THE CONVENTION USES THE BYPASS TO RETURN TO GLORY

In its 55th iteration, the detours caused by COVID were still figuratively and literally visible throughout the convention. Masks of all varieties and sizes were visible, and yellow wristbands proving one's vaccination status dripped from everyone's wrists after variable waiting times through the proofing line. It didn't help matters that outside the walls of the Indiana Convention Center (ICC), there were many incomplete construction projects coupled with recent real-world events, which stymied traffic to and from the ICC.

- Justin Spicer

STOP ON RED

This was not the only stoppage that Gen Con endured during the four days. A lot of publishers were at the mercy of the same supply chain and shipping concerns that have continued to plague the industry. This was not a problem exclusive to lingering strains caused by the prolonged pandemic, it's just been exacerbated. The days of publishers being able to locate and fly in limited copies are not as prevalent as they were 4 years ago. The cost and logistics involved just aren't worth it.

Likewise, continued concern over COVID and its variants prevented many usual willing participants from attending. The flip-side was also true, as many unvaccinated and mask-weary individuals chose not to attend.

YELLOW REQUIRES CAUTION