who got into the hobby during lockdown are sticking around.
What they're saying: "This incredible growth reflects the enthusiasm and increasing interest in the tabletop gaming community, and we are delighted to welcome thousands of attendees to celebrate our shared love for games," Gen Con President David Hoppe said in a statement.
- "Together, we are not just creating memories; we are shaping the future of this vibrant culture."
Yes, but: Developers and publishers are bracing for a potential crash caused by President Trump's tariffs because many tabletop games are made overseas.
- Earlier this month, the Game Manufacturers Association reaffirmed its opposition to tariffs on toys and games.
- "These tariffs create unnecessary financial strain and disrupt supply chains critical to our industry," the association said in a statement.
Zoom in: Although the show is a sellout, there is still plenty of fun to be had outside of the convention center.
- The Gen Con Block Party on South Street is a free outdoor bash featuring food trucks, specialty drinks and giveaways.
- Event partners like Sun King Brewery, HotBox Pizza, Daniels' Vineyard, Helm Coffee, Social Cantina and Harry & Izzy's will be in attendance to roll out gaming-themed grub.
- Some of the action from inside will also be streamed live on Gen Con's Twitch channel, including the 39th annual costume contest.