About Peter Adkison
Peter Adkison is not just a cornerstone of the gaming industry; he's the force behind revolutionizing it. As the founder of Wizards of the Coast, he introduced the world to phenomena like Magic: The Gathering and reinvigorated Dungeons & Dragons, shaping modern gaming. Now, as the owner of Gen Con and the creative mind at Chaldea Studios, he's melding gaming with filmmaking. In this episode, we explore Peter's unparalleled journey, insights from founding to selling a company, and his continual passion for innovation.
Show Notes
Peter Adkison on Building Gen Con (34:09.33 - 36:08.14):
In this segment, Peter Adkison shares his journey of acquiring Gen Con, one of the world's premier tabletop gaming conventions. He talks about the initial allure of Gen Con, which he considered the 'icing on the cake' when he acquired TSR, the company behind Dungeons & Dragons. Peter also explains how he got the opportunity to buy Gen Con back from Wizards of the Coast after selling his company to Hasbro. The acquisition took place in 2001, and Peter has been a key figure in the convention's growth and success ever since.
Empowering Game Designers (37:15.65 - 37:59.10):
Peter Adkison discusses the importance of Gen Con as a platform for aspiring game designers and industry professionals. He emphasizes how Gen Con provides opportunities for networking, playtesting, and learning about the gaming industry. Peter encourages newcomers to connect with others in the industry, attend events, and engage with exhibitors to gain insights and understand market trends. He believes that Gen Con plays a crucial role in fostering talent and innovation within the tabletop gaming community.
The Joy of Gathering the Gaming Tribe (41:43.30 - 44:47.74):
Peter Adkison shares his perspective on what makes Gen Con unique and special. He describes Gen Con as the 'gathering of the tribe,' where thousands of gamers from around the world come together to celebrate their shared passion. Peter highlights the sense of belonging and inclusion that Gen Con offers to attendees. He also discusses the impact of virtual conventions, particularly during the pandemic, and how they have expanded the possibilities for Gen Con's future growth, envisioning a potential online presence of 700,000 gamers.
Navigating the Exhibition World (47:50.71 - 49:53.25):
Peter Adkison provides valuable insights for aspiring exhibitors and convention organizers. He advises those interested in exhibiting at Gen Con to plan ahead and be mindful of the costs involved. Peter stresses the importance of attracting gamers to your event or convention, as exhibitors are more likely to participate when there's a substantial audience. He also encourages event organizers to facilitate networking and community-building to create a successful and engaging experience for attendees and exhibitors alike.
The Legacy of Gen Con (53:38.45 - 54:22.58):
As the episode draws to a close, Peter Adkison reflects on the enduring legacy of Gen Con. He shares his appreciation for Gen Con's role in the tabletop gaming industry, from its origins as a wargaming convention to its evolution as a hub for various gaming categories. Peter celebrates Gen Con's ability to adapt to changing trends and accommodate different gaming interests. He concludes by emphasizing the continued importance of tabletop gaming in bringing people together and making the world a better place.
Peter Adkison — Building Gen Con, Empowering Game Designers, and the Thrill of Gathering the Gaming Tribe (#30)