August is a special month in so many ways but I had to err on the side of my geeky past by reminiscing over Gen Con for multiple reasons.
- A new book telling the history of D&D is due out this month. It’s written by a guy who covers popular culture for Forbes. Even if Forbes‘ crappy politics creeps into this, the title alone is cool. Of Dice and Men.
- Twenty-five years ago, I attended Gen Con for the first time and it was quite by accident. I would then return for the next five years because it was impressive.
- Fifteen years ago, I went with Steve Bryant in what would be my last time. I enjoyed the side trek to Milwaukee as I was on the way back to Austin. The picture above was taken from that trip.
- It’s the 20th anniversary of Magic: The Gathering appearing. This little pastime would blossom into a crack epidemic within several months and gradually destroy the industry.
That first visit in 1988 was something. Besides the D&D stuff, there were computer games, collectibles, movies, etc. The MECCA area was Nerdvana for the long weekend. Afterwards I made sure I had a mini-vacation centered around the convention.
The only time I regret going was 20 years ago. The wounds from GDW were still fresh and painful. It felt like being a recovering drug addict at a Grateful Dead show. I had fun with the friends I had, I just hated seeing the same GDW douchebags responsible for stabbing me in the back. I’m over it now since living well is always the best revenge.
Somara keeps asking me about going, Fourth Edition left such a turd in the punch bowl. I also don’t see the point anymore after the convention was relocated. Milwaukee may have killed the magical goose with its indifference to gamers (lack of hotel rooms namely) yet Indianapolis is such a terrible replacement, it lacks any character. Thumbs up to Adkison for staying in the Midwest so neither coast has home-field advantage.
Fingers crossed, the book lives up to decent expectations. Same goes for August!