14 DAY TRIAL // Gen Con gaming hobbyist conventions take place every year, to fan and publisher delight all across the US. In light of E3's recent makeover, convention organizers have plans to expand the shows, especially for the West-coast version. Traditionally held in Anaheim, Gen Con So Cal has now changed location to the Los Angeles Convention Center, former host of E3's presentations. The 2007 date is yet to be announced, yet Gen Con literally moves to take E3's place and will attract further video game companies to exhibit alongside traditional paper-gaming.
"When the news came out about the drastic changes at E3, we began to hear from some industry players about Gen Con increasing its capabilities to better accommodate the industry," said Peter Adkison, CEO of Gen Con, LLC. "With our vast experience in producing quality gaming shows, it is a natural extension for us to make Gen Con a place where the electronic industry can show off its products."
E3 downsizing left opened a major window of opportunity for smaller game shows. Gen Con's change of perspective occurred as an effort to present video game manufacturers, developers and publishers with a viable alternative. It's a good place to feature their products to the trade, media and consumers alike. The market potential is huge since this year's E3 brought together more than 60,000 people. To this end Gen Con organizers plan to expand its venue space at the Indianapolis show in 2007. An impressive 43,000 square feet will be added to the exhibit hall with additional space expanding into area hotels as well to accommodate the thousands of games taking place over the four-day event.