With COVID still impacting everything, though vaccinations increasing, Gen Con has released an update as to its plans for its in-person, virtual, and pop-up conventions for 2021.

Gen Con

The convention has given an update stating that the full-time staff is almost fully vaccinated and the state of Indiana is rolling out vaccinations for all residents over the age of 16. The convention center has added $7 million in safety upgrades, instituted new protocols for cleaning and sanitization, installed hospital-grade air filtration, and has one-way traffic lanes in hallways and common areas. There’s also a mask requirement for all indoor spaces.

But, due to the move to September, the convention will have a space crunch. Lucas Oil Stadium will be in use and will not be available. Square footage per attendee is being expanded providing more space per person. Game tables will be spread apart more than usual and more open gaming will be present to allow greater flexibility for attendees.

There will also be limited attendance with it being capped at 30,000 to 40,000, half of what’s normal. That will also help with spacing issues.

24-hour gaming will not be going on as the convention center will be closed each night for cleaning and disinfection protocols.

There will also be timed entry as well as other crowd control measures. That includes no first-come, first-served exclusives and excessive lines.

Currently the convention will require masks unless something changes.

The convention is still mulling some things over like proof of vacination and how to handle social distancing which would be difficult to do at a gaming convention.

Gen Con Online

The online presence of the convention will be expanded. Gen Con Online will have a greater virtual presence to welcome attendees and exhibitors who can’t make it.

Pop-Up Gen Con

Also anounced are the publishers participating in Pop-Up Gen Con 2021. They’ll be shipping copies of their new games being released at the convention to participating shops as well as help with demos, events, and sales.

Participating publishers are:

• Catalyst Game Labs
• Forbidden Games
• Pandasaurus Games
• Ravensburger
• Renegade Game Studios
• SlugFest Games
• Steamforged Games
• Usaopoly | The Op
• Wyrd Games

Pop-Up Gen Con takes place September 18, 2021. Game title announcements are still coming.