(tl;dr)

Gen Con 2025 was an exhilarating success!

Our experience after exhibiting for the first time has been incredibly intense, rewarding, successful, and has us already looking forward to doing it all again in 2026.

We can't wait to take what we learned from our four packed days to adjust, improve, and come back stronger and more impressively than ever.

-Adam

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Wednesday came, and having stayed awake through to the next morning, I was still ready to embark on the journey from Ann Arbor to Indianapolis. You can prepare as much as you like, but there's the lingering unknown to face in a few hours, so you just take it as it comes.

Upon arrival, I started to see the scale of it all - clusters of people navigating faulty crosswalk signals while dodging congested traffic. Feeling like a dazzled, international tourist just a few hours from home, we found parking, gathered our materials, and made our way in with surprising ease. Finding which restricted door to access the convention center for vendors led to a bit of a wild goose chase, but I was first to scout making my way through the maze of booths while forklifts wove between paths on the grid. With table setup, we were as ready as ever for when the gate would drop early on Thursday.

The hotel served only as a temporary calm before the storm. I enjoyed some rest, woke up to the prospect of a hearty breakfast, then returned to the belly of the beast.

The venue is so expansive it should have its own zipcode. I felt like a little fish in a very big pond.

Our first guests trickled in and I began what would be a long series of repeat explanations of how our game worked to whoever would listen. My voice grew hoarse and I quickly realized the growing need for constant hydration. The first sale was a welcome morale booster and I was struck by the palpable vibe of positivity throughout from all around me, attendees and merchants alike.

We survived a full day's shift, eager to do it all again the following day and beyond. I noticed upon leaving that pretty much anyone I saw on the streets or at the hotel was there for Gen Con. It was like the population of the city doubled (and I wouldn't be that far off with 70k+ reported in attendance.) One would think this would be chaotic and excited fans might "take over," but it all felt very civilized and orderly. I can only imagine the buzz of activity behind the scenes to support it all and wrangle it in.

Before the end of the second day we had sold out. While being regularly told "that's a good problem to have," I really wished circumstances had allowed us more stock to accommodate buyers on site with that instant gratification of taking our game with them in person. One friend group who had bought and played it the same night returned to tell how much they enjoyed it, and that was incredibly validating. We expressed genuine gratitude each time a purchase was made since our fan base is what motivates us and allows our work to progress and enjoy these amazing experiences.

Since we had nothing on hand to give people who wanted a game, I was very thankful we had a (newly) working website and could ship them our local inventory after returning home. The candle company across from us with their elaborate decor was wildly successful and attracted a line of customers who could view our booth while they waited, and we were appreciative and supportive of that. I celebrate seeing everyone successful. If you like quality fragrant candles, go there. If you like supporting a microbusiness with a fantastic and robust cooperative boardgame at the right price, come see us!

The final day ran its course, and as all good things must come to an end, we packed up and wished our entrepreneur neighbors safe travels. The break-down crew wasted no time, and minutes after the closing bell on Sunday they were already busy rolling up the carpet. It went as quickly as it arrived. After our last long walk back to the hotel, we (partially) rejuvenated our weary selves by sleeping in to welcome a Monday afterglow and reflected on our experience, already brainstorming plans for next year.

We were quite fortunate that pretty much everything went off without a hitch and can only imagine the potential for an even more impactful return in 2026. We see the exciting trajectory for growth and are focused and committed to riding that wave of momentum into bigger and better things. The 4-day pressure test was overwhelmingly successful and we learned so much in the process. I can't wait to see where this leads us and the new adventures that await us in the near future!

-Adam