Gen Con has announced that it is extending its partnership with Indianapolis in a deal that will allow the convention to renew its contract annually. The convention will stay in Indy until 2021 in a one year extension. It was unknown what would happen to the “best four days in gaming” after controversy swirled within the state of Indiana in 2015 over legislation signed by then Governor Pence that would discriminate against LGBT individuals.

In 2015 Gen Con threatened to leave Indianapolis due to the passing of legislation SB 101 which discriminated against LGBT individuals in the form of “religious freedom.” The convention took a stand to protect LGBT attendees and fight discrimination against them by local businesses. At that time the convention announced it had a contract to stay in the city until 2020 with bidding as to what would happen after beginning this year or next. It was speculated by some the convention would use the controversy to get a better deal from the city to stay.

This coming year the convention will celebrate its 50th convention. The convention has an estimated $72 million economic impact for the region annually.

In 2016, Gen Con featured a record number of turnstile attendees, 201,852, a 2.5% year-over-year increase. Attendees came to Indianapolis from 64 countries, all 50 states, and each Canadian province. Last year, Gen Con also expanded into Lucas Oil Stadium, and due to increased space, also featured a record number of exhibitors (525).

Gen Con moved its annual convention to Indianapolis in 2003 and last completed an extension agreement in 2011. Since moving to Indianapolis, Gen Con’s attendance has more than doubled, from 23,000 unique attendees to a unique attendance record of more than 61,000.

The convention will return to Indianapolis on August 17-20, 2017, to celebrate the historic Gen Con 50.