PAX [paks, pahks] event
- Penny Arcade Expo: Celebration of The Gaming Community
- Chance to interact with the creators of your favourite hobbies and past times
- Location to meet up with fellow gamers
- Opportunity to pay homage to the webcomic gawds, Gabe and Tycho (creators of Penny Arcade, webcomic)
In case you are new to the gaming community, have not seen the event come up in your Google searches, or been a follower of webcomics, lets give you a crash course on this summer event.
Originating in 2004 by game enthusiasts Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik with a simple goal and desire in mind. PAX was to be a home where gamers of all types (tabletop, console and computer) could join under one roof and share their memories and desires. Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue Washington was home for that first legendary event which 10′s of thousands claim to have attended, but in reality the number was around 3,500 attendees. Exhibitors from the mainstream gaming companies (Microsoft), entertainers (Roosterteeth) and musicians (The Minibosses) were all a part of the pillars which built the structure we now know and love.
Fast forward seven years and PAX is now a bi-annual event, inviting game enthusiasts world wide to Boston, Massachusetts in the Spring, and Seattle Washington in the end of the summer. Boston this last year attracted nearly 70,000 fans, and Pax Prime (Washington) is looking to have a similar number this year. The reality of PAX is that it is growing in desire and demand every year, and much like that of Comic Con in San Diego, it is getting harder to find enough hours in the day and buildings in the area to host all the panels, guests and ticket holders. (Not a bad problem to have)
So what can one expect when getting ready for their first PAX? Well how about a quick point form so you can make the very most of your time in the Western Washington Convention Center:
- Have a phone, CB radio or Nintendo DS so you can keep in safe contact with your friends and family. You will be one among 60+ thousand people, lots going on.
- Have your own pens or sharpies. Chances are you will find people who you will want autographs from, always be prepared.
- Wear comfortable clothes. There is a LOT to see and walk to. You may be relaxing in a line while waiting for a panel, or running to satellite location, dress for mobility.
- This one goes with the previous, hygiene. The building gets hot, you may be shoulder to shoulder with other. As well this is the age of KINECT, MOVE and Wii. Remember to take the precautions to be fresh as a daisy for a full 24 hours.
- Avoid touching your face and mouth at all times. You have to remember this is a gaming event, which means there are controllers, and everyone is touching them. When you go to greet someone (especially the hosts), the elbow greeting or fist pump is the way to go. Although members of GGMedia are looking to introduce the “WI-FIVE” this year.
- Water, stay hydrated at all times. If you can, have a re-fillable water bottle, or bottled water so you are healthy and running.
- Don’t ask stupid question. This one is one of the most important ones, especially if you are attending the panel of RoosterTeeth Productions, Gus or Geoff may have to harm you if you ask something that is honestly childish or stupid…. unless you are a child… then they “may” let it slide.
There are a number of other good pointers, but in the end get ready for a legendary event, full of games, gamers and more. From Friday to Sunday the hours will fly by, so take in everything you can.
Hopefully this gives you a bit of an inside on PAX, and if you have not already bought your tickets, you best be looking on the Penny Arcade forums to find your way in the doors. As well if you see anyone from Good Game Media, make sure you say hello, we would love to see you there.
^GG
Penny Arcade Comics
PAX Prime
PAX East
Child’s Play Charity
