Ah, PAX—an internationally recognized and nationally beloved stage for all things games, panels, cosplay, and wild brand stunts (including two whole Cult of the Lamb weddings)! PAX is a place where new games flourish, old games revive, and pins are collected. As a first-timer at this convention, it was an inspiring whirlwind of new ideas, old friends, and exciting concepts to explore.
On a side note, thanks to this website, I attended with a Media pass—and oh boy, was that powerful. It came with perks like access to the Media room (a genuine sensory relief) and early entry to the hall on the first day. I mention this because it positively impacted my experience and might influence my overall feelings about the event—so, heads up.
Exploring PAX
PAX this year featured several sections, including The Main Hall, the Merchants area, the Tabletop area, and various spaces for talks and panels. Each had its own unique energy and vibe. Shall we dive in?
The Main Hall
The Main Hall housed indie game developers alongside big names like Bethesda and others of similar stature. Personally, I didn’t spend much time here; it was loud, crowded, and full of flashy lights. That said, I enjoyed walking through the indie developers’ booths. I was excited to see some of my favorite games (Everdell, for instance) represented, while also discovering intriguing new board games.
A few titles that caught my eye included:
- MEAN: A fast-paced, strategic game of sabotage.
- Fight With Spirit: A sports drama RPG board game reminiscent of Haikyuu.
- Glade: A game focused on building a homestead and outscoring opponents.
All of these are now firmly on my radar! I also stumbled upon some indie Dungeons & Dragons sourcebooks that transport players to different worlds and help craft immersive stories—perfect for enhancing my regular D&D sessions.
However, I have to mention that just one walk through this space was overwhelming. Many developers showcased their games on big, flashy stages with bright lights, loud sounds, and amplified voices vying for attention. Thankfully, the event included an AFK (Away From Keyboard) room—a designated sensory-friendly space to take a breather.
AFK Room: A Mixed Experience
Unfortunately, while the AFK room was a thoughtful inclusion, it fell short. The space was small, crowded, had an odd smell, and was brightly lit with fluorescent overhead lights. Instead of offering relief, it left me feeling even more overwhelmed. On the plus side, there were crafting and coloring activities, which helped distract from the sensory chaos.
This feels like an area where PAX could improve. Many neurodivergent people attend these events and are part of the gaming community. It would be wonderful to see their needs further prioritized. As someone with access to the Media room, I had an alternative place to decompress, but others might have struggled without a truly sensory-friendly space.
Awe-Inspiring Cosplay
Amid the vibrant atmosphere, the cosplay stood out as truly awe-inspiring. While I had fun dressing up in closet cosplays each day, the craftsmanship on display from others was next-level—stunning, handmade, and perfectly true to character.
This extended to the “quest givers” at the convention. Attendees could sign up to be mercenaries and complete quests from these quest givers in exchange for gold, which could then be used to upgrade weapons and armor. It felt like stepping into a real-life game! I later discovered these quest givers were part of the local LARP (Live Action Role-Playing) community. Honestly, I’d love to join them next year—it looked like so much fun.
Panels and Talks
Heading upstairs, I explored the spaces dedicated to talks and panels. These areas were quieter, more comfortable, and a great place to recharge. I was delighted to see strong queer representation, both in the content and the stalls, which got a lot of business from me. As someone who identifies as non-binary, this inclusivity felt especially meaningful.
One of the first panels I attended was about the new Avatar Legends TTRPG (based on Avatar: The Last Airbender, not the blue aliens). It was presented by The Book of War, an Australian podcast following the adventures of four teenagers during Aang’s time in the iceberg. The excitement in the room was palpable! I’ve been curious about this system for a while, and seeing it played live left me hooked. The mix of comedy and riveting storytelling was a genuine delight. I’m officially a fan of the podcast now!
Another standout panel was on sword fighting in games. The panel featured a lineup of experts, from sword fighters to game designers, and was packed with fascinating insights about both in-game combat and real-life techniques. To my delight, I also learned about several local groups in Melbourne where I can get involved in sword fighting, LARPing, or even joining the College of Arms. This rekindled an old passion of mine and left me feeling elated.
Other panels covered a broad range of interests, from D&D one-shots to sea shanty singalongs, to discussions on composing game music. The sheer variety and inclusivity on offer were remarkable and commendable.
The Merchant Area
Finally, there was the Merchant area—arguably the most dangerous for my wallet. I found myself enchanted by stalls like The Blushing Bard, a boutique selling stationery, wax seals, earrings, and other delicate treasures. Amid the bustling crowd, it was a calming oasis. I left with a lighter purse but zero regrets.
Another favorite was the armory, where they sold LARP weapons, belt bags, and armor. The variety in this area was dazzling, with stalls offering everything from dice and art to pins, clothes, and more. I’d love to see this section expanded in future events.
An Honorable Mention: The Tavern
Special mention goes to the Tavern, a themed eatery set up for PAX. The food was delightful, the drinks were delicious, and the entertainment was unforgettable. A minstrel performed Britney Spears’ Toxic in Olde English—a surreal and hilarious highlight of my weekend. (Also, they winked at me, and I’ve never blushed harder, so take my review with a grain of salt.)
Final Thoughts
So, as a first-timer at PAX, what’s the verdict? Despite the sensory overload, I had an incredible time. The event was uplifting, motivating, and filled with moments of joy and discovery. Now that I know what to expect, I’ll come better prepared with sensory supports next time—but I’m already counting down the days until next year. Consider me a fan!
Leave a Reply