INDIANAPOLIS — For the last five years, Krystle Rodgers, a 23-year-old Anderson resident, has been attending Gen Con Indy.
Billed as “The Best Four Days in Gaming,” the annual event is in its 43rd year. Game enthusiasts such as Rodgers and her friends come from around the country to participate.
“I come for the dealer hall,” Rodgers said, referring to the large exhibit hall filled with gaming merchandise and demonstrations in the Indiana Convention Center. “And (I come) to see friends I only see once a year. There’s a lot of fun events I do. I like to go to all the movie showings and seminars.”
Rodgers’ friend, Robert Slack, also a 23-year-old Anderson resident, has been attending Gen Con Indy for six years and said the new items and games on display make it worth going back every year.
And with approximately 8,600 gaming events running 24 hours a day through Sunday in the Indiana Convention Center and surrounding hotels, gamers have their pick of events to chose from. Almost all types of games are represented, including trading card games, role-playing games, board games, console games and computer games.
Rodgers and her friends play a wide variety of games. Having the convention located so close to home is a bonus.
“It saves us a lot on travel,” Rodgers said.
Slack added: “It definitely makes it easier to get here.”
Rodgers, Slack and their other friends are staying at a hotel in downtown Indianapolis for easy access to gaming events. They brought a PlayStation 3 along for gaming in the evenings as well.
“I spend every waking opportunity playing games here,” Slack said.
Gen Con Indy offers a variety of games and events for all ages and levels of interest. With at least 90,000 consumer and professional attendees, according to a Gen Con press release, something can be found for the most hardcore gamers to the more casual gamers. Various activities for children and non-gaming spouses are offered as well.
“I encourage people to check it out, even on Saturday, and see if you like it,” Rodgers said. “If you like it then you know next year you want to come the whole time.”
A one-day badge to access Gen Con Indy can be purchased on-site for $48. On Sunday a family badge can be purchased for only $28. Slack pointed out that Sunday is a great day for attendance since many of the merchandisers lower prices in order to not have to take inventory home with them.
The convention is held yearly at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis in August. Rodgers said she will return next year.
“When we leave here, we start planning for next year,” she said.
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Jenni McMichael, a Muncie resident, joins Krystle Rodgers and Robert Slack (Anderson residents) at Gen Con in Indianapolis on Friday. Submitted photo
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It's game on 24 hours a day at Gen Con Indy
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