Bringing your spouse to PaxEast for the first time
shadowhaxor
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So, since this is my first PAXEast event, I also wanted to being my wife. I mentioned to her and she said she'd come with, but at the same time I'm trying to explain to her on what exactly it is that she's going to and ultimately I want to make sure she has a good time.
While she isn't the biggest gamer, she tends to watch me play or get interested in what I play and even offer suggestions or observations on things I've missed. But she won't play those games herself, she's more of a selective gamer and facebook gamer.
Anyone else take their partner to PAXEast previously who wasn't exactly interested in the same things as you? If so, how did that go and would you do it again?
While she isn't the biggest gamer, she tends to watch me play or get interested in what I play and even offer suggestions or observations on things I've missed. But she won't play those games herself, she's more of a selective gamer and facebook gamer.
Anyone else take their partner to PAXEast previously who wasn't exactly interested in the same things as you? If so, how did that go and would you do it again?
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And panels like a Night with Scott Kurtz are fun for everyone.
http://www.pkbloggin.net
The Magical Mystery Tour was a good way to introduce her to various people in the community while running through a fun community event. I'll be putting up the info for the tour in December sometime, so if you are interested keep an eye out!
Love Pokemon? Going to PAX Prime/East/Aus/South? Challenge the PAX Pokemon League!!!
Things like the concerts, Rock Band freeplay (who says YOU have to play. i love just watching people there), and many of the panels can easily appeal to people who don't actively game. The PA panels and anything with Kurtz or Jeff are humorous even without a heavy knowledge of games. I guess maybe the straight PA Q&A panels might not appeal to her, but the make-a-strip panel has the best of both worlds: Gabe and Tycho cracking jokes/answering questions, as well as visual stimulation as you watch the comic be drawn in front of you.
I met many couples last time, so you can try to find another couple you can hang out with. That way if you want to go play in a tournament or something else that would leave her bored, she already knows someone she can hang out with instead of just being through into a crowd of (very nice) strangers.
Definitely try to fit in some community events. The MMT will help you meet people ahead of time, plus you'll get to see some of the city instead of just the convention center (that'll probably be a plus to her!). Hopefully there will also be the girl's meetup again. So she can take a break from the barrage of gamey-ness and just chill with some other gals.
Also, maybe she's played some Pac-man or something when she was younger? The classic console freeplay may feel more accessible to her.
At Prime we did brunch at the Cheesecake Factory (original chosen location decided they didn't want us just a couple days beforehand) on Sunday. I heard there was one at East last year too, but I didn't go because I wasn't yet on the forums. I'm sure the thread will pop up later. Probably after Jan 1.
Last year's tickets where q gift to me by my girlfriend for Valentine's
She is comming with me again this year so that should say anyone can come and still have a good time. The only thing I sugegest is that you make some time for her as well. After all is she not doing it for you in the first place? I suggest a nice dinner a the very least. In my case I chose a hotel in a nice accessible place that she could retreat too and spend some time if she feels like it. We also did that last year but she still chose to spend most her time at the con.
I also wholeheartedly endorse pre-PAX events. My wife has been coming with me since PAX 2004, and while she's somewhat a gamer (more like a retired gamer), the reason she likes PAX is the people. You'll have to keep watching the forums as right now the only things being planned are the Pre-PAX dinner and the dim sum brunch, but later I'm sure somebody will put together a Post-PAX party among others. Also keep your ear to the ground about hotel parties. BarFleet put on a pretty good party last year (while it lasted). The PAX social scene is pretty engaging and generally very welcoming of new people.
Last year WAS the first PAX East
In all seriousness though I guess it could be a fun experience for someone to bring their spouse, provided they are at least somewhat into gaming. I've been informed by my wife that she's not interested in going for two reasons: the first being her only slight interest in games, the other being that she doesn't want me to push her in a wheelchair the whole time (long story, not the right place to explain). While many people do this, she feels it would be a burden on me and my job reporting from the show. So I take my business partner and a friend instead and we have fun ourselves.
I do agree with taking an extra day or 2 in Boston if you can. While it is a little early in the year for some of the stuff, there's a lot to see and do for couples. Highly recommend it.
I agree. I've talked to her about going down a day early or stay a day later, though we'd have to drive then vs taking the train, which is fine its only 5-6 hours. She can't wait and I've taken this time to try and mold her into more than a facebook gamer
First game..... Sims or Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
Sims tends to be a clear winner with women. If she's into Facebook games chances are that she may like Puzzle Quest, and that could be a bridge to greater things. Other games that may easily work in the same sense are Mario Kart and Tetris. Bonus - All these games can be played on a DS and can be played WITH or against people (emphasis on the WITH). Before you know it she'll fit right in with everyone who will be chilling out in the bean bag char section.
I strongly suggest arriving at least one day early as well. Our plan for last year was to do some sightseeing. We arrived about two hours before the convention started and most of that time was used to check in to our hotel and get to the event. We never really got to play tourist.
Sure, we had time to do have a nice breakfast in town, do some mild shopping and we had our nice fancy dinner, but that was about it. We quickly realized PAX was some kind of marathon event (our first big CON). It felt a bit silly to skip on it to do much else, even if my S.O. is only into light gaming.
Doing so would have felt like participating in the Montreal Marathon and taking a quick lunch break at Cheezeburger Joe's. You know... For the proteins.
You'll find down time during mornings (that's if you don't sleep late) and it won't be too bad if you go out for meals. That's about it, realistically speaking.