This year has been a lot of firsts for me. Second time in Seattle, but first time at Penny Arcade Expo.I don’t actually read Penny Arcade, but I’ve heard that PAX is definitely worth the trip. And it definitely was!
Who needs badges? Media pass FTW!
PAX was forced by the Washington Convention Center to cap its attendees at 75,000. While this definitely doesn’t make PAX a smaller con, it’s considerably smaller than SDCC, and laid out quite nicely in the convention center.
Although 75,000 it a lot of friggin’ people, it didn’t feel like a lot of friggin’ people. There was plenty enough to do in the exhibit hall, as well as panels, a RockBand freeplay stage (which we never got to, unfortunately) and DS lounge areas with giant, comfy beanbags. The PAX atmosphere is relaxing and more about having fun than any other con I’ve been to.
Coin-Op TV’s Rob Welkner gets around! He and Hailey from the show hosted at the Nexon Dungeon Fighter Online booth. And then there’s GEN Fanboy, Andrew.
PAX invited you to check out what’s new, play games, and spend time with friends. Me being from nowhere anyone else is from (i.e. Phoenix, AZ) it’s always nice to catch up with my gamer friends whenever I can. Usually, when I’m at a con, I’m so busy or the place is too huge and crowded to make time to see friends.
Maybe this has a bit to do with PAX being set in one of the most chill cities in the US, Seattle. Being place right in downtown, there were lots of great nightlife and industry parties and of course, a GameWorks nearby. Even when it rained, PAX was still offering a good time. Perhaps when PAX East comes around, we may have to check that out as well.
Amazing chalk art that was being created throughout the course of the con.
Even the PR staff are incredibly friendly and easygoing. Not that I’ve ever had a problem with PR in the past, but for some reason, that laid-back attitude just runs rampant throughout the con. Definitely makes it easy to get in and check things out! And can I say that there’s tons of awesome swag to be snagged?
With Brit GENer Pheonix, semi-Brit GENer William and there’s Andrew again…
And other than throwing a few back with your fellow gamers at the local Taphouse grill, what better way to end the last night of PAX than a free Freezepop concert? Okay, so I’m new to Freezepop, but I’m a fan now!
Only at a geek convention will you have the audience waive their iPods, Gameboy DS’s and ever their macbooks in place of lighters. FTW!
Overall, I have fallen in love with PAX, and it’s so far one of the best conventions I’ve been to. I was sad to see it end, but you can be sure, I will be there next year!
September 11th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
That Andrew guy looks like such a tool.
September 11th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I will say I was excited for PAX as well and I met all of you guys ^_^ that went to PAX! I wish I had pics of all of us kicking it!
but I wish everyone who got sick at PAX a speedy recovery! cus I have a few friends who got the PAX POX
September 12th, 2009 at 1:45 am
What is “PAKS”?
September 12th, 2009 at 8:35 am
PAX was awesome, too bad I didn’t get a chance to meet any of you guys.
If you saw a girl mario though, that was me!!!!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:23 am
This was my first PAX as well, and it will not be my last! (despite catching the ‘PAX POX’; my fever has broken and I’m not craving brains, so I think I’ll survive)
I think it’s everything a con should be. I’ve never been in such a friendly, feel-good atmosphere with so many people.
You really have to check out the rockband freeplay area. It’s a great place to recoup or just relax for a bit (and it was just down from the media room). I spent quite a bit of time there, and it was never packed. I think it was one of the more overlooked areas. Those who did check it out got to see such unplanned events as the Munchkin on guitar, and later the Swedish Chef sang (and yes he used the voice).
September 14th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
PAX sounds awesome. I like the idea of a DS lounge. It would be nice if other cons thought to have a place where we could relax and catch our breath. Also, I’m super excited to hear that there’s a PAX East! If it’s East enough I’m definitely going!