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Gen Con 2026: All the news, reveals, and tabletop gaming announcements
Gen Con 2026, the major US tabletop gaming convention, has begun in Indianapolis, bringing together more than 70,000 fans and hundreds of exhibitors. Polygon’s coverage highlights new board games, role-playing games and other announcements, with some convention products expected to sell out before wider release.
– Gen Con runs for four days from 30 July, with the Exhibit Hall offering demonstrations and early sales of new games, including anticipated Star Trek and The Lord of the Rings tie-ins. – Brotherwise Games announced plans to open its Cosmere RPG’s Plotweaver rules system for other creators, beginning with a free online alpha on 5 August using the new Erstwild fantasy setting. – Dungeons & Dragons designer Keith Baker is among the creators developing projects using Plotweaver; additional settings are planned for autumn and an open beta next year.
In short
- Gen Con 2026 has opened in Indianapolis.
- New games may sell out quickly at the convention.
- Cosmere RPG rules will become available to other creators.
Explained simply
Gen Con is the largest annual tabletop gaming convention in North America, held in Indianapolis. It attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts and hundreds of game publishers who gather to announce new releases and offer exclusive early access to forthcoming games.
For the gaming industry, Gen Con serves as a major showcase where publishers unveil anticipated new products and where attendees can purchase limited edition versions. Games announced or sold at the convention frequently sell out before becoming available elsewhere, making attendance a priority for dedicated players.
Tabletop gaming—encompassing board games and role-playing systems like Dungeons & Dragons—has grown significantly in recent years in mainstream popularity. This growth has led major entertainment franchises, including well-known film and television properties, to develop tabletop game versions to engage dedicated fan communities.