****UPDATE!****
1/21/2009 (From
www.paxsite.com/paxprime): [Pre Registration Opening Soon] Although we’ve got our heads down planning PAX East in Boston right now, that doesn’’t mean we’ve forgotten about Seattle! Registration opens in the next few weeks! Keep your eyes peeled!
(From the official site,
www.http://www.paxsite.com/paxprime/index.php)
(The group image is copyright Penny Arcade)
***NOTE***
This info is from last years PAX, and may contain date- and time-specific information that is no longer relevant, but should give you a general idea of things. For current information, stay tuned to the official site, which will be updated as new information is available.
***********
What is PAX?
PAX is a three-day game festival for tabletop, videogame, and PC gamers. We call it a festival because in addition to dedicated tournaments and freeplay areas we've got nerdcore concerts, panel discussions, the weekend-long Omegathon event, and an exhibitor hall filled with booths displaying the latest from top game publishers and developers. Even with all this amazing content the best part of PAX is hanging out with other people who know their shit when it comes to games.
How much does PAX cost?
The three-day pre-registration passes are $50. Day passes are $30 each in advance, or $35 at the door. Details and the pre-registration link can be found here.
Your PAX badge is all-access, and is good for all PAX-run events, concerts, parties, panels, and freeplay areas. That said, some sponsor-run events, such as "Sealed deck" and other ranked tournaments, may have an additional fee.
What's the best day to attend?
Hard to say. The exhibitor hall, freeplay areas, and tournaments are open all three days of PAX. Concerts are Friday and Saturday nights, the final round of the Omegathon is Sunday.
Do you have hotel discounts available?
Yes! Check out our hotels page for more details.
I pre-registered. Where is my pre-reg packet?
Pre-registration packets will be mailed out two weeks before PAX. They'll contain everything you need to walk right into the show--no need to stand in line to buy a ticket, Mr. Proactive.
Are there age restrictions to PAX?
Nope. But if you're under 13, please make sure your parents know where you are.
Into what airport do I fly?
The Seattle Tacoma International Airport. The airport code is SEA.
What do I need to get into PAX?
If you've pre-registered, that means you've received your pre-registration packet with the appropriate identification to get you in the door. If you're buying tickets the day-of, just head to the registration area at the Hyatt hotel.
Can I bring my own computer for the LAN?
Unfortunately the BYOC signups have sold out and are no longer available.
Can I bring my nerf gun/lightsaber/other weird thing?
Don't bring anything that would annoy another attendee or set us up for a crazy lawsuit. PAX is not an event run by some giant corporate entity; it's a big party we throw for the gaming community in general and PA readers in particular. Have fun, but be cool.
Anything else I should bring?
Your pre-reg packet and badge, comfortable shoes, and ID. PAX is great for just meeting new people and having fun, so consider also bringing your handheld game system, favorite CCG, minis, or tabletop game.
I'm a game company. Who do I contact with regards to exhibiting at PAX?
Even with three times the square footage of last year's PAX, over half of the exhibitor floor has already been booked. So get in touch right away by contacting Bill Butler.
What is The Omegathon?
The Omegathon is a three-day elimination tournament. Twenty Omeganauts are chosen from those who pre-order PAX passes, and compete in games from every category (tabletop, console, PC) culminating in a live championship match on the big stage during PAX closing ceremonies. The final game is always out of left field: first year was PONG, second year was Atari's COMBAT, third year was Tetris, fourth year was Halo 3, and last year was Vs excitebike. The grand prize is equally ridiculous; last year's prize was an all expenses paid trip to Japan for Tokyo Game Show 2008.
Where and when is Will Call open?
The Will Call counters are located at the Registration Area in the Grand Hyatt Hotel on 7th and Pine. The hours are Thursday from Noon to 11 PM and then opening at 8 AM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
******NOTE******
All wall posts not related to the event, of an unfriendly nature, and advertisements, will be deleted. You have been warned.
