http://www.gencon.com/2008/corporate....15.Press.aspx

Quote from: SEATTLE (February 15, 2008) Gen Con LLC announced today that it has filed for Chapter 11 protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the State of Washington. This action became necessary as a result of significant unforeseen expenses associated with attempts to expand its core business to encompass externally licensed events. Gen Con's flagship show, Gen Con Indy, remains a vibrant, profitable event. Gen Con Indy will take place as scheduled August 14–17, 2008, in Indianapolis, Indiana

Just what the hobby needs.  More bad news

From what I've read, it's probably due to Lucasfilm's lawsuit.  From the vague things, it looks like Gen Con didn't donate the proceeds of a Star Wars memorabilia auction to charity as they said they would.

If this is for real, rather than some temporary, tactical riposte against Lucasfilm, then it would be a major disaster for teh hobby.

No Gen Con, man... the very idea...

Any response yet from Gen Con, their lawyers, or Atkinson about that lawsuit? There are usually two sides to the story, I'd be interested to see the other.

Quote from: blakkieAny response yet from Gen Con, their lawyers, or Atkinson about that lawsuit?

Only that they're unable to comment on it at all.

This does seem like a tactical move in face of Lucasfilm's lawsuit - I just hope it doesn't destroy all confidence in Gencon (the event) causing companies to cancel their attendance.

Quote from: jasongaI just hope it doesn't destroy all confidence in Gencon (the event) causing companies to cancel their attendance.

I don't think companies have much choice. It's not like there's another major "first tier" gaming convention to go to.  GenCon is _the_ place gamers go to, and as long as people buy tickets, companies will attend.  They just might not offer anything up for GenCon charity drives. . .

We obviously don't know all the details of the lawsuit/bankruptcy, but if it is what it seems, I think it's a serious black eye for the hobby.  

Pete

Quote from: Pierce InverarityIf this is for real, rather than some temporary, tactical riposte against Lucasfilm, then it would be a major disaster for teh hobby.

No Gen Con, man... the very idea...

If it is real, at least it is chapter 11 and not chapter 7.  Most of you probably already know this but chapter 11 is reorganization while chapter 7 is liquidation.

Gencon is a peaceful planet, we have no weapons!

There'll still be a GC Indy, sounds like--that's all I care about.

Quote from: ancientgamerIf it is real, at least it is chapter 11 and not chapter 7.  Most of you probably already know this but chapter 11 is reorganization while chapter 7 is liquidation.

I sincerely hope the reorganization results in them actually giving a shit about Gen Con UK. Last years effort was abysmal.

Let's hope this crap gets straightened before too long.  Sorry to hear about Gen Con UK.

Quote from: obrynFrom what I've read, it's probably due to Lucasfilm's lawsuit.

Looking at the full version of that press release it might be just a matter of them suffering a cash crunch right now. Part of that is the 1 mil that was earmarked for charity but got tossed into some general pot instead of it moving straight out to where it was suppose to go. In a way GenCon took out a loan without asking for one.

So Lucus gets pissed and wants the money to go now but GenCon doesn't have the scratch to cover it right now [and still function day-to-day]. *shrug* Plus they aren't liquid enough right now to get a loan (tough time to get a loan) to cover it. So out comes Chapter 11 to keep them afloat till they can cut expenditures and marginal profit/money losers shows (that all probably doesn't bode well for you Drew ) and get some cash flowing again.

I've a suspicion that the UK convention made money hand over fist. At least it ought to have. When I compared the ticket prices to what was actually on offer it was hard not to feel completely ripped off.

Quote from: blakkiePart of that is the 1 mil that was earmarked for charity but got tossed into some general pot instead of it moving straight out to where it was suppose to go. In a way GenCon took out a loan without asking for one.

So Lucus gets pissed and wants the money to go now but GenCon doesn't have the scratch to cover it right now [and still function day-to-day]. *shrug*

If that's the case, it's not a loan they should have taken out without asking for.
Lucas isn't pissed because he didn't get money for himself.  The money was supposed to go to a charity for sick children.  It wasn't Gen Con's money to spend.

That for me is the hugest question mark.  What the hell happened to the money that was supposed to go to charity?  Very sketchy.