Fans of all things games will not be strangers to Australia’s biggest gaming convention but in case you haven’t heard of PAX Aus (Penny Arcade Expo Australia), here’s the run down.
The year was 2004 and the team at Penny Arcade saw a hole in the assumed nerd hobby market. Comics, anime and other pop culture loves had their own celebrations but where was the one for the gamers!? Make way for PAX; a festival that, according to the website, has doubled in size each year and has become world wide. With more and more badge holders (ticket holders) every year, it isn’t just the audience that has expanded and grown. While keeping freeplay, tournaments, concerts, panels and other amazing aspects in the mix, PAX has grown over the years, now incorporating different gaming technologies and diversity in gamers. No matter what type of game you’re a lover of, you are sure to feel at home at PAX.
So, what does PAX Aus look like now? In a nutshell, PAX Aus celebrates games and gaming culture. It provides a space (albeit, a very, very large space) where players, developers, publishers, and communities come together to share in the thing that they love to spend their time on (free or otherwise).
Back at Melbourne Convention Centre this year, the 3 day line up for PAX Aus 2026 is just as awesome as ever! Austin Creed (aka WWE superstar Xavier Woods), Good Games Morley (Content Creators) and, my personal “I cannot wait for”, Ify Nwadiwe (Um, Actually, Dropout TV) are amongst the super cool guests featured, not to mention, amazing panels (in previous year’s the schedule has included gaming voice over panels which I was smitten with), tabletop game play, a showcase of new indie games, an expo hall full of game developers, publishers, independent studios and brands and cosplay comps, the perks just go on and on.
While my geeky self is fairly new to the PAX world, I’m so looking forward to this year’s event, not only because it would be wild to miss out on a weekend surrounded by people who love what you love, but it’s so rad getting access to the latest releases, cool indie titles, endless tabletop options, seeing the cosplay, watching esports pros and more.
So whether you want to play the latest video and/or tabletop games, trial new or in development works from major publishers and indie developers, attend panels with industry professionals, or join tournaments, comps and community events; I can guarantee that you’ll find something you’re going to love at PAX Aus.
PAX Australia will be at MCEC, Melbourne from 9 – 11 October. Tickets (Badges) are selling fast so check out the website for all your PAX needs.
