Tacticon and it’s partner Genghis Con, have been the staples of the Denver Gaming community for 42 years and going. I recently had the wonderful opportunity to talk with Andre’a Arnold, along with her husband Donny, who are the new owners of Tacticon. Andre’a, however, is not new to the Denver gaming community. A long-time attendee and avid gamer herself.
Ed Carter: Tell fans how long you have been running Tacticon and how you got started?
Andre’a Arnold: My husband and I have been running GenghisCon and TactiCon for one year. Genghis Con has a 42-year history and TactiCon 30 is this year. In February we ran our first GenghisCon and doubled historical attendance! This is my first time running TactiCon though I have been an attendee of both of my conventions for well over a decade. I was looking for a new challenge after retiring from teaching and being an assistant principal and wanted to give back to the community! So, when I had the chance to purchase the conventions I was fortunate enough to be able to do so! Running Genghis Con and TactiCon is my full-time job I am happy to say!
EC: With the renaissance in board games, how has it impacted Tacticon?
AA: Board Game renaissance has increased the variety of players as well as encouraged younger folks to come to a convention the first time!
EC: Are the train games and RPG’s still the most popular?
AA: As far as train gaming goes, they are not as popular as they have been in the past. Dungeons and Dragons is seeing significantly increased popularity between celebrity players and the success of Critical Role. This year over 100 DnD games are entered for people to play!
EC: What is in store for this year’s Tacticon?
AA: This year’s TactiCon we have several tournaments for Warhammer. We have all of the RPGs- DnD and Pathfinder/Starfinder around the clock (sleep is for the weak!), Savage Worlds, Freedom Squadron, Prowlers and Paragons with the creators of the game. We have a Catan National qualifier. As well as demo tables, vendor area and multiple plays to win board games in our board game hall. We have a “Friday Night Bar Fight” as well where custom poker chips that come with the purchase of any beverage are used in the game as bennies, inspiration or a reroll of dice, etc. It is one of our more popular game nights and people look forward to it every year!
EC: Lastly, what are some of your favorite games?
AA: Some of my favorite games…DnD is near and dear to me, I’ve been playing since 84 and regularly since 92. Savage Worlds, I also love Catch the Moon (fabulous board game), The Mind (great little card game), Sagrada, and have a full army of Sisters of Battle for 40K, A Khador and Circle army for Warmachine, and a house full of games of all genres. Basically, I love gaming. We have a library of books and games and books about games, we are a gaming household and I am proud to help lead the Nerd Herd and hope to grow both the conventions substantially over the next few years!
Written by Ed Carter
