Dice, Costumes, Role-Playing: It’s GenCon in Indy

One of those creators is Mark, a Spanish teacher from eastern Indiana

Cat suit — Source: Ryan Hedrick / WIBC Radio

INDIANAPOLIS — Cards are flying, dice are clacking on tables, and downtown Indy is packed with gamers for GenCon.

“This is the biggest it gets,” a man told WIBC, who flew in from Las Vegas. “I went when it was in Anaheim years ago, but Indy just feels like home now. It’s the people. Everyone’s here to play and have a good time.”

Reyes isn’t the only one who made the trip. The Indiana Convention Center is packed for the four-day event that brings together gamers, cosplayers, artists, and creators from all over.

One of those creators is Mark, a Spanish teacher from eastern Indiana. He’s here with a game he made himself.

“It’s called Tavern of Thieves,” he said, flipping through a deck of cards at his booth. “I made it for my students. I was just trying to get them to talk and have some fun. Now I’m here, watching strangers play it. It’s wild.”

“It started as a class activity,” he added, “but it turned into something bigger. What I’m building is connection—moments where people laugh, compete, and remember why games matter.”

GenCon is the biggest tabletop gaming event in North America, and every summer it fills downtown Indy with people playing cards, board games, and role-playing games.

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