PAX West 2024 Event Overview
It had been about 5 years since I ventured out to Seattle to attend PAX West. As a gamer my entire life, PAX West is one of the must attend events that I recommend to other gamers. PAX did not disappoint this year, going big for their 20th anniversary with a packed schedule of activities and new game releases. PAX West is an annual event that draws crowds from around the globe to indulge in four days of gaming excitement, interactive panels, and community engagement.
With over 100,000 attendees in person and even more tuning in online via Twitch and Steam, this year’s PAX West was a celebration of the gaming world’s vast diversity. Key highlights included the Storytime session featuring Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, as well as hands-on demos of Sony’s Astro Bot, Nintendo’s anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and of course what you Blerds are hype for: Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero (yea I got to play it early!)
PAX West 2024 Venue : 8/10
The Seattle Convention Center served as the perfect setting for PAX West. Its spacious, you’re in downtown Seattle with plenty of shopping and food options, and the weather was cool and moderate. The venue offered plenty of room for the thousands of attendees to explore game demos, participate in panels, and enjoy the overall experience without feeling too cramped. The space was easy to navigate, allowing guests to make the most of their time at the event. There are maps and signs everywhere telling you where to go and the event staff was helpful as well. I will knock it a couple of points since some of the areas are split off from each other. This isn’t a small convention by any means so make sure to take time to look at the app/maps and schedule to plan your trip.
The energy and atmosphere was electric. Whether you were meeting new people, discussing the latest game reveals, or just soaking in the energy, the event maintained a fun and welcoming vibe. The mix of hardcore gamers, casual fans, developers, and families ensured there was something for everyone. PAX makes sure to be inclusive of all types of people and its shows visually at the convention.
PAX West 2024 Panels and Discussions: 8.5/10
PAX West 2024 excelled in its variety of panels. Attendees could dive deep into a wide range of topics, from the future of game development to diversity in the gaming industry. The Evolution of VR and AR Gaming panel was particularly intriguing, showcasing new technologies that may soon redefine the gaming experience.
The Storytime session with Microsoft’s Phil Spencer was a highlight, giving fans rare insights into the direction of one of the industry’s most powerful companies. If you’re interested in hearing developers discuss their craft, PAX West had plenty to offer this year.
And the live shows? The Acquisitions Inc. event was a crowd favorite, as always, drawing huge laughs and great engagement.
PAX West 2024 Exhibit Hall: 8/10
The exhibit hall at PAX West was a gamer’s paradise. If you love videogames (and tabletop), it is almost perfect. Anything that you can imagine, and even things you wouldn’t have thought of, are in the PAX West exhibit hall. You can tell that all of the exhibitors know that this is one of the major shows of the year with how they show out. Out of all of the nerdy conventions you will also see some of the best gaming tech that is out there.
The major players—Nintendo, Sony, and Capcom—showcased their upcoming titles, including first-hand demos that were the talk of the convention. Nintendo’s booth was particularly popular, thanks to the demo of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, which had fans buzzing.
Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds made its North American debut, and Sony delivered an immersive experience with Astro Bot. But it wasn’t just about the big names. The indie scene at PAX Rising was thriving. I went to an after hours Mixer and a couple of titles that stood out were Usual June and Cricket Jae’s Really Peculiar Game.
I do wish that I saw more diversity in exhibitors / vendors which knocked it down a couple of points.
PAX West 2024 Lines: 6/10
While I am a huge fan of what PAX has to offer, one part you do need to be prepared for is the lines. Probably to no surprise to you if you’re reading this, getting to play demo’s and try new tech is going to draw long lines. Most demo’s do not last too long, but if you want to play some of the more popular AAA titles you need to show up very early. PAX merch is also very popular so be don’t wait to buy things you want.
PAX West 2024 Vibe: 9/10
Vibe is always more of the ambiguous factor that I grade conventions on. It’s more of the feeling you get even besides all of the other technical parts of a convention. PAX West 2024 delivered on vibe heavily and I had a ton of fun out west. Whether you came for the games, the panels, or the community, there was no shortage of activities to enjoy.
PAX West 2024 was a celebration of creativity, and the cosplay scene was no exception. The cosplay contest showcased a wide variety of impressive costumes, ranging from detailed representations of Final Fantasy characters to larger-than-life recreations of Warhammer 40k warriors. Larian Studios even had a few Baldurs Gate 3 cosplayers at their booth.
While other events might boast more in terms of sheer numbers of cosplayers, the quality of craftsmanship at PAX West was high. It was a real treat to see such dedication to character accuracy, with each cosplayer putting their own twist on beloved gaming icons.The long lines for some of the more popular demos were a small downside, but overall, the convention delivered everything you could want from a major gaming event.
If you’re a fan of gaming culture, PAX West continues to be a must-attend event, and 2024 was no exception. With PAX West 2025 on the horizon, it’s clear that this event will continue to be a key gathering for the global gaming community.
PAX West 2025 Announcement
In exciting news, organizers ReedPop and Penny Arcade confirmed the dates for PAX West 2025. Next year’s event will be held over Labor Day weekend, from Friday, August 29 to Monday, September 1, at the Seattle Convention Center. This announcement came at the end of PAX West 2024, capping off the 20th anniversary celebration.
Jerry Holkins, co-founder of PAX and Penny Arcade, reflected on the two-decade legacy of the event, stating, “It’s hard to believe it’s been twenty years since the founding of PAX, but the energy it was founded with is still there.” If this year was any indication, PAX West is only getting bigger and better.
Final Verdict: 8/10
PAX West remains a premier destination for gamers of all kinds. Whether you’re looking to connect with fellow fans, try out new games, or catch insightful panels, PAX delivers year after year.
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