GenCon Random musings RPG

My GenCon plans

logo_indy This year will be the first time I attend to GenCon in Indianapolis. For quite some time, fellow RPG bloggers like Zachary from RPG Blog II and Michael from Mad Brew Labs have been bugging me about when I am finally coming to GenCon. While I always loved the idea of meeting a lot of the great people I know from the internet, I always shied away from the idea of actually going to the GenCon (or any other con).

There are several reasons for that. First and foremost I am usually not comfortable in large crowds. It’s not that I get anxiety attacks or something that serious, but I just don’t like it. The next reason is that when I go to GenCon I will be forced to talk English all the time. While I have no trouble writing in English, speaking the language is a totally different matter. I think my English is definitely good enough, but I just don’t feel that confident. The last reason is that a trip to the US is pretty expensive when you live in Germany. The dollar has gained on the Euro recently and so the flight will set me back something between 900 and 1200€ which is a lot of money.

Zachary was kind enough to offer me a place to stay during GenCon and a lot of people told me that they would love to meet me at GenCon, so I gave it some thought, talked with my family and my girlfriend and then decided I should definitely go. The opportunity to meet a lot of my fellow RPG bloggers, game designers and thousands of fans of our hobby is just too good to pass up. And I don’t want my lack of confidence in certain areas hold me back from having a great time. I think each gamer should attend GenCon at least once!

So, what are my plans for GenCon? As a RPG blogger covering the GenCon for people who haven’t had the opportunity to attend this year will one of the priorities. I actually bought a digital video camera a while back, so that I can do video interviews etc. if everything works out as planned. I will definitely meet with some fellow RPG bloggers and I will try to track down some of the industry people I know to shake hands and chat. And the rest of the time I will just try to enjoy everything GenCon and Indianapolis has to offer. This trip in August will actually be the first time I visit the US and I am already very excited. If you have any tips for me, or if you are at GenCon yourself and you want to meet up with me, let me know. If you have any other thoughts you want to share, feel free to post in the comments below!
Stargazer

Michael Wolf is a German games designer and enthusiast best known for his English language role-playing games blog, Stargazer's World, and for creating the free rules-light medieval fantasy adventure game Warrior, Rogue & Mage. He has also worked as an English translator on the German-language Dungeonslayers role-playing game and was part of its editorial team. In addition to his work on Warrior, Rogue & Mage and Dungeonslayers, he has created several self-published games and also performed layout services and published other independent role-playing games such as A Wanderer's Romance, Badass, and the Wyrm System derivative Resolute, Adventurer & Genius, all released through his imprint Stargazer Games. Professionally, he works as a video technician and information technologies specialist. Stargazer's World was started by Michael in August 2008.

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12 comments

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Abraham

Just have fun, and write some nice posts when back! 😀
.-= Abraham´s last blog ..Colour Tests. =-.

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Stargazer

Thanks a lot! I will actually try to post *while* I am there. 🙂

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Zachary

We’re really looking forward to seeing you, Michael! This will be so much fun!
.-= Zachary´s last blog ..Whither White Wolf? =-.

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Stargazer

Thanks again for everything, Zach. Without you and Michael I would have never decided to go. By the way, we still have to talk about how long I can stay at your place, since I need the dates for booking a flight.

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Zachary

Yes, sir! I emailed you–I will be off work Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun., having to go back Monday. We can also coordinate with Jeff, since I think I will be picking him up at the airport Wednesday as well.
.-= Zachary´s last blog ..Whither White Wolf? =-.

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Mad Brew

Muwhahaha!

Hey don't worry about the English… I know plenty of native speakers who are less than stellar at communication (and there are many attendees that don't use English as their first language).

If you two need help with logistics I might be able to help (give rides to/from airport).
.-= Mad Brew´s last blog ..Staying Abreast of the Hobby =-.

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Stargazer

Michael, I don't worry that much, since a lot of people told me my English is fine. But the fact that I have to rely on English for a couple of days makes me a bit nervous.

And thanks for your kind offer.

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Zachary

Thanks, M.B.! We have two guests (Stargazer and Bonemaster) flying in, so we'll have to see how it shakes out!
.-= Zachary´s last blog ..Whither White Wolf? =-.

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Doug Daulton

Michael,

It would be great to meet you at GenCon 2010. Swing by the Neoncon booth and say hello. If it helps, I'll be glad to speak German with you … though it has been a looooong time since high school German for me. So, if nothing else, listening to me stumble after "Guten Tag!" will make you feel much more confident about your spoken English. ;^D

Doug
.-= Doug Daulton´s last blog ..The Shark Bone Interview =-.

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    Stargazer

    Hehe! I will make sure I swing by!

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DeadGod

I'm hoping the RPGBN has a get-together again this year. It would be nice to put a face to my fellow bloggers!

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Sunglar

I am SO HAPPY for you… GenCon is truly and experience! I wish I had dome more gaming while there, but I have hopes of returning. Wish I could go this year, but unless I have a windfall it’s looking less and less likely. I also had great fun in the True Dungeon, and I was really reluctant to play, so I recommend it.

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