If you’re a table top gamer, RPG enthusiast, or someone who just enjoys rolling dice and pretending to be a wizard, then you’ve probably heard of Gen Con. If you haven’t, well, you’re in for a treat—because this is the story of how a bunch of wargamers in a basement gave birth to the biggest table top gaming convention in North America.

Humble Beginnings in Lake Geneva

Gen Con was founded in 1968 by Gary Gygax, the man who would go on to co-create Dungeons & Dragons and change gaming history forever. Before his days of dragon-slaying and dungeon-crafting, Gygax was a passionate wargamer—a hobby that, back in the ‘60s, involved pushing little lead soldiers around a table top and arguing over whether your cavalry charge was historically accurate.

Inspired by a wargaming convention he had attended in Malvern, England, Gygax decided to host his own gathering. The first Gen Con (short for “Geneva Convention,” named after his hometown of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin) took place in the humble setting of the Horticultural Hall. About 100 people showed up, likely unaware that they were witnessing the dawn of something legendary.

The Rise of a Gaming Powerhouse

Throughout the ‘70s, Gen Con grew steadily. By 1971, Gygax had co-founded Tactical Studies Rules (TSR) and was working on what would become Dungeons & Dragons. When TSR officially debuted D&D in 1974, Gen Con became the epicenter of the RPG explosion. Players eager to test their mettle against goblins and gelatinous cubes flocked to the convention.

By the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, Gen Con had outgrown its original venue and moved to larger spaces. In 1985, it settled into Milwaukee’s MECCA Convention Center, where it remained for over a decade.

The Wizards Take Over

In 1997, TSR was in financial trouble and was acquired by Wizards of the Coast (WotC), the folks responsible for Magic: The Gathering. Along with rescuing D&D from near-extinction, WotC also inherited Gen Con. Under new management, the convention continued to grow, eventually moving to Indianapolis in 2003—its current home.

Indianapolis proved to be a perfect fit. The Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium provided ample space for an ever-expanding army of gamers, exhibitors, and cosplayers dressed as everything from beholders to battle-hardened paladins.

The Modern Gen Con Experience

These days, Gen Con is the place to be if you love table top gaming. Every August, tens of thousands of attendees descend upon Indianapolis to revel in four days of dice rolling, rulebook flipping, and caffeine fuelled strategy sessions.

What Can You Expect at Gen Con?

• Tabletop RPGs Galore: From official Dungeons & Dragons sessions to indie gems that involve playing as sentient raccoons, there’s something for every roleplayer.
• Board Games and Card Games: Whether it’s the latest Eurogame masterpiece or a chaotic party game involving shouting at your friends, you’ll find it at Gen Con.
• Exhibit Hall Madness: Want to spend an irresponsible amount of money on miniatures, dice sets, and limited-edition rulebooks? The exhibit hall has you covered.
• Cosplay Extravaganza: It’s not just about the games—Gen Con has a thriving cosplay scene, with everything from intricate armor builds to low-budget but endearing cardboard creations.
• Seminars and Panels: Ever wanted to hear game designers rant about the pitfalls of dice mechanics? Gen Con’s got panels for that.
• The Gen Con Auction: A treasure trove of rare and out-of-print games, where bidding wars are waged with the intensity of a Magic: The Gathering final.

The Gen Con Effect

Gen Con isn’t just a convention—it’s a cultural institution. Publishers time their biggest announcements around it, new games launch there, and friendships are forged over late-night Catan sessions. It’s a place where the love of gaming is celebrated, and where the next generation of RPG creators, board game designers, and miniature painters find their inspiration.

As Gen Con continues to grow, one thing remains certain: it’s the ultimate gathering for gamers, geeks, and anyone who enjoys the simple pleasure of rolling a d20 and hoping for a natural 20. So, if you’ve never been, consider making the pilgrimage—just be prepared to leave with a lighter wallet and a suitcase full of dice.