Gen Con Files for Chapter 11

It's a sad day for gamers of all stripes, this afternoon, in light of legal action from Lucasfilm and supposedly being unable to pay charity proceeds to the Make A Wish Foundation, Gen Con LLC filed for bankruptcy.

SEATTLE (February 15, 2008) Gen Con LLC announced today that it has filed for Chapter 11 protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the State of Washington. This action became necessary as a result of significant unforeseen expenses associated with attempts to expand its core business to encompass externally licensed events. Gen Con’s flagship show, Gen Con Indy, remains a vibrant, profitable event. Gen Con Indy will take place as scheduled August 14–17, 2008, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

While the note that Gen Con Indy will still be taking place this fall offers some relief, it's disconcerting to see the convention that has been the face and soul of gaming since 1968 in such dire straits. Although its doubtful that even the end of the Gen Con LLC will mean the end of Augusts’ quintessential nerd-fest, there has always been something noble and "right" feeling about knowing that Peter Adkison, the man who founded Wizards of the Coast, sheparded the card game industry into creation, and saved D&D, was at the helm of the greatest tradition in table-top gaming.

We'll keep you posted as more news on this unfortunate turn of events comes about, but for now, you can see the sad news for yourself at the Gen Con LLC website. Again, though, remember that there will be a Gen Con this year, so probably the best thing you can do to help is pre-register as soon as possible, and maybe see if you can't convince one, or five, or twenty friends to come along. Best wishes to all the folks at Gen Con and hopes that all this can get sorted out soon.