中文 (台灣)Contents
Gen Con 2025 – An Eye-Opening Experience as a Newbie
Hi everyone, this is Ariel, the marketing manager at WWBG.
July marked my very first month with the company — and my very first time working in the board game industry. Everything has been new, exciting, and a little overwhelming in the best way possible. With so much still to learn, heading to Gen Con felt like diving into the deep end… and it turned out to be an absolutely eye-opening experience.
From Taipei to Indy
Flying from Taipei to San Francisco, and finally to Indianapolis, I started noticing something magical before we even landed. People on the plane were wearing game-themed T-shirts, pins, and hoodies, chatting with friends about their plans for the weekend. You could feel the anticipation in the air.
I knew Gen Con wasn’t just the largest board game/TTRPG convention in the U.S, it’s also one of the oldest gaming conventions in the world. Still, my introverted self couldn’t help but wonder: What if I don’t know enough about games? What if I’m surrounded by people I have nothing in common with?
Before the convention, I even dusted off my long-forgotten Reddit account and joined the Gen Con subreddit. I made a few hesitant posts promoting our games and booth, and to my surprise, people responded with kindness, encouragement, and genuine curiosity. That little bit of online warmth went a long way in easing my nerves before the big event.
The Convention Floor
I’ve been to anime and comic conventions in the U.S. before, but when we arrived, I realized Gen Con had a similar energy — just with a different flavor. It’s simply a gathering of people passionate about a hobby they love, all in the same place, ready to have fun together.
At our booth, I had the joy of introducing our games to so many attendees. Even better, some of you decided to take a copy home. And I got to sit down and play demos with a few of you, which is something I couldn’t have imagined doing just two months ago. Your smiles, excitement, and thoughtful feedback made the long hours fly by.
Walking around the hall in between shifts, I was amazed by the sheer number of publishers, artists, and merch stands. There was so much creativity and craftsmanship everywhere you turned — it felt like stepping into a living, breathing celebration of play.
Looking Back
Yes, I was jet-lagged and exhausted by the end, but the experience was worth every minute. Gen Con wasn’t just about showcasing our game: it was about connecting with people, learning from the community, and finding my footing in an industry that already feels like home.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, played a game with us, or simply shared a kind word. You’ve truly boosted my confidence as a newcomer to the board game world, and I’m so grateful for the warm welcome.