Today, PAX West has officially confirmed that their 2021 game expo will be taking place in-person. This announcement marked the first major North American gaming event to occur face-to-face since PAX East back in 2020. ReedPop and Penny Arcade have had to cancel six consecutive in-person expos since that time, so this is surely a big moment for the promoters and the PAX community at large. As things begin to transition back to a place of normalcy following the COVID-19 pandemic, it looks like gamers will get the chance to see all their most anticipated panels, tournaments, and exhibits without the need for a computer screen (well, aside from actually playing games).
Badges for PAX West 2021 will go on sale within the next two weeks, and the event will be taking place this coming Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-6. The event will be taking place at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Four-day badges are $230, with individual Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday passes running $60 each. More details on the health and safety guidelines of the event are expected to be released within the coming weeks as well. Jerry Holkins, co-founder of Penny Arcade and PAX, had this to say about the announcement:
“It’s been almost two years since the last PAX West, and it’s been surreal to imagine its triumphant return. I can’t think of a better excuse to leave the house than PAX West.”
Until we reach Labor Day weekend, PAX Online East will have to sate our appetite for all things gaming and conventions. Taking place July 15-18, the virtual event will mark the official return of the Omegathon as well as various other open tournaments and competitions. More details can be found on the PAX East website.
How excited are you for the return of in-person attendance with PAX West 2021? Or just the return of in-person game events in general? Let us know down in the comments!
