With the pandemic forcing conventions to either postpone to a later date or cancel out right, many con organizers have been turning to holding virtual conventions . From streaming panels and Q&A sessions to using video games such as Minecraft, Animal Crossing New Horizons and others as a way for fans to come together to celebrate their fandom, these online events are a great way for fans to still show their love for their fandoms, meet guests, buy art and do everything one usually does at a convention but in a way to keep everyone safe and healthy. With all of that in mind, it was announced by ReedPop and Penny Arcade that due to the pandemic, they would have to cancel both PAX West and PAX Australia this year. Fear not, as in that same announcement they revealed PAX Online would be taking their places this year. But what is PAX Online?
PAX Online is the combination of PAX West and PAX Australia, with support from Europe’s EGX, to bring fans nine days of “huge lineup of exciting game reveals, exclusive hands-on demos, and can’t-miss esports tournaments” streaming 24 hours each day. Jerry Holkins, co-founder of PAX. states the following in the press release:
“PAX has always been a community first, from the attendees, panelists, exhibitors, to the incredible Enforcers who keep PAX going all year. PAX Online brings that shared experience home, along with game reveals, exclusive hands-on experiences, the chance to hear from and speak with your favorite game developers, plus so much more. Even if we can’t all meet in Seattle or Melbourne this year, we look forward to reconnecting with our friends and welcoming everyone to our new home, PAX Online. Technically, you’re already there.”
This is going to be a very interesting event, as the most prominent thing that fans love about PAX is bonding with other fans over a new board game that is being demoed, experiencing the excitement of a game being revealed for the first time or even discovering and playing some new indie games. Its the community aspect that fans love about the PAX experience, and like I said it’s going to be intresting to see how ReedPop and Penny Arcade will translate that into an online experience. In any case we shall see as PAX Online is set to kick off on September 12th and will run to the 20th.
