Nestled among the Boston Seaport District, along the water, lays an unassuming PAX East just waiting for you to join it. After jetting over from Melbourne, I made my journey across the bridge, climbed the stairs and entered the lobby of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center to reveal busy gamers and enforcers excitedly interact on day one of PAX East.
Taking to the expo floor, there were big brands, stages, cosplay, indie games, AAA gaming titles and food trucks (all of course begging me to follow their smells) — the more I explored, the more it felt like home.
Tabletop games sprawled out, taking a large portion of the expo floor. With Magic the Gathering thriving, and newer games like Disney Lorcana and Star Wars Unlimited, this area continues to be a popular aspect of PAX.
This area allows strangers and friends to come together and experience new and old tabletop titles. Although not my thing, I’m always in awe of the popularity of tabletop — especially during such a loud, hustle and bustle environment.
The shopping area is thriving, from handmade leather bound books of classic novels to DnD dice you can’t help but marvel at. The craftsmanship of the shopping district brought me to the startling reality I don’t have unlimited storage in my suitcase home so my shopping must be logical and not impulsive. My wallet survived day one but I can’t make any promises for day two!
The games are plentiful at PAX East, and there was even a PAX Rising — chocoblock full of indie games — to check out! While exploring, I spoke to a range of developers who were all super passionate about their projects and welcomed everyone to try them out.
I’m more of a viewer than a demo trier, as I feel too rushed when trying the game for myself. The fast paced environment of PAX means a lot of people want to try everything, and attempting a new game while someone watches over my shoulder… I’ll pass. So having said that, I watch over others’ shoulders! I still get to see how the game plays and if it’s up my alley. I was able to collect a bunch of game cards, and I’ll be sure to wishlist on Steam or download when I get home — everything I came across was ready to go!
Lastly, I hit a few meet ups, first venturing over to the Women in Games meet up where I connected with several, really lovely, creators who were enthusiastic about their craft.
Next, I ventured over to the Twitch Boston community meet up where I met a few folk that worked for Twitch, as well as creators from all different states. I was the only Aussie and a lot of people assumed I lived there! But alas, no, just visiting.
PAX East Day 1 has given me the goods and I look forward to day two. I can’t wait to chat to some cosplayers about their artistic flair. This PAX actually runs Thursday through to Sunday, whereas PAX Aus only sees out the three day weekend. So I’m tightening my Nike laces and getting my steps in again to hit the floor — will I beat the 17,385 steps of today? I’ll certainly try, I have to see it all!
Day 2!
With the feet feeling good, back not yet aching, and a yearning to chat to the cosplayers of the East, I was off again! Day two was beckoning me with the chilly air of Melbourne.
Stepping out into the Boston (some what) fresh air, it hit me with Melbourne nostalgia – it was cold as hell. Today I realised my hotel offers a PAX shuttle bus, and shaking my head with disbelief I crossed the road and waited for it among other eager PAX attendees. I knew they were my people as they were dressed in PAX merch, mild cosplay or rocking Pokemon backpacks. The Bat Signal of PAX nerds. I fit right in.
Straight away as I entered the show floor I saw several lines to various booths. Since I was an international gamer all on my lonesome, I felt the freedom to line up to whatever I wanted. I headed over to a nondescript booth where they were holding a photo competition to win a comfy gaming lounge set up. Knowing damn well I couldn’t fit that in my suitcase, I lined up simply just for fun.
As I wandered the floor, I came across the Throne booth, a program I use heavily as a streamer to allow followers the ability to gift items of their choosing. The team there were absolutely lovely and enjoyed chatting to a gamer who came from the other side of the world to visit PAX East. They did laugh when I said ‘holiday’ instead of ‘vacation’ but hey, it was all in friendship. They informed me that an old favourite of mine, Dead by Daylight had a booth so I went running!
It’s great to see a big booth for a game I play, as even though PAX is a gaming convention, I don’t often see horror games all that celebrated. So seeing DbD so populated and thriving was amazing. I checked out their merch, but the shirt on offer wasn’t my style. Sadly that was left behind. I did however meet Mathieu Cote, a game director for DbD and head of partnerships. We can thank him for the cool collabs we see in the game (hello Lara, thank you for your service). I told him I’d had flown from Australia to meet him. Somehow, he didn’t believe me. He was lovely and it was a big fan girl moment for me to meet, chat and have a picture with him.
Shopping as always was alive and well in the convention hall, and after snagging some interviews with cosplayers on their craft and mental health, I was able to let the purse strings lose a little. I was mindful I didn’t have a lot of room in my suitcase, so a lot of things were left behind. That isn’t to say there’s not booth after booth filled with beautiful treasures however. By gosh there was!
So with my backpack a little heavier than when I arrived, I packed up my tripod, mic and headed home after a successful day 2. People have been so nice here at PAX East so far, and yes, that includes the Enforcers! I won’t talk too much on the food at the convention because I’ll sound like the Hungry Hungry Caterpillar, but trust me when I say there’s options. But very expensive ones considering our dollar is less than favourable right now. On to day 3!!
Day 3!
With Saturday being my final day at PAX East, I wanted to make sure I was completely satisfied with my time here. The convention runs Thursday to Sunday, but I was leaving Sunday, so it was just a three day stint for me.
I won’t lie, my legs were aching something nasty today. I had put in nearly 18,000 steps on the Thursday and Friday, so I was feeling a little lethargic. I bought myself a cheeky Gatorade to hydrate these nerd muscles and off I went!
Unlike PAXAus, I didn’t see anyone from the furry community all weekend. Until I saw Ghost! I simply had to chat to him, and he was so nice to learn from. I was able to connect with all walks of life during PAX and learn about their craft, and Ghost was a highlight.
As you should know, I’m a rather big Fortnite fan. I spotted that noticable font from a mile away and had to check it out. I’m ashamed that I’ve forgot the booth name, but I was in awe at the more mature angle this Fortnite skin was designed from.
As expected, Saturday was the convention’s busiest day. There was still seats available to rest at the main stage, a place where everyone is welcome to sit and stay a while. I watched many random shows there over my time at PAX including 1v1 battles at pub games such as card throw, street fighter events and Castlevania record beating speed runs. Even if you’re there to eat some food, drink some water or find your friends, the main stage is a great hack to get a seat to chill out.
I did my last few rounds of the show floor, collecting cards from games I think I might wishlist or demo on Steam. There was plenty to see and do, and I think I was finally coming to the end of it. I had chatted to so many amazing people, seen so many unique games and actually got to know brands from their representatives at their booths. Turns out those long lines aren’t always a waste of time. Everyone is so passionate at PAX no matter where in the world you are. I highly recommend going to your local convention because there truly is something for everyone.
To wrap up, I’ll say this Aussie was welcomed with open arms in Boston for the PAX East convention. I indulged in the American fast food, used terms like ‘in the trunk’ and connected with creatives from all corners of the gaming and tech world. PAX goers are some of the nicest folk, always wanting to learn about where you’re from and what you’re up to. It was a strange feeling to be out of my comfort zone and alone in another country but I can honestly say I loved it and will cherish the memories.
PAX advice? Pick good walking shoes, take a 1L bottle to continue filling up and walk in with an open mind. PAX is a fantastic place whether you’re in Australia or America, and I’m so thankful to be able to attend such celebrations of gaming and technology. Now the question is, which country’s gaming industry do I check out next?!
You can head to PAX Australia this October in Melbourne, so grab your badge now!
To keep up with Ellie’s PAX East journey you can follow her on Instagram.
Ellie travelled to PAX East with Level Up Psychology, be sure to follow them to see more!
