:Draft:2DCon

2D Con began in 2009 as series of bi-annual LAN gaming events known as March Mayhem and Winter Warzone. In 2015 a third event, Digital Destruction (2D) was added. Two weeks prior to Digital Destruction we were informed that the venue had lost internet access and that it was not expecting it back until after the event.{{Cite web |title=Press |url=https://2dcon.gg/press/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=2D Con |language=en-US}}

It was impossible to host the event without internet, but we scrambled to get as many additional activities as possible. We added tournaments for popular console games, a tabletop area, vendors, artists, independent game developers, and even a live band. Digital Destruction expected attendance of 200-300 people and a turnout of 700 unique attendees. Seeing that there was clearly a need for large gaming events in Minnesota, Digital Destruction was rebranded as a convention and shortened to 2D Con. The goal of the convention was to bring a convention to Minnesota with a focus on the gaming community and a sense of belonging.

In 2016 the event was scheduled to be held at the Thunderbird Motel in Bloomington, MN. With less than a months notice the staff was informed that the venue had been sold and was scheduled to be demolished.{{Cite web |last1=Dorn |first1=Trae |last2=Tie |first2=Nerd & |date=2016-03-24 |title="Thunderbird" Hotel to be Torn Down, Displacing Multiple Minnesota Conventions - Nerd & Tie Network |url=http://www.nerdandtie.com/2016/03/24/thunderbird-hotel-to-be-torn-down-displacing-multiple-minnesota-conventions/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |language=en-US}} The staff was able to secure a new home for 2D Con at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington MN.

In 2017 2D Con hosted the Game Informer replay live show.{{Cite magazine |date=2023-06-29 |title=Party With Game Informer At 2D Con This Weekend - Game Informer |magazine=Game Informer |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/08/07/party-with-game-informer-at-2d-con-this-weekend.aspx |access-date=2025-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629231510/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/08/07/party-with-game-informer-at-2d-con-this-weekend.aspx |archive-date=29 June 2023 }}

In 2019 2D Con was listed by local media magazine City Pages as a top event in the Twin Cities.

Over the years 2D Con has evolved, continually growing by large amounts every year. 2D Con is currently the largest gaming event in Minnesota, and one of the largest fan run events around. 2D Con is true to it’s roots and still operates as a volunteer based non-profit organization with the goal of promoting the positive impact of the gaming community and providing an unforgettable experience.

History for 2DCon Prime

In 2022, 2D Con started a new, smaller, board game focused event called 2DCon Unplugged.

History for 2DCon Unplugged

2D Con hosts two main events in the year: 2D Con Prime and 2D Con Unplugged. In addition, 2D Con also holds smaller events in the Twin Cities area, such as Games & Grains at local breweries.

2D Con often partners with other local organizations and fan conventions throughout the Twin Cities area to provide gaming and entertainment. Additionally, 2D Con has partnered with larger organizations to host events, such at the 25th Anniversary Celebration for NeoPets.{{Cite web |title=Neopets 25th Birthday Bash |url=https://2dcon.gg/neopets-25th-birthday-bash/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=2D Con |language=en-US}}

2D Con Prime is Minnesotas Largest Video Game and Esports event{{Cite web |title=2D Con celebrates all things gaming - CBS Minnesota |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/video/2d-con-celebrates-all-things-gaming/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}.

2D Con features an arcade of over 100 free to play machines available for use over the convention weekend.

2D Con Features an area where at least one of each console from the Atari to the XBox one are set up and available to play at all times with a personal library of cartridges and discs that can be checked out by attendees.

In 2024, a Sega Dreamcast once owned by Minnesota Governor and Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Walz was featured and displayed, but was not available for play.{{Cite web |last=Krauss |first=Louis |date=2024-08-30 |title=Tim Walz, governor and gamer, once owned a Sega Dreamcast. Here's what happened to it. |url=https://www.startribune.com/tim-walz-governor-and-gamer-once-owned-a-sega-dreamcast-heres-what-happened-to-it/601134805 |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=www.startribune.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=2024-09-12 |title=Reported Dreamcast addict Tim Walz is now an unofficial Crazy Taxi character |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/09/reported-dreamcast-addict-tim-walz-is-now-an-unofficial-crazy-taxi-character/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-US}}

2D Con features a dedicated space for Board Games and Tabletop RPG's. They feature a library of over 1000 titles that attendees can check out and play. Additionally, 2D Con Prime features a number of schedules events such as board gaming tournaments and in 2024 was a CATAN United States National Championship Qualifier Tournament{{Cite web |title=CATAN Events |url=https://catan.bestcoastpairings.com/event/W1M0F7GTRW?active_tab=overview |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=catan.bestcoastpairings.com}}.

2D Con focuses on the fun and function of the cosplay community.

As part of the cosplay show, participants who choose to compete will be judged by an experienced panel of judges. Awards are given out in the following categories. 2D Con does not allow skits during the main cosplay show.

• Best Novice: the best novice-level craftsmanship participating in the masquerade.
• Best Journeyman: the best journeyman-level craftsmanship participating in the cosplay show.
• Best Master: the best master-level craftsmanship participating in the cosplay show.
• Best in Show: the best stage presence.
• Judge’s Choice: the judge’s favorite entrants.

2D Con features a marketplace that showcases unique products from vendors and artists. 2D Con goes through an extensive vetting process for its vendors to provide a marketplace with little overlap of product type. Vendor offerings range from art prints in multiple styles and mediums, handmade plush, tabletop games, dice sets, card games, video games, and more

2D Con offers local tattoo artists that will do gaming related tattoos.

The 2DCon Block Party was introduced in 2024 when the convention moved back to the Doubletree by Hilton in Bloomington, MN. This space was created as a space to relax outdoors, play outdoor games, and act as an additional entertainment area for musical guests.

2D Con features a video game music inspired concert on the Saturday night of the convention. This concert usually consists of a number of acts.

2D Con has numerous panels and meetups through the weekend, focusing on topics like Discord, indie development, tabletop board game industry trends, and mental health.

2D Con features an electronic music dance called Revolution

Room Parties are attendee hosted events featuring themed rooms, snacks and beverages, gaming and more.Side Quests

2D Con is the largest eSports event in Minnesota. With multiple tournaments and hundreds of competitors

2D Con Unplugged is a different type of convention. We focus on being an affordable, relaxing and community based event. A place to stay warm during the cold Minnesota winter. Unplugged is 100% unplugged. A pure tabletop gaming event. Unplugged is limited to 400 attendees to make sure that there are always places to sit and always games to play.

The primary mascot of 2D Con is Miku. Miku is a Shiba Inu that is based off the real life pet of the president of 2DCon.

In January of 2025 a mascot was unveiled for the 2D Con Unplugged series of conventions. This mascot is "GG", a black cat that was inspired by multiple staff members cats and condensed into a singular idea.

2D Con has a large focus on independent game development and features a space dedicated to testing upcoming games by local developers. During the event attendees are encouraged to play the games and give feedback to the developers. Attendees may also choose to vote for their favorite games in a variety of categories.

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[https://2dcon.gg 2D Con Official Site]