INDIANAPOLIS - Gen Con is one of the largest conventions in Indianapolis, but also raises a few eyebrows when you see who's coming and going.

The interesting thing about Gen Con, of course, is the costumes, but the dedication of those attending, some of whom will not sleep for days, or at least until they get home.

"I have not slept since Tuesday," said one convention visitor.

There are few words that can really describe what goes on inside the halls of the convention center.

"It is my vacation to get away from my normal job as an engineer," said one man.

It is a four-day festival to let it all hang out.

"The more obscure the costume and the more people that recognize you, the better you feel," he said.

Three days of gaming takes a toll on some and they need relief after hours spent playing.

"They are sleep-deprived, their muscles are overworked from all of that gaming."

Sure, Gen Con is a spectacle of costumes, but they are here for the games.

"Well, it is face-to-face gaming at the end of the day. Getting together with people and having a social experience," said one vendor.

Gamers have had a bad rap in the past as being anti-social, stuck in the basement for days.

"That was the truth at one time, but I think as the games have broadened with their story and scope and so many games, more and more people are turning toward it," said a visitor.

Many of the costumes worn by the gamers are handmade and it is those costumes that seem to catch the most attention.

The gamers are also walking ATMs for downtown. They come from all over the world with pockets loaded to spend. Every booth at the convention center has to have an Indianapolis retail license and collect taxes.

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