It’s finally here! PAX Australia begins today at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Tens of thousands of gamers are expected to fill the expo with one thing on their mind: gaming.
READ MORE: PAX Australia 2024: Live Updates and Coverage
From the latest indie titles and gaming hardwares, to tabletop and card games — there’s something for every gaming niche.
Follow along here as we take you through what’s on offer at PAX Australia 2024.
Doors open at 10AM!
10:00 AM
DOORS HAVE OPENED! During the countdown, there was a surprise appearance by Steam’s Gabe Newell.
Watch the SteamDeck announcement below
The Steamdeck is officially going on sale in Australia next month. Huge news!
10:15 AM
Dan’s first stop was the SEGA booth to check out Sonic X Shadow Generations.
“The Shadow levels were different, fast, action based with a lot going on. Attacking was very similar to Sonic but there was lots happening on screen, very fun!”
10:30 AM
These couples are getting married at PAX on Sunday in the name of the lamb – and yes, it’s legit! After an online callout by Cult of the Lamb’s creators Massive Monster, and an overwhelming response, two couples were chosen for unholy matrimony.
Jasper and Tanner (left) will marry in the morning, while Shania and Blake (right) will marry that afternoon. Guests will be dressed in cultist robes and the lamb itself will be there to officiate the ceremony.
How’s Shania’s nails?! Make sure you attend and wish the couples well.
11:30 AM
Public service announcement! There’s an incredible dessert bar behind the Microsoft area. These sweet treats look absolutely incredible.
They look amazing, but they also aren’t cheap. One of the Dessertopia themed treats will set you back about $20. But for something that looks this good, how could you say no?
“I cannot believe I am about to eat a Kirby!” says Dan.
11:31 AM
Update from Dan: Kirby was delicious.
1:05 PM
The Classic Gaming section is bringing back fond memories of big box PC games and early graphics cards that had four fans to try and contain the power!
“Someone explain to me why this theme went out of style. Down with RGB, long live the beige,” says Sam.
1:30 PM
Dark Vigil by Nicole Renner is a deeply atmospheric tabletop roleplaying game set in the 1800s.
The world has fallen into darkness as an eclipse spread across the globe, bringing monsters and dark magic with it.
The game features a corruption system where players can give into the darkness to unlock dark powers, but risk being taken over and becoming a villain or monster under the control of the Game Master.
2:10 PM
Dan, the CEO of Twitch, is playing Dodgeball at the Red Bull Gameball Royale arena!
This drew a huge crowd as it was an unexpected match! This is a unique gamefied version of dodgeball where you can step on power ups to use and the court slowly gets smaller and smaller!
2:30 PM
Team Losers vs Team Pwr Ballers is live right now on the Red Bull Game all Royale court! Team Pwr Ballers is leading 2-0.
2:55 PM
Sam’s been checking out some hardware!
If you’ve been considering getting a mechanical keyboard, but get lost when trying to decide what size, what switches and what keycaps – the Keychron stall is a great place to visit.
They have a heap of keyboards on display for you to test, with a range of different form factors and switches to try out.
3:00 PM
Nathanael’s in board game heaven today!
Drop Bears takes the 80s style of teen slasher films (think Friday the 13th or Halloween) and drops it into the Australian bush.
Players take on the role of campers, hikers, medics and lost people, trying to survive while being hunted by a pack of deadly Drop Bears. The titular creatures are controlled by a set of rules that govern how they hunt, and the players can work together to complete objectives, but run the risk of being ambushed as a group.
4:00 PM
Ellie was visiting the PAX Together Lounge this afternoon. They had two lovely service dogs, Ahri (golden doodle) and Sooty (black lab).
PAX goers queued up to have a quick pat of the calm pups, everyone in awe of their sweet nature. Pax Together Lounge also offers an area to enjoy tabletop games, video games, and chats to pals in a safe space.
4:25 PM
Nathanael paid a visit to one of the PAX Indie Showcase winners — Oracle is a game of mystery and intrigue, where players act as members of a medieval court.
Each player has their own objectives and challenges to complete, and while you may share some goals with other players, you can’t always trust everyone at your table.
5:30 PM
Dan finished the day with a Boogie at the Just Dance booths outside the main expo floor. There’s also one located inside.
That’s a wrap on Day One. There’s so much to see and do this year.
CHECK OUT DAY TWO HERE
