Thanks for sharing. This was my first year attending Gen Con (or any con, for that matter).
The one thing I cannot wrap my head around is the concept of paying to play a game. I believe one game I played was a pay-to-play, but someone else was kind enough to cover the cost for me. Every other game I did was either a demo or a pick-up game off-site. You either learn where to locate them (i.e. like the On Demand Games) or pal around with some people that know where to point you in the right direction.
I understand the means to make revenue to support your lease on the booths and/or rooms you've booked, but it was a bit of a culture shock from my perspective.
Yup, it all costs money.
The Games on Demand that was in room 238 was amazing though. I played in one 2-hour session and GM'ed 3 sessions that were 4 hours each. Everyone at all my tables was awesome and I'm pretty sure the line wrapped around the corner was full of lots more awesome people as well. It did cost a generic ticket ($2) to play a 2 hour session, or two tickets ($4) for a 4 hour session. $1/hour to be matched up with a GM and players and have materials be provided for the game is pretty awesome. I've been told the wait during the busy times was about 15-minutes, which really isn't that bad for an unscheduled event like that.
I imagine I'll probably volunteer GM for at least 2 whole days next year. Or until I get sucked into a werewolf game.
I believe the cost prevents people from reserving many more events than they are likely to show up to. The cost is fairly nominal, and helps to insure people only pre-select events that they actually mean to attend.
Thanks for sharing. This was my first year attending Gen Con (or any con, for that matter).
Me too. It was amazing, but there was almost too many people at times. But I had a great time.