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.