Origins Game Fair: A History of One of Gaming's Oldest Conventions
Since its inception in 1975, Origins has served as a cornerstone for the tabletop gaming community. What began as a modest gathering of enthusiasts in Maryland has evolved into a massive international event, reflecting the growth of the commercial wargaming and role-playing game (RPG) industries.
The Early Years and Founding
Origins was born from a collaboration between the Interest Group Baltimore, a local wargaming club, and the Baltimore-based Avalon Hill game company. The first show took place at Johns Hopkins University in 1975. Avalon Hill, which had produced the first commercial war games in 1958, provided a natural foundation for the event.
The name "Origins" was suggested by Don Greenwood, an Avalon Hill game designer and the convention's founder. The title was a tribute to Baltimore's status as the home of Avalon Hill and the birthplace of the commercial wargaming hobby. In its early years, the convention was managed by Avalon Hill and SPI, before the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) took over management in 1978.
The convention has also been a site for major industry milestones. For example, in July 1978, Chaosium debuted its first RPG, RuneQuest, during the Origins event held in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
A Journey Across the United States
For the first two decades of its existence, Origins was a nomadic event, moving between various cities to reach different gaming communities. This period saw the convention travel from the East Coast to the Midwest and as far west as California.
During this migratory phase, Origins occasionally partnered with other major events. In 1988 and 1992, it joined forces with Gen Con to hold a single combined convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1990, it was held alongside DragonCon in Atlanta, Georgia.
Establishing a Home in Columbus, Ohio
In 1996, GAMA decided to end the convention's travels and anchor it in a single location. After evaluating several options, Columbus, Ohio, was selected as the permanent home for Origins. This stability allowed the event to grow significantly in scale and attendance.
While attendance has fluctuated over the years, the event saw a steady climb toward its pre-pandemic peak in 2019, when it drew 20,642 unique attendees. Following the disruptions of 2020, the convention has shown a strong recovery trend, with 2024 seeing 17,706 attendees and 326 exhibitors.
| Year | Location | Unique Attendance | Exhibitors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Baltimore, MD | N/A | N/A |
| 2002 | Columbus, OH | ~10,500 | N/A |
| 2019 | Columbus, OH | 20,642 | N/A |
| 2023 | Columbus, OH | 16,082 | 305 |
| 2024 | Columbus, OH | 17,706 | 326 |
Challenges and the 2020 Hiatus
The year 2020 marked the first time since 1975 that an Origins convention did not take place. Initially, the event was postponed from June to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with plans to launch Origins Online—a digital alternative featuring streaming workshops, educational seminars, and virtual game demos.
However, Origins Online was ultimately cancelled following a wave of withdrawals by community members and participants in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter and George Floyd protests, citing a lack of response from GAMA. In response, GAMA offered to match donations from exhibitors and vendors to various Black organizations. The physical convention for 2020 was subsequently cancelled due to fears of a second wave of COVID-19.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1975 in Baltimore, Maryland.
- Founder: Don Greenwood of Avalon Hill.
- Management: Managed by the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) since 1978.
- Permanent Home: Based in Columbus, Ohio, since 1996.
- Peak Attendance: 20,642 attendees in 2019.
- Recent Growth: 2024 attendance rose by over 9% compared to 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the convention called "Origins"?
The name was suggested by founder Don Greenwood to honor Baltimore's role as the home of Avalon Hill and the birthplace of the commercial wargaming hobby.
Where is Origins held now?
Since 1996, the convention has been permanently anchored in Columbus, Ohio.
What happened to the 2020 convention?
The 2020 event was cancelled entirely. A planned digital version, Origins Online, was cancelled due to community withdrawals related to GAMA's response to social justice protests, and the physical event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How has attendance changed since the pandemic?
While 2024 attendance (17,706) is still about 14% lower than the 2019 pre-pandemic peak (20,642), it represents a 9% increase over the 2023 total of 16,082.
Which companies were involved in the early management of Origins?
The convention was initially run by Avalon Hill and SPI before management was assumed by the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) in 1978.