Gen Con 2020 Canceled, Moves to Full Online Event
By Emily Bell
Gen Con 2020 is canceled due to COVID-19. Known as the largest and longest-running tabletop gaming convention in North America, the July event will skip a year and will return in 2021.
A statement from Gen Con representatives says,
Gen Con is the highlight of our year, and we know that it means as much to our attendees, exhibitors, event organizers, and local partners as it does to us,” said Gen Con president David Hoppe. “But after carefully monitoring the situation and having ongoing conversations with experts and local government officials, it became clear that the only responsible option was to cancel the convention for this year.”
The announcement came after “extensive consideration” from Indianapolis government officials and health experts. Though expected, the cancelation comes just two months before the event was expected to kick off on July 30.
Those who have already purchased badges will be contacted with information about how to get a refund or roll them over to next year’s event.
Critical Role also attended the show in 2019 but will not be having a live show there this year as they prepare for their cartoon.
We know this was a very difficult decision for Gen Con to make, but we understand and support their decision,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy. “They’re great partners and we’re mutually committed for the long term. For me and so many others in our community, Gen Con 2021 can’t come soon enough.”
There is a bit of good news, however, as the convention will be holding Gen Con Online. It will be a free-to-attend all digital con that will include live streaming, remote gaming, and a bunch of other online events. More details about the online con will be announced at a later date.
Gen Con first started in 1968 in Lake Geneva, WI, and has held a total of 52 conventions since then. The 2019 show saw more than 70,000 attendees pack the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium during its four days.
If you want to prepare yourself for the 2021’s event, check out what we thought during our visit last year.
