SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 [PST]
Anyone recently returned from PAX West? I was able to attend for the first time this year, doing a day pass to try things out. Though it was my first time at PAX, I’m no stranger to conferences and conventions. On arrival, my excitement was only heightened by sights of many fantastic artistic cosplayers obliging photo ops, the distant booming of emceed tournaments and competitions, and enthusiastic bustle surrounding me.
The lines at the expo’s sprawl of game demo booths were behemoth in size. Due to the time commitment required to persevere through these long lines as a solo attendee, I only played one console demo in this area. The many upcoming titles available at the demo tables spanned from the highly anticipated, adventurous Silksong to the beloved horror platformer Little Nightmares 3 installment (got to play this one!) Just in time for Halloween!
When it comes to Exhibitors Hall and Artists Alley both, I’m the research-it-beforehand type of congoer. Like a kid circling desired toys in a printed store catalog, I write down or screenshot catalogued booths of interest in advance. Anyone else try to see as many as possible, window-shopping style, then circle back to booths of interest afterwards? While exploring a sea of tables, the artwork of a game or other wares usually reels me in further to check things out. The artist vendors on the floor had some amazing work!
During my time at PAX, I was happy to discover Black Voices in Gaming, a collective whose mission is uplifting Black game developers through events, resources, community, and other avenues. Dames 4 Games was also featured at the same booth, a collective fostering diversity and innovation in games. While at the booth featuring them, I got pretty invested in playing a demo of one of the video games. Along with these opportunities and informative booths, I’d also recommend checking out this area of PAX for the tabletop games library!
At the end of the day, only being able to be in one place at once means I missed out on a bunch of the awesome in-person events that were recommended to me. And sadly, I don’t know how to fly, teleport, or build an android to wait in long lines for me. In all seriousness, I think I got a lot out of my one-day pass and will be keeping an eye out for more of these kinds of collectives and events of interest!
One more thing- as an artist, I can’t resist sharing more art. Featuring pieces from Interactive Art Collective’s traveling museum exhibit The Art of Nintendo Power, with some awesome pieces on display at PAX. Maybe they’ll come to you next!
