When Penny Arcade Expo got its start in August 2004, it was much smaller than it is today. Hosting no more than 3,500 people in Bellevue's Meydenbauer center, it was an intimate event that drew in only the most hardcore of gamers Although considered tiny in comparison to industry leaders E3 and Tokyo Game Show, it demonstrated potential, led by a team of passionate gamers responsible for the popular Penny Arcade webcomic.
Now known simply as PAX, the gaming convention has grown to colossal proportions since that time a decade ago. Within three years of its inception it would arrive at a physical limit, forcing it to move across Lake Washington to the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. This move was a logistical challenge for organizers of the event, but proved instrumental to its future growth.
With turnouts exceeding 70,000 people, PAX required very little time to establish itself as an industry leader. PAX's success lies is its uncompromising focus on the hobbies of geek culture, featuring gaming at the forefront. While most other gaming conventions have been based in the spectacle of the industry, with its viewership-drawing announcements and glorified spectacle, PAX is all about the games and those who play them. Gamers were naturally drawn to its charisma.
During its sixth year in existence it became clear that there was a greater future for PAX, one that could explore outside the reaches of Washington.
In 2010, PAX East was created to offer the East Coast an opportunity to see what the buzz was about. The response to PAX's expansion to Boston was electrifying; more than 52,000 people would attend the event during its first year, a figure unequaled by any other first-year gaming convention. Although successful, it wouldn't stop there.
During the years that would follow, PAX Australia (Melbourne) and PAX South (Texas) would be birthed, introducing the expo to two regions previously neglected by the industry. PAX Australia in particular was the first time PAX had extended its reach outside the U.S., a bold and risky move that proved prosperous with tens of thousands of local attendees.
PAX's ambition has led it even further this year with the addition of PAX Unplugged to its portfolio. Just like its name suggests, the new convention will be fun and casual, focusing on the Tabletop industry where consumers previously only had access to events much smaller in nature.
Scheduled to be host from November 17th to the 19th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, PAX Unplugged will provide attendees with an opportunity to not only meet others who take interest in tabletop, but enjoy the hobby alongside them. Tables will be set up for a large number of people to play Settlers of Catan, Pandemic, Magic the Gathering, and Risk, among other popular games. Creators of admired games will be on the show floor looking to talk about what it's like to make them, in addition to meeting fans.
Given PAX's enthusiasm for growth, PAX Unplugged is unlikely to be the last addition to the PAX family.
Beginning its travels at humble beginnings, PAX has built a name for itself while expanding its reach with a total of six annual conventions. It's unlike anything else in the world, providing gamers and hobbyists a chance to enjoy their interests on a big stage alongside tens of thousands of others.
