Gen Con Cancels So Cal Game-Related Event

Gen Con convention organizers have announced that the organization has canceled its Gen Con So Cal show, which was to take place this year at the Los Angeles Convention Center and include unspecified video game-related content. According to a statement released in the wake of the event's cancellation, the decision was based on several factors, including the presence of other competing shows in southern California, as well as attendance concerns and reduced support from “a few key exhibitors.” The recently announced Entertainment for All Expo from IDG, also targeting the LA Convention Center from October 18-20 of 2007, and including a number of former E3 staff as organizers, is believed to be one of the major reasons behind Gen Con's shift of focus. Gen Con So Cal first began in 2003 and was held at the Anaheim Convention Center. However, organizers announced in August 2006 that the 2007 event would be moved to the Los Angeles Convention Center in the wake of E3's shift, in focus in order to attract further video game companies to exhibit alongside the traditional paper-gaming and CCG Gen Con mainstays. The organization still plans to hold its 40th anniversary Gen Con convention from August 16-19 in Indianapolis, which will feature an additional 43,000 square feet devoted to the event's exhibit hall. “Putting an end to our Gen Con So Cal show was in no way an easy decision to make,” said Peter D. Adkison, CEO of Gen Con. “But at the end of the day, it became apparent to us that the show was not likely to grow and expand without immense effort and expense. With our other shows doing so well, it made sense to focus our energy and talent on making those the best shows they can be.”