by Jonathan Albin

Created on: April 05, 2007   Last Updated: April 13, 2007

Why Brick and Mortar Game Stores should love Game Conventions

10. Game Conventions draw attention to Games. Like it or not, the enemy of my friend is my friend. There are myriad things to be done in the world today, and playing games is but one of them. If something spurs game play in the mind of the community overall, then that HAS to be good for a game retailer. A convention that does advertising and promotion puts game play into in the mind of some, and reinforces the message you as a retailer of games have striven to do every day you are in business.

9. Conventions give gamers the possibility of "Cross-pollination". It has been my experience on many occasions to overhear a conversation between game enthusiasts, wherein one suggests new type of game to a buddy. It is in this drifting from one game type to the next that new products are tried, new game styles are discovered, and new enthusiasts are created. Your shop has only a limited ability to do this, as game buyers have traditionally bought only their 'style' of game. While stores with sufficient floor space can duplicate this effect, holding multiple game type tournaments simultaneously, for instance, it is by far easier for a convention to accomplish this.

8. Game Players are more at ease trying new games when everyone at the table is new. Conventions are the place where new companies and new products meet game players for the first time. What better way to learn a new game, than with a new set of gamers, at a neutral location? So for a lot of game companies, the convention is a great place to teach new players and potential fans about the newest products.

7. There is anonymity in playing games in large groups. The irony of game players who usually are introverted being the ones to try new games is a refreshing phenomenon. Because there is the possibility of becoming the "authority" on a new game in a games community, often the less outgoing game players will find a new voice after attending a show, because in playing something no one else plays, you gain, at least for a time, the upper hand... As it were.

6. Games groups form... Dissolve... And reform through games conventions. The kinds, types, and styles of game play that are available to try at even a small game convention foment kind of "gamer rotation". Board gamers may find a certain role-playing game fascinating. Table top games enthusiasts may find a few party games a hoot to play. Card game players may find miniatures appealing. By opening the

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