We Went to GenCon 2024! - Our Experience + Giveaway

[@BeforeYouPlay]

EDIT: WOW thank you for all the lovely comments! We both truly appreciate everyone who has watched our channel these past 5 years, hope everyone has a fantastic start to the week! What are some upcoming games we should look out for?

[@leovincent6461]

so nice to see you in some of Board Gaming Ramblings' videos! Thanks for the Crokinole content - I've really wanted to try that

[@Ashblury]

We were at the Marriot near the bar playing Blueprints of Mad King Ludwig. Ironically we had just watched your how to play video for it, when I thought I heard both of you. I turned around to see you both talking to game designer. I wanted to say hello, but didn't want to interrupt your conversation. We had a great GenCon. I was lucky enough to get my hands on Rock Hard 9177, Cities, Things in Rings, and Arcs.

[@BobbyReichle]

GenCon random happenings really are what makes the con. I ran into some people who ran into you both and were so excited. So glad you had a good time!

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

It was so nice to sit down and hangout with you guys at the end of the convention! 😊❤ I’ll be attending PAXU as well so hopefully we can get in a chunkier game there! 🤞🏻

[@CalebWilesMagic]

It was so thrilling to perform a little magic for you both. Thanks for the kind words ❤

[@Jelonq]

Hey Monique and Naveen! I've found your channel by looking for a Cafe playthrough few weeks ago and been rummaging through your videos since :P Great stuff! Your teachings are easy to follow, playthroughts very entertaining (also help the newly aquired knowledge to sink in) and reviews very infomrative. I'm glad you're continuing content creation, hope it's not too stressful and gives at least the same amount of joy as for us - viewers. Thanks for sharing your GenCon experience. Take care, Lena

[@DenisRyan]

Yay!! Welcome to the family!

[@Jelonq]

@@DenisRyan thanks!

[@DaRedGoldfish]

I had no idea you could walk inside the Gnome balloon sculpture after it was finished! D'oh. #Bloom

[@maritalanen9460]

I'm a 95% solo gamer and LOVE following your channel because of the excellent teaches you provide of the games you review - I gain a better understanding of each game even if you're playing a soloable game multiplayer. Thank you for all you contribute to the board game hobby! #Bloom

[@BoardGameCo]

Glad I got to see you at Gencon and sorry we didn't get to spend more time together. I'll be at Pax, would be amazing to sit down and play a game or grab a meal :) And I'm glad you got to play Crokinole and Things in Rings! Two games I really love!

[@icex7312]

#bloom It was great seeing footage of you two at GenCon with so many of my other favorite KZbinrs like Johannes & Sunniva and Amy & Maggie. You’re living my dream! Never stop enjoying it all.

[@AndrewRStiles]

It was great to meet you both. I love Forrest Shuffle, my wife and I play it all the time.

[@BreadnBrew]

Thanks for doing this, this is one of my favorite channels! My wife and I just got back today from a few days of camping with our dog, and we brought along Spirit Island and Patchwork this time. We keep most of our Spirit Island content at home and just throw a few spirits each into the Horizons box as our camping set since we only bought it for the additional spirits anyway. I do hope you have some Crokinole content at some point; I've looked at getting a board for at least a few years now and just haven't done it. #Bloom

[@DaraTeaches]

I watched your playthrough of A Gentle Rain last week #Bloom Been playing a lot more solo games recently and that one seems super chill and relaxing

[@Cake216]

It was so great to meet you at GenCon. I am very pleased that I got to introduce you to Things in Rings. That was definitely my surprise hit of the conversation. I have also been playing some Decorum, which I also picked up at GenCon. #Bloom

[@johlin94]

Just wanted to let you two know how much I appreciate your wholesome videos. 👍 I hope you are living your best lives in SoCal.

[@adamliny15]

Honestly, this is my favorite board game channel. A chill couple that enjoys board games and the explain while you play segments are extremely helpful. Just started getting into Dice Throne, I like how quickly it plays. Currently, waiting for my purchase of Thunder Road with Choppe Shoppe and Devil's Run...#Bloom

[@juleswatson7646]

Things in Rings is sheer brilliance! Was really excited to pick it up at Gen Con and hope more and more people get to try it.

[@mokeydmeeple9880]

I was really surprised when I stumbled into the two of you on Thursday. 😂 Glad you enjoyed yourselves at the con!

[@TheMaskedMeeple]

Great Con recap! Thank you so much for featuring me! It was amazing seeing you there guys! Feel so privileged to have spent some time talking about games and life. I look forward to seeing you again soon!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Witness is fantastic - I never get to play it enough. Very glad to have the original edition!

[@robertsilver6181]

my favorite part about fromage is the way the wedge system opens it up so wide for expansions or sequels that can be mix and matched

[@HexStarDragon]

We're waiting for our physical copy of Fromage, but we've enjoyed it on BGA! Connie also took a bit of inspiration from it to put into another design concept that's in the early stages. Glad I got to run into you briefly and say hello! Cons always go by so fast, and everyone's so busy, but we'd be happy to run into you at future events!

[@TheGameBoyGeeks]

Great to see you guys again and play Fromage with you!!!

[@ConeDefense]

Started watching about a year ago and you’ve quickly become one of my gotos. Love the channel and appreciate the giveaway! #Bloom

[@abbynall7740]

It is pretty INCREDIBLE that a board game publisher that started with something as niche as Kinfire Chronicles now has a game being sold in Target. Love to see it. #bloom

[@katelyngjerning2817]

I’m OBSESSED with you two! I usually won’t try a game unless you two have the play through. I was at Gencon and looked for you both the entire time hahah! I have been playing cascadia, wingspan and septima a ton! #BLOOM

[@ConDar2417]

Thanks for the Gen Con recap video! I always love watching about others’ experiences. There’s so much to do there that it’s interesting to see how much it differs for anyone. #Bloom

[@PaulaDeming]

y'all are a delight and I'm so glad we got to spend a little time together at the con!!

[@BoardGamingRamblings]

So amazing to spend time with you! Hope we’ll see you again in not too long 🤩

[@jolde7]

I kept an eye out for you two at Gen Con but I don't think we ever crossed paths. I'll try again next year. Your content is great! Thanks for what you do.

[@jopika1]

Super cool to see Witness is back! One game that I found recently kind of similar-esq vibes was "Perspectives", where all the players have different pieces of information that needs to be shared and combined with others to solve the mystery! It's also written by one of the writers of the Sherlock games :) Thanks for holding the #bloom giveaway!

[@hiho8084]

Welcome home. Glad you are safe and sound. It must have been so nice to play games, meet fans and fellow gamers. I can't wait to get my copy of Fromage. I immediately loved the concept of this game. Thank you for sharing your experience! #Bloom

[@jacobbrglez3060]

Love you channel! You guys are the best of the best for sure! I watched your playthroughs of spirit island and just picked it up! Can't wait to try it out, will surely be playing it solo as well!! #Bloom

[@JonTripp115]

Thanks for sharing your Gen Con experiences! I've seen you pop up in several other recaps this week, so I knew you were making the rounds. :) I hope to see you at PAXU!

[@BillyIndiana]

Glad you had a great trip to GenCon! If you're able to attend Strategicon in a few weeks, I hope you have a great time. We recently moved to Seattle, so I'm going to go to PAX West one day that weekend and check out the board game area 👍

[@jefflindell7657]

#bloom I saw you both at Gen Con but was on my way to my shift at the Cephalofair booth and couldn’t stop, maybe next year. Love your content, keep up the great work.

[@Guinness2496]

Glad you had a good time at Gen Con! My favorite part of this channel is when you two do a playthrough of a game. #Bloom

[@joshuadipaolo1212]

I came to your channel today specifically to see whether there was a GenCon update. Perfect timing! I haven’t been to one yet, but maybe one day…or after seeing those massive crowds, maybe not! I’ve been playing (and loving) Apiary after watching your super helpful play through. Thanks for that. #bloom

[@btbrewer25]

Sorry we missed seeing you at GenCon. We were on the lookout and you guys are one of our favorite channels. Maybe next year... #Bloom

[@SteveBrooks-l5w]

Happy to see you had a great GenCon and got to meet Ben Rosset. He’s a great guy. I had a great Con. My highlight was winning a copy of Cities in a Devir raffle.

[@boombox_up_to_11]

I've always been a casual gamer, playing a few board games. I just recently played a few newer games that got me obsessed with the hobby- some suggested by your channel and some suggested by a few other creators. You've gotten me into a large number of board games by watching your reviews and your list videos! Thanks so much! #Bloom

[@shawnwalker4830]

Always enjoy your videos. Y'all help explain better than most in rules and such. Looking forward to what's to come. Been playing Unmatched Tales to Amazed recently. Really like the series. #Bloom

[@geoffreyhamilton4269]

I agree! Something about Gen Con this year made it top notch for me as well! Arcs and Things in Rings were my two favorite pick ups. I have not yet had a chance to play #bloom but I'm very excited to try it out!

[@jlotrujillo]

This channel is where I go when I’m interested in a Kickstarter. The play throughs here are easy to follow and straight to the point. #BLOOM

[@HachetteBoardgamesUSA]

It was such a blast to see you and hang out with you this year!

[@skeltonart]

You guys have become our go to when checking out or learning new games. We recently had a game of Trolls and Princesses. Great content and quality, keep it up guys! #BLOOM

[@karenlittlefield7761]

I’m sad we couldn’t make it to Gencon this time but we had a great time seeing you at the Dice Tower West content creators panel discussion this year. #bloom

[@Cissewis]

Lovely to hear you had a great time! I hope Essen will also adopt more shows and playing areas :) Have a great day! Cis

[@AeronwyD]

#Bloom And welcome home! Lately, I've been playing a fan-made solo automa for Splendor. But just got Comic Hunters this past weekend (from a friend who was at GenCon). I've played it once solo and love it! I have also been playing Fromage a lot on BGA. I was SO BAD initially, but getting better and better. :)

[@stanleylee7656]

I love that you’re both able to enjoy these large events together! Thank you for sharing your experiences!! #Bloom

[@kells_bells9008]

Loved watching your video:) So cute you got things for Dexter. I am travelling from Australia to go to gen con next year for the first time and I am scared about how much luggage I will bring back haha

[@kabyabanerjee7858]

Have been playing modern board games for about 7 months now after a trip to the beach with friends, re-ignited a childhood passion in this 30 year old guy. Currently enjoying Paladins of the West Kingdom solo mode (my group doesn't want to play it) and A Fake Artist Goes to New York (my group absolutely adores it). It's tough getting good games here in India but I manage. Not sure if I will be eligible for the giveaway but just want to thank both of you for being my most watched channel whenever I want to check out a new game. Love you Both!!#Bloom

[@vancedaniel2]

I also really enjoyed GenCon this year. Agree that some of the best parts of GenCon were the odd coincidental meet ups and games. We played a few games of Crokinole when walking through the arena, and it was a lot of fun. #bloom

[@LurkingDragonfly]

I can personally confirm that there were people inside the balloon gnomes. All four gnomes were up and walking/dancing about. It was fun to see but a challenge to get through the crowd that formed.

[@paulinductivo581]

Good to hear that the "Witness" game is back in print! I'm eyeing on this ever since Monique revealed it as one of her games, she will never get rid of and after I hear and look into how the game plays. Very nice social game.

[@cynicalerasure9105]

It's nice to see and hear about the convention vicariously through you two! #bloom

[@francoisgauthiergiroux469]

I love your your channel! My favourite top video you have done is the Lacerda and Rosenberg serie. I also love how Monique explication of heavier game make it so simple and natural. Thanks guys and keep up the fantastic work. #Bloom

[@gmoney9992]

I played crokinole for the first time at Origins. I loved it and ordered a board. Fun game!

[@Abrahamhasnoname]

#bloom We’ve been playing a lot of Lovecraft letter recently. It plays surprisingly well at three players! It’s always a good warm up game to start the session.

[@DenisRyan]

My favourite "inflammable" meaning discussion was years and years ago, back in Uni, my friends and I were playing a board game that used the term inflammable, leading to a discussion on what out means. At some point someone looked up a definition that read "flammable, but for the wrong reasons" prompting one of my best friends to comment "what? Like babies?" There was a beat of stunned silence before the room erupted in laughter.

[@AjanM2501]

I don’t comment as much as others but I enjoy all the videos you both publish here. Always love the content and getting to hear about GenCon this year is pretty cool. I’ll attend it one of these years eventually. #Bloom

[@garylee3403]

I had a great GenCon. So far I have been enjoying Kinfire Delve: Callous' Lab that I picked up there (after watching your play though). #Bloom

[@LLee-jx9og]

Thank you for not only telling us about great games that you played at GenCon, but also giving us other details about what it was like being at the event. #Bloom

[@BanterandBoards]

Wwwwaaatttt! We’re going to Pax Unplugged this year too! This is our first ever BIG board game convention, don’t know what to expect!

[@susanoerter1419]

I got mine from relatives at Gen Con. Who ever wins will love this relaxful game, with or without others.

[@yannisguerra]

I was so happy to meet you at GenCon and thanks for being so nice in taking a selfie with me!. #Bloom looks very chill, I'll check Monique's playthrough.

[@Kels-s4m]

Been playing a lot of roll/flip and writes because I can easily get them out as I soak up the sun on our deck. Cartographers and Fleet especially! Bloom looks like such a relaxing and beautiful game! #Bloom

[@triplel3910]

I had one of those lucky moments at GenCon too. I had a one hour break from demoing for CGE and wanted to see the WizKids game Star Trek Captain's Chair. I got down to the booth and they weren't doing anymore real demos but David Turzci was there and he said he would be happy to do a short broad overview of the game and mechanics. I jumped at it 😂

[@zomb_nom]

"is a volcano flammable?" is so funny 😂we had an instance like that with Codenames with our group trying to convey what doesn't "fly"... "earthquakes" LOL. That Lego game looks amazing, I missed that, and Witness sounds like tons of fun. This was my first GenCon and it was so much fun, happy you both had a blast too! :) #Bloom

[@davidko9289]

#Bloom. Thanks for the giveaway! and the pic of Dexter with his blanket. I'd love to hear what makes for a bad convention in particular.

[@mirandarobinson8819]

I saw you guys but didn't stop you to say hi. Looked like you were focused on getting somewhere. It was a lot of crowded fun. #Bloom

[@BryanSpellman]

#Bloom It was AWESOME meeting you at GenCon. Thank you so much for your kindness and time as I "fan-boyed" over meeting you. Keep up the great work!!!! Love your content and glad you enjoyed GenCon. Bought Pirates of Maracaibo. LOVE IT. Also Arcs and Rock Hard 1977 which I've played several times already.

[@emtking3385]

Glad you had a great time. Hope I can make it there at some point. I picked up flock together, and gnome hollow. The gnome hollow balloon display was amazing. Keep up the great work. #bloom

[@sincitysir1]

i saw you guys at the bipoc lounge! didnt wanna bother yall but i love your content!

[@thevarunshah]

hearing all the great stuff about GenCon makes me want to go with my gaming group next year even more now! #Bloom

[@JeffAllenHammer]

Glad you both had a good time! I saw you outside the ICC one day and wanted to say hello. But it felt a little like I'd be a crazy person chasing you down the street at that point 😂. Maybe another year.

[@JeffAllenHammer]

I enjoyed Landmarks and I sat in on a demo of Rock Hard 1977... I am excited to play that at some point.

[@topbunkbonny]

We saw you at GenCon but were too shy to say hi! Love your channel :) #bloom

[@boardgamefaces4355]

Saw you two in passing at GenCon but didn't want to fanboy all over you two, lol. Thanks for your content!!! #bloom

[@OrangeCrushD84]

Very glad to have caught you on Sunday!! :) One of the games I'm really looking forward to that I didn't really get to see since they only had 2 copies there and were being demoed somewhere else was Glass Cannons Don't Starve. Can't wait to see how that ends up being. #bloom

[@zacharythorp6095]

I'm wanting the Alpine expansion for Forest Shuffle. 180 cards is just too few for a game where you're going through the full deck. It's a great game that removes any need for ever playing 7 Wonders again. Also, it requires much less box space.

[@Obzedeezy]

My wife’s birthday is soon, so we have an influx of games coming in that will keep us busy. Love the sound of the new cheese game though and would be excited to try that out asap. Also just want to echo some other comments- you two really do have the best playthroughs/teaches out there! #Bloom

[@mtgEpicExperiment]

Glad you made it home safe from Gen Con and thanks for all your great content. I've been playing Orleans on BGA Alpha, one of my favorites! #bloom

[@Artistjm]

I’m glad you both had a wonderful time at GenCon! I’m not entering the giveaways because I recently got my wife a copy of “A Gentle Rain” when we did back to school shopping for our kids. The game is a nice, easy title for solo and 2 player sessions. My wife enjoys playing it to help decompress from a busy day. We also been playing “Penny Black” and “Spots.” I just got my giant Cthulhu from CMON so I’m tempted to start painting it this week.

[@hua-hsintai8881]

#Bllom! So great to follow your guys journey. Loved you since discovering you a few years ago. I really enjoy your play throughs (and the Lacerda series)!

[@plussizemikeysommer7018]

Love your videos. You speak at just the right pace for me to follow along when watching how-to-play. We've been laying a lot of Rolling Realms Redux right now. Thanks for the give-away. #bloom

[@jamesmorgan1967]

Welcome back from Gen Con! Sounds like you had a great time. Summer means I play fewer games, but we have played a bit of a simple little card game on BGA called Pixies. Also received a KS backed game (Terminus from Inside Up Games) that we got to the table. Good game but am a bit on the fence about it simple because there is so much iconography in the game... A friend and I are planning to go to PAX in Philly so maybe we can do a casual meetup or at least say "hello."

[@oceanevicente]

Welcome back guys!! So glad to hear you had a wonderful time!! I hope one day I'll be able to attend (and to meet you ☺️). Take care!! #bloom

[@RobertoPanetta81]

I wish I could have bumped into you at Gen Con. Unfortunately I was in Lucas Oil Stadium the whole time running demos. I'm glad you had a great show. Hopefully we can connect at PAX U.

[@talilos]

Glad you both enjoyed Gencon! I've been playing slay the spire as it just released here in Canada recently and having a blast with it! #Bloom

[@mgregg7]

GenCon was great! I spotted you two but didn't want to be a bother. Great to hear you had a good time! #Bloom

[@stevewoolet7158]

My wife really enjoys solo games. Lately it's been Lost Ruins of Arnak and Obsession. We always check out your videos before investing in a new game. #Bloom

[@melissab9209]

Glad to hear you guys enjoyed GenCon! Indy is my home, but I currently live in Boston. Last game night our group played Plunder - A Pirate's Life, and everyone loved it!!! #Bloom

[@murrelsaldanha7558]

#Bloom Ya'll are my go to channel for playthroughs and my boyfriend is obsessed with ya'll. ❤

[@BBYROO5155]

This was my first GenCon. So sad I didn’t run into you guys. Well there will be other cons… Big Hit for our game night was Cascadia Rolling Rivers AND Hills.

[@kierstenfranklin]

So cool hearing about your time at Gen Con! My family has really been enjoying Raccoon Tycoon recently. #Bloom

[@bonzaivtube]

#Bloom I’ve fallen in love with y’all’s videos recently! I got a job as the manager for my LGS and it’s opened up the wide world of board gaming to me, and your videos have really helped me jump start my knowledge of games, so I can share the love with others!

[@ponkie84]

I really enjoy your content. Sad I didn’t see you at GenCon but I’m too much of an introvert to say hi anyway. I haven’t played all my GenCon purchases yet but so far my favorite has been Evenfall. #bloom

[@jeremymullen7097]

#Bloom As I've only been part of this hobby and community for the last 4 years, just learned about GenCon, and would love to attend in a future year.

[@KamerynPepple]

I was so happy I got to tell you guys how much I enjoy your channel in person. It was our first time at Gencon and we were overwhelmed! 😄 I love animal games, looking forward to learning more about Natera New Beginning launching on Kickstarter Aug 27th! #bloom