NEONCON

LAS VEGAS (October 28, 2009) Neoncon, a regional, multi-genre gaming convention, is proud to announce Gen Con LLC as the exclusive sponsor of GamesU 2009, the Social Games Unconference. Video game professionals have the Game Developer’s Conference (GDC) and GamesU serves the same purpose, but for the community of traditional, tabletop/social game developers and publishers. Already generating buzz across the industry, GamesU has all the earmarks of a “must attend” event for both established and aspiring game designers. Gen Con’s support of the GamesU launch is tremendous validation of the vision held for the event, now and in the future.

Taking a page from BarCamp, WordCamp and other more tech-oriented unconferences, GamesU creates a community-driven and ground-up learning environment where game designers come together, share ideas and learn from one another.

“Gen Con is excited to partner with Neoncon to launch GamesU,” said Scott Elliott, senior director of sales for Gen Con LLC. “The experts assembled for this inaugural event represent decades of publishing experience coupled with the cutting edge of face-to-face gaming. Grassroots, fun, smart and social games – these are the hallmarks of a Gen Con experience, which is why we are on board.”

Taking place in Las Vegas from November 5-8, Erik Mona of Paizo will present the Keynote Address at this inaugural GamesU. Among others, Mona is joined by a notable group of presenting game designers, which includes Randall Bills (Catalyst Game Labs), Marcelo Figueroa (Greater Games Industry Catalog), Joshua J. Frost (Paizo), Matthew Grau (Wildfire), Jess Hartley (White Wolf), Ed Healy (MoonStew), Boyan Radakovich (Shifting Skies), Stan! (Super Genius Games) and John Wick (Wicked Dead). Topics include game design, pitching to the pros, career development, effective use of the Internet and online social networks and much more.

About Neoncon/GamesU

In 2007, a small, local RPGA-centric event was relaunched as Neoncon, a regional, multi-genre gaming convention. From its inception, Neoncon’s primary mission has been “to elevate the discussion of tabletop gaming” and help bring it out of the pop-culture “basement” in which too often lingers in the broader public mind. Supported by local monthly game days and growing number of key publishers and distributors, Neoncon has steadily grown with each year of operation. With the 2009 show, Neoncon introduces GamesU, the Social Games Unconference; itself a most tangible expression of Neoncon’s mission. For more information visit the website at www.neoncon.com.

About Gen Con
Gen Con, LLC produces the largest consumer hobby, fantasy, sci-fi and adventure game convention in North America. Its operations include Gen Con Indy and licensees for European and Asia Pacific Gen Con shows. It was acquired in 2002 by former CEO and founder of Wizards of the Coast Peter Adkison, who owns the company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Gen Con is a consumer and trade experience dedicated to gaming culture and community. For more information visit the website at www.gencon.com.