Gaming pals, PAX Aus is almost upon us and what a packed three days of panels, live shows, special guests and gaming deep dives it will be!
Among the highlights of this year’s PAX Aus line up is Storytime with Holly Longdale, Executive Producer of World of Warcraft, opening PAX at 12 noon on Friday 9th October. Holly will take fans behind the scenes of World of Warcraft, sharing stories from her career, the evolution of WoW Classic, and the ongoing development of the Midnight expansion and the wider Worldsoul Saga.
And if that wasn’t enough, on Saturday, attendees can join team members from CD PROJEKT RED and Fool’s Theory for a behind-closed-doors live demo of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Songs of the Past, followed by a panel discussion with the developers.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. PAX Aus has a huge line-up of panels planned throughout the weekend, including:
- A Realm Reburned: The Stories Behind the Stories of FINAL FANTASY XIV on Saturday, where FINAL FANTASY XIV veterans Koji Fox and Toshio ‘Foxclon’ Murouchi will tackle increasingly fiery hot sauces while answering questions and sharing behind-the-scenes stories from one of the world’s biggest MMOs.
- Austin Creed discussing his career across gaming, wrestling and entertainment;
- Jasmine ‘ThatBronzeGirl’ Bhullar talking D&D, Dimension 20, Critical Role and the art of storytelling;
- Australian game developer Gregory Louden, Creative Director on SAROS, discussing his career across Control, Returnal and more;
- Ify Nwadiwe joins Deerstalker Pictures for a chaotic live D&D one-shot on Sunday;
- Mick Gordon joins to reflect on the creative journey behind some of the industry’s most iconic IPs, sharing stories, challenges, and memorable moments from a career that has left a lasting impact on the industry;
- Legendary Australian fantasy author Isobelle Carmody in a Saturday fireside chat;
- Back Pocket’s PAX PRIME returns daily for the latest and greatest with special guests and your fave hosts!
- Cosplay Central Crown Championships returns to PAX AUS to host the Australian leg of the Champs. While the judges deliberate, catch the PAX AUS Cosplay Catwalk and the Kids Cosplay Catwalk!
- Rhe iconic Omegathon will be returning.
While you might think that that’s your PAX Aus weekend sorted, the full PAX Aus schedule is now available online and in the PAX Aus mobile app, with plenty more panels, performances, tournaments and community events still to discover!
And if the line up just isn’t enough, some of the biggest publishers in the world are bringing blockbuster new releases months before they hit shelves, alongside major hardware launches, esports, creators, indie developers and interactive experiences across the show floor.
So what are some of the new and pre-release games from some of the world’s biggest publishers coming to PAX Aus 2026?
SEGA unleashes four playable titles
SEGA will have four huge titles playable at the show Players will take command of the Space Marines across three gameplay scenarios in Total War: WARHAMMER 40,000, try to survive in Alien: Isolation 2, experience the unique and thrilling combat of Stranger Than Heaven and get their chance to play Persona 4 Revival, the stunning remake of the RPG classic.
Activision Brings Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 4
Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 4 arrives at the PAX Australia show floor, giving fans in Australia an opportunity to experience a selection of the game’s highly anticipated Multiplayer ahead of its global launch on 23 October 2026 (MA 15+). Eligible visitors can jump into the action and get hands-on with this year’s blockbuster game.
Square Enix Brings FINAL FANTASY XIV Online Back
FINAL FANTASY XIV Online returns to PAX Australia with Square Enix, bringing the world of Eorzea to life across a weekend of activities for Warriors of Light. Fans can get hands-on with playable Nintendo Switch 2 gameplay, create their own bracelet and step into a themed photo opportunity.
The FINAL FANTASY XIV experience will extend beyond the show floor with A Realm Reburned, a special developer panel featuring Localisation Director Michael-Christopher Koji Fox and Global Community Producer Toshio ‘Foxclon’ Murouchi. The pair will reveal behind-the-scenes stories from their years working on one of the world’s biggest MMOs, all while taking on an increasingly fiery hot sauce challenge.
FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION Showcase
Square Enix will give attendees a special look at the epic conclusion to the acclaimed FINAL FANTASY VII remake project. With the fate of the planet hanging in the balance, Cloud and his companions face their final battle against Sephiroth in the biggest chapter yet, and Australian fans will be able to deep dive into what FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION has to offer before its 8 April 2027 release.
While you can discover new games before anyone else, attendees will also be privy to the latest in gaming hardware and tech and interactive experiences from local and global brands.
Ultimately, PAX Aus is the place to discover what’s next, with over 90 games across the Aus Indie Showcase, PAX Rising and New Zealand’s Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE) giving fans the chance to play and discover new titles before almost anyone else. From emerging Australian developers to exciting new studios from across the Tasman, these showcases put fresh ideas, original worlds and the next generation of games directly into the hands of PAX attendees.
The show floor will also be packed with new gaming hardware, peripherals, custom PCs and technology from some of the biggest names in the space and some of Australia and the world’s biggest brands are creating experiences specifically for the PAX community, from live shopping from eBay, to esports and creator spaces, competitions and one of the most energetic stages at the entire show.
Now if you’re looking for something a little different… BlackMilk is also bringing its signature gaming and pop culture-inspired clothing to the show, while Secretlab will also join the 2026 line-up with their latest launches, the Secretlab Atlas and The Pokémon Collection.
And if all of this feels overwhelming and you need a break from the action then PAX Aus charity partner Beyond Blue alongside The Inclusion Project will be in the AFK Room to offer a quiet space away from the expo floor, complete with sensory tools and support from allied health occupational therapists.
With even more still to be revealed, PAX Aus 2026 is bringing together one of its biggest collections of games, publishers, hardware, technology, esports, and gaming culture yet – including multiple first-time experiences and opportunities to play some of 2027’s most anticipated games before release.
For three massive days between Oct 9 – 11, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will once again become Australia’s home of gaming and gaming culture so if you haven’t already, get your badges at aus.paxsite.com.
