Gen Con 2017 represented a significant event for collectors and enthusiasts seeking limited-edition items and promotional releases. While the convention is primarily known for tabletop gaming, it also served as a critical distribution point for exclusive miniatures, collectibles, and publisher innovations. This article examines the specific offers available during Gen Con 2017, focusing on the release strategies for limited-edition products and the logistical challenges faced by attendees attempting to secure these items.
Limited-Edition Miniatures and Convention Exclusives
The primary source of "freebies" and exclusive purchases at Gen Con 2017 centered on limited-run miniatures from specific publishers. Corvus Belli, a prominent publisher, utilized the convention as a launchpad for several exclusive releases.
Corvus Belli Releases
Corvus Belli maintained a strategy of releasing specific miniatures exclusively at Gen Con, with some items available for direct purchase during the convention dates.
- Grunt Intel Spec Ops: This miniature was released as a Gen Con 2017 special. It was available for purchase directly at the convention booth and could be ordered directly from Corvus Belli for the duration of the convention. Following the convention, a "General Release Version" of the Spec Ops was made available, featuring a distinct sculpt (shield slung over the back and rifle in hand) compared to the exclusive version.
- Chibi Miyamoto Mushashi: This was a "last minute, fun release" primarily distributed at Gen Con 2017 to support the game Aristeia. It was packaged with two round bases (25mm and 30mm), four Aristeia character cards (identical cards in four languages), and one Aristeia initiative card. While released at Gen Con, the source notes it was "commercially available" in 2017, suggesting a broader release after the convention.
- USAriadna Figure: Similar to the release strategy used in previous years for the "Van Zant" figure, USAriadna received a further Gen Con-only release in 2017. This item was available to order directly through Corvus Belli (with international courier costs applying) and at the "Interplanetary" (likely a retailer or specific booth location) during Gen Con 2016 and 2017.
Other Exclusive Collectibles
The source material also highlights a trend of publishers releasing items that originated as jokes or fan requests as limited physical products.
- Fat Yuan Yuan: This miniature received two sculpts as part of a limited release. Its creation stemmed from an extended campaign by players to turn what was originally an April Fool's joke into a real product. The release included a variety of accessories, including badges, lore ("fluff"), and a menu. It was accompanied by a set of unique, themed missions.
- Gen Con 2018 Exclusive Preview: The source notes that the "Grunt version of the Spec Ops" was released as a Gen Con 2018 exclusive miniature. This indicates a pattern of planning exclusive releases for future conventions based on the previous year's success.
Promotional Offers and Freebie Availability
While specific "free sample" programs for consumer goods (such as beauty or food samples) are not detailed in the provided material regarding Gen Con 2017, there are mentions of promotional items and the mechanics of obtaining them.
Retailer and Convention Freebies
Attendees noted a shift in the availability of free promotional items. Historically, Gen Con provided a "convention coupon book" that allowed attendees to redeem specific freebies. However, reports from 2017 suggest that finding these free items required more effort than in previous years.
- The "Hunt" for Freebies: One attendee reported that they had to actively hunt for freebies from retailers. An example cited was Crystal Caste, where the attendee had to read a small index card, hand over their coupon book, and have the retailer tear off the cover to receive a commemorative die. The sentiment expressed was a desire for the Gen Con team to provide more free stuff directly to gamers, reminiscent of past conventions.
Publisher Support and Prizes
The Tékumel Foundation announced its presence at Gen Con 2017 (August 17th-20th) and other conventions. While not a "free sample" in the traditional consumer sense, the Foundation expressed a desire to support game runners by providing "events prizes and freebies." This suggests that attendees running or participating in specific organized play events may have received promotional materials or physical rewards.
Innovations in Pre-Ordering and Ticketing
Gen Con 2017 saw discussions regarding the growth of the convention and the need for better logistical systems to handle the influx of attendees. These changes impacted how consumers accessed products and events.
Pre-Ordering Systems
A significant innovation noted by attendees was the expansion of pre-ordering options for games.
- Publisher Pre-Orders: Several publishers, including Portal, Stronghold, CGE, and Brain Games, offered pre-ordering options for games at Gen Con 2017. This allowed attendees to secure copies of new releases without waiting in long "buy-to-play" lines or risking sold-out stock. This shift was viewed positively as a way to manage the high demand for popular titles.
Event Ticketing and Management
The convention faced challenges related to its rapid growth, specifically regarding event registration and on-site ticket acquisition.
- Critique of Ticketing: Attendees noted that the process of buying generic tickets or event tickets on-site was cumbersome. The "Wabash East hallway" used for administrative aspects (Customer Service and Event Registration) was described as cramped, hot, and contributing to negative experiences.
- Desire for E-Ticketing: There was a strong suggestion for an "e-ticket system for events." The proposed functionality would allow an attendee to see an empty spot in an event starting soon and purchase a ticket digitally to guarantee a spot, rather than having to buy generic tickets or leave the line to purchase physical tickets.
Logistical Challenges for Attendees
The 2017 convention highlighted ongoing issues with hotel registration and convention growth management.
Hotel Registration Issues
The hotel registration process was a significant point of contention.
- Housing Lottery Mechanics: The system required attendees to enter a "housing lottery" on a specific day. If one person bought badges for a group (paying for shipping once), that group received only one chance in the lottery. To maximize chances, gaming groups often had all members buy badges separately and attempt to secure housing individually.
- Proposed Solution: A suggestion was made to allow attendees to book hotels for the following year while still on-site at the current convention, serving as a reward for returning attendees.
General Convention Growth
The "best four days in gaming" also brought challenges related to overcrowding. Lines were reported everywhere: at will call, in the main hall, and even just to walk through hallways. This congestion made accessing exclusive items and navigating the convention floor difficult.
Conclusion
Gen Con 2017 served as a vital hub for limited-edition collectibles, specifically for miniatures from publishers like Corvus Belli. While the convention did not appear to offer traditional consumer product samples (such as food or beauty items), it provided significant value through exclusive "convention only" releases and unique promotional items. Attendees seeking these exclusives faced challenges, including a competitive housing lottery and crowded conditions, but benefited from emerging pre-order systems that streamlined the acquisition of new games. The event highlighted a balancing act between managing rapid growth and maintaining the tradition of providing gamers with unique, collectible rewards.