The Rundown on GenCon

You may have heard about GenCon's many financial woes as of late. Due in court on the 21^st, regarding their bankruptcy filing, a delay was granted following an 11^th-hour offer from Gen Con Acquisition Group (described as "a group to be formed"). Gaming giant, GAMA, released a statement verifying they are not behind the acquisition offer, leaving the true identity of this organization (represented by a Louisville, KY firm) a total mystery.

In February of this year, GenCon was sued by LucasFilm Ltd. over proceeds from their November, 2007 Star Wars IV Celebration. LucasFilm Ltd. claims GenCon violated their contract by not reporting correctly, as well as not remitting proceeds meant for the Make a Wish Foundation. LucasFilm Ltd. has not responded to allegations made by a group of young children from South Park who claim certain members may have been involved in the brutal rape of a fictional character. They did, however, drop the case against GenCon, following the announcement of this suggested acquisition.

The acquisition deal would basically pay GenCon's debts, leaving the owners with nothing. However, depending on the proposal GenCon was set to present regarding its bankruptcy, there may be something leftover.

GenCon is one of the largest, and most likely oldest, gaming conventions in the world. Regularly held now in Indianapolis, IN, it originated in Dungeons & Dragons creator, Gary Gygax', home in 1967-68, and has been held in Paris and the UK.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008