PAX is hands down the greatest fan-friendly video game convention in the world. The annual event usually takes place in Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, San Antonio and little old Melbourne, but due to the current pandemic, PAX is going online for the first time in its history.
The virtual event, kicking off on September 13, will run for nine days and features more content than ever before. Along with all the major gaming companies showcasing their wares, the event will feature playable demos, new release trailers, online competitions and superstar panels with the biggest and best names in the video game world.
Today, PAX have dropped the panel schedule for the entire event, with Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith kicking off proceedings with the keynote speech at 3:15 am on Sunday, September 13. As most in the Southern Hemisphere will be sleeping at this time, PAX is rebroadcasting his speech at 8pm that night so that we don’t miss out.
Pondsmith isn’t the only famous name appearing, with skateboarding legend Tony Hawk providing commentary for a special Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 tournament alongside skating photographer Atiba Jefferson, Sid Meier, the iconic creator of the Civilisation franchise, discussing his entire career, and Insomnia Games’ Ted Price (Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart) and Sucker Punch Productions’ Brian Fleming (Ghost Of Tsushima) hosting a special edition of The Game Maker’s Notebook.
Other highlights and events include:
Did Animal Crossing Save Our Souls?
Video games have been a great way to escape during lockdown, with Animal Crossing being one of the most played games this year. A panel of experts discuss the impact of games on us during isolation and if they are helping or hindering our mental state.
Capturing Performances in Red Dead Redemption 2
The core cast of Rockstar Games’ critically acclaimed title chat freely about their experiences working on the game and how their input has formed a major part of its success.
A Long Time Ago: A History of Star Wars Games
Join Star Wars fans as they discuss the good, the bad and the Jar Jar Binks of Star Wars games.
PAX’s Indie Showcase
PAX has always been a big supporter of indie games, so make sure you check out their indie showcase, featuring 20 games from the best indie developers, including Kitfox Games’ Boyfriend Dungeon, Afterburner Studios’ Dreamscaper and Washbear Studio’s Parkasaurus.
Play It Again: Preserving Australia’s Gaming History
Australia has a rich and diverse gaming history, with this panel discussing the Play It Again ARC project, which is trying to collect and preserve classic video games from the ’90s.