I don't have a DS, PSP, and I don't play Magic/any card games. All I have is a Wifi-only Iphone 1G, a flip-phone with no internet access feature, and a camera. I am however a heavy PC gamer. All this being said, I'm still looking to get the full experience from PAX and make friends. Any suggestions?
Be open to playing games with people in line--remember, everyone is your friend. Go to the freeplay areas--the show floor is cool, but don't spend all your time there. Try games you normally wouldn't.
You'll have a blast.
Hey guys, gonna be attending my first PAX and all the information that's been posted so far has been immensely helpful. I do have one question in regards to the two grocery big grocery stores that seem to be within decent walking distance from the convention center.
I am getting in a few hours before my buddy (also his first time) and wanted to hit up a grocery store to get some supplies. Wanted to get some opinions from people that have been to PAX before/live in the Seattle area; I see there's an IGA an QFC and wanted to know which one people prefer/is cheaper.
The QFC is a little farther away, but cheaper than the IGA. You definitely pay for the location with the IGA. Also, the QFC is larger.
I don't have a DS, PSP, and I don't play Magic/any card games. All I have is a Wifi-only Iphone 1G, a flip-phone with no internet access feature, and a camera. I am however a heavy PC gamer. All this being said, I'm still looking to get the full experience from PAX and make friends. Any suggestions?
I haven't played it myself, but I did see a number of people playing it while in line or even in the hand held lounge. It looks fun enough.
You also almost ALWAYS will get a pack of Magic cards in your informational baggie when you first enter the con. Card games are way over my head, but I did have a lot of fun watched some new friends play with them and explain to me how it works, even though I still hardly got it. LOL
I just remembered something that I don't recall being mentioned yet... the PAX shirts will sell out, and fast. If you plan to get a PAX 2011 shirt, get it the first day, preferably early. Also, there's usually a piece of limited edition PAX branded hardware that also sells out pretty quickly if it's any good at all.
Every time you write parallel fifths, Bach kills a kitten.
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So myself as a first timer and after reading this thread have one question. If I choose to go see the keynote and opening Q&A will I likely miss out on the PAX exclusive shirts etc? Or are those likely not to sell out until a little later in the afternoon/evening?
So myself as a first timer and after reading this thread have one question. If I choose to go see the keynote and opening Q&A will I likely miss out on the PAX exclusive shirts etc? Or are those likely not to sell out until a little later in the afternoon/evening?
I just wanted to make sure people knew to get them the first chance they get. No need to miss stuff for it, but when you have a free moment, go ahead and hit up the merch booth.
Every time you write parallel fifths, Bach kills a kitten.
3DS Friend Code: 2707-1614-5576 PAX Prime 2014 Buttoneering!
Now that badges are being mailed out, another good tip. Sign your name on the back of your badge in perm Sharpie. If nothing else, I always have an irrational fear I'll drop my badge and never be able to claim it as mine again, and this eases that fear somewhat. I wouldn't mark up the front, though...
“Myth is the hidden part of every story, the buried part, the region that is still unexplored because there are as yet no words to enable us to get there."
Assumption #3: There will little to no old school boardgames or boardgames that take 6 hours + to play (Diplomacy, Civilization, 9 player game of thrones, etc)
Assumption #5: Popular events will be filled more with “fans” than “enthusiasts” (ie people are more likely to go an event because of who is in the event, as opposed to what the event is about)
ummm No idea. I have no idea what motivates people to attend things they enjoy.
Assumption #3: There will little to no old school boardgames or boardgames that take 6 hours + to play (Diplomacy, Civilization, 9 player game of thrones, etc)
HAHAHA no.
Sorry SmallLady, to be clear you are saying there will not be any 6+ hour boardgames?
Where are the console freeplay areas exactly? A floor above the exhibits?
I missed out on this the first time I went, I thought it was just PC gaming up there.
According to my 3-Day pass which came in the mail today, the Console Freeplay is on level 6. Exhibitors are on floors 4 & 6. As to EXACTLY where on the floor, no clue.
I do have a question regarding the WSCC. It goes Level 1, 2, 3, 4, 6. There is no floor 5. Is this a typo or what? How can there be a floor 6, but no 5?
Thanks.
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Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
Level 5 is all WSCC offices. They are not available as expo space.
I dunno, @stick115, it looks like you've already decided PAX isn't for you. It's hard to have fun doing something when you go in with assumptions like that. A big part of PAX is introducing games of the types OTHER than the ones that you are used to. For the videogaming crowd, that means finding out that tabletop is a lot more fun than they thought. Give everything, not just the tabletop/rpg section, a try. You might actually enjoy breaking out of the rut.
Every time you write parallel fifths, Bach kills a kitten.
3DS Friend Code: 2707-1614-5576 PAX Prime 2014 Buttoneering!
I dunno, @stick115, it looks like you've already decided PAX isn't for you. It's hard to have fun doing something when you go in with assumptions like that. A big part of PAX is introducing games of the types OTHER than the ones that you are used to. For the videogaming crowd, that means finding out that tabletop is a lot more fun than they thought. Give everything, not just the tabletop/rpg section, a try. You might actually enjoy breaking out of the rut.
QFT. I Don't usually like tabletop games...first thing I did after PAX 10 was spend ~$100 on tabletop games...
Try everything and you will have fun.
jonxp
In 2010 came within a mouse click of going to PAX, I opted out at the last moment because I was concerned that the focus was too mainstream. That and I have a really hard time believing all the hype around PAX. So this year, I decided that I would go, and figure out what PAX is for myself. My expectations are low, I keep reminding myself that it is not GenCon, and that there will be more people going to this convention than live in the city I grew up in.
But you are correct, it is hard to have fun doing something when you go in with assumptions, which is why I'm trying to clear them up. I'm pleased that there might be some 6+ hour boardgames, and that there may be a few indy games. I agree that cons are brilliant places to try new games, but when you say "Give everything, not just the tabletop/rpg section a try" what else is there? I'm not in the slightest bit interested in video games. I do intend to go to some panels, not because they interest me, but to force me to do something different. I am going to try to keep an open mind, but I'm skeptical, I just don't see how it can live up the hype I've read. Perhaps when I can find the schedule for boardgames/RPGs/Miniatures I can breathe a little easier, but my understanding is that those don't get posted until the actual event.
Regardless, @jonxp, thanks for your comment, it gave me much thought.
But you are correct, it is hard to have fun doing something when you go in with assumptions, which is why I'm trying to clear them up. I'm pleased that there might be some 6+ hour boardgames, and that there may be a few indy games. I agree that cons are brilliant places to try new games, but when you say "Give everything, not just the tabletop/rpg section a try" what else is there? I'm not in the slightest bit interested in video games. I do intend to go to some panels, not because they interest me, but to force me to do something different
Maybe the Acquisitions, Inc. "panel" - it's a 2 hour D&D game played by the Penny Arcade guys, the PVPOnline guy, the Starslip guy, and Wil Wheaton. Speaking of which, the Wil Wheaton! panel, he's just all around geek, not just video games. And check out the Omegathon schedule, not all Omegathon games are video games (and some of those are old classic games like from Atari 2600, so might still be interesting to a non-videogamer). And at night on Friday and Saturday they tend to play geek movies for the folks who aren't at the concerts.
I'll say I'm very much interested in playing a game of Diplomacy. I've heard a lot about it from my friends but we've never had a chance to actually play it. You won't be the only person looking for incredibly long games (still looking to actually finish a game of Twilight Imperium...)
jonxp
In 2010 came within a mouse click of going to PAX, I opted out at the last moment because I was concerned that the focus was too mainstream. That and I have a really hard time believing all the hype around PAX. So this year, I decided that I would go, and figure out what PAX is for myself. My expectations are low, I keep reminding myself that it is not GenCon, and that there will be more people going to this convention than live in the city I grew up in.
But you are correct, it is hard to have fun doing something when you go in with assumptions, which is why I'm trying to clear them up. I'm pleased that there might be some 6+ hour boardgames, and that there may be a few indy games. I agree that cons are brilliant places to try new games, but when you say "Give everything, not just the tabletop/rpg section a try" what else is there? I'm not in the slightest bit interested in video games. I do intend to go to some panels, not because they interest me, but to force me to do something different. I am going to try to keep an open mind, but I'm skeptical, I just don't see how it can live up the hype I've read. Perhaps when I can find the schedule for boardgames/RPGs/Miniatures I can breathe a little easier, but my understanding is that those don't get posted until the actual event.
Regardless, @jonxp, thanks for your comment, it gave me much thought.
A few things:
If you want a game of something that isn't D&D... are you willing to run one? I have a ready made group who I could probably convince to play Shadowrun, L5R, Seventh Sea, Savage Worlds, or practically any non-D&D RPG. Offering to run one-shots if you're a good GM and a decent teacher can be a great way to blah blah expand horizons. I keep meaning to gin up a good L5R module for one of these, but I don't have the time.
There are a lot of indie game design people demo-ing their games in the tabletop vendor area. Two years ago at PAX East I played System shock, which is a negotiated outcome storytelling RPG. The module I played was about assimilating alien cultures into an interplanetary community similar to Ursula K. LeGuin's Ekumen. It was awesome. My even-more-indie friend makes it a point to go down there and talk with all the indie vendors, who are often very friendly.
Also, at PAX East I sat in a panel and listened to Steve Jackson explain the tabletop industry and be super amazing and Steve Jackson-y. Maybe you don't care about him, but damn. There are several panels about tabletop gaming and indie game design here (though sadly not him again). As for other panels, I recommend both Wil Wheaton (nerd extraordinare!) and Loading Ready Run (internet sketch comedy wizards!)
You do have to be kind of pro-active, though. PAX sometimes has a pretty good tabletop LFG system, but sometimes it's a bit disorganized (At PAX east this year it was basically nonexistant, which was annoying). Also, if there's an indie game or big massive boardgame you really want to play... consider bringing it. I've convinced far too many people to play Illuminatti at these things. I'm not in college anymore so I can't won't and don't play Supremacy (look, we once had people at that table for TWENTY HOURS until one of them decided to cause Nuclear Winter to put everyone out of their misery), but if you can teach a game, you can probably find someone to play it with you.
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I'll say I'm very much interested in playing a game of Diplomacy. I've heard a lot about it from my friends but we've never had a chance to actually play it. You won't be the only person looking for incredibly long games (still looking to actually finish a game of Twilight Imperium...)
Used to play it in highschool, but Diplomacy can take as long or as quick (relatively) as you want.
... I'm not in the slightest bit interested in video games...
The primary focus of PAX is, no matter how you slice it, the electronic gaming culture. Sure, it bleeds over into all the other forms of gaming that influenced it, as well as having a heapin' helpin' of general geeky fun, but those are all within one or two steps from console games, PC games and handheld games. While I think they're going to have as good or better a presence of tabletop stuff as GenCon does electronic gaming, if someone told me they had no interest in tabletop gaming I'd be hard pressed to recommend they go to GenCon to check out a few booths and panels, unless they were open to becoming interested in all that tabletop has to offer
Like you said, this isn't GenCon. As someone who has been to a bunch of the big gaming cons several times over the years, I chose to go to PAX this year precisely because I wanted something different. I actually got a little tired of the ever more ossified and graying crowd I'd see at GenCon and Origins, and wanted to experience a different side of the greater gaming community. To be sure, I was a big electronic gamer before I was ever a tabletop gamer, but throughout high school, college and afterward I did a -lot- of tabletop gaming of all kinds. However, now I do more electronic gaming simply because it's a whole lot easier to fit into my schedule. Is there a reason you don't have any interest in all the great MMOs and various CRPGs out there? Perhaps that's something you can really soak up at PAX, since there will be some big announcements there in those areas as well as others.
As has already been mentioned, PAX is all about new experiences for everyone and everyone should make an effort to step outside their little sub-genre and wallow in a full-flavored gaming experience. That being said, I do plan on getting my D&D on there at some point, and maybe some of us tabletop gaming grognards can plan ahead for a game or three. I'll be there Thursday through Monday, perhaps we should assemble a Twitter or email list? I know there's already a D&D and non-D&D RPG thread going on.
... I'm not in the slightest bit interested in video games...
The primary focus of PAX is, no matter how you slice it, the electronic gaming culture.
I dunno, East this year had a monstrous tabletop showing. I think the major difference is that tabletop companies do not have the giant budgets to throw around for humongous booths in the expo hall, or tons and tons of advertising. I think trying to nail PAX into a particular "primary focus" is a little rough, because PAX is catered towards the people, and each person has an individual set of interests that makes PAX important and valuable to them.
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Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
There is tons of tabletop at PAX. I could seriously spend the whole weekend in there if there wasn't just so much stuff I was interested in experiencing.
... I'm not in the slightest bit interested in video games...
The primary focus of PAX is, no matter how you slice it, the electronic gaming culture.
I dunno, East this year had a monstrous tabletop showing. I think the major difference is that tabletop companies do not have the giant budgets to throw around for humongous booths in the expo hall, or tons and tons of advertising. I think trying to nail PAX into a particular "primary focus" is a little rough, because PAX is catered towards the people, and each person has an individual set of interests that makes PAX important and valuable to them.
Z makes a good point. Another thing to consider, is that this year, Tabletop has more floor space than both Console Free Play & PC Freeplay. So in that respect, tabletop is getting far more attention.
"we're just doing what smalllady told us to do" - @Heels
The Primary focus of PAX is gaming culture. Culture being the operative word. It's about the people who inhabit, infest and otherwise have created this time-consuming craze we all seem to enjoy. Be it console, PC, tabletop, card and all the things in between.
... I'm not in the slightest bit interested in video games...
The primary focus of PAX is, no matter how you slice it, the electronic gaming culture.
I dunno, East this year had a monstrous tabletop showing. I think the major difference is that tabletop companies do not have the giant budgets to throw around for humongous booths in the expo hall, or tons and tons of advertising. I think trying to nail PAX into a particular "primary focus" is a little rough, because PAX is catered towards the people, and each person has an individual set of interests that makes PAX important and valuable to them.
Well, that's because the tabletop companies have, at least in years past, focused their efforts at Origins, GenCon and the GAMA trade show. I know, it's not that PAX is only about video games and that many (if not most) gamers there enjoy a wide variety of games, but I'm just trying to put in perspective to help stick115 out.
But yes, this will be my first PAX and I'm excited to go, so I've not had any hands on experience with everything that's available there. Just trying to offer my perspective on how scheduling for those cons are compared to how things are for PAX. Origins and GenCon, for example, have huge catalogs of tabletop events with prepaid signups that go live months in advance.
Does anyone have a list of 'must-have' apps? I've got the basics (GuideBook, Twitter, Foursquare) and a few games, but wasn't sure if there was anything else I might be missing.
Games I've got and think would be awesome in lines with newfriends:
Ascension - Recently released for iOS, not sure about Android.
Carcassonne - Because everyone should have a copy. Seriously.
Catan
Bang! - Only pass-and-play, but a damned good Werewolf clone.
... I'm not in the slightest bit interested in video games...
The primary focus of PAX is, no matter how you slice it, the electronic gaming culture.
I dunno, East this year had a monstrous tabletop showing. I think the major difference is that tabletop companies do not have the giant budgets to throw around for humongous booths in the expo hall, or tons and tons of advertising. I think trying to nail PAX into a particular "primary focus" is a little rough, because PAX is catered towards the people, and each person has an individual set of interests that makes PAX important and valuable to them.
Well, that's because the tabletop companies have, at least in years past, focused their efforts at Origins, GenCon and the GAMA trade show. I know, it's not that PAX is only about video games and that many (if not most) gamers there enjoy a wide variety of games, but I'm just trying to put in perspective to help stick115 out.
But yes, this will be my first PAX and I'm excited to go, so I've not had any hands on experience with everything that's available there. Just trying to offer my perspective on how scheduling for those cons are compared to how things are for PAX. Origins and GenCon, for example, have huge catalogs of tabletop events with prepaid signups that go live months in advance.
Sure, that all makes sense, but PAX doesn't have huge catalogs of *anything* with prepaid signups or whatever. There are obviously major differences between PAX and other cons, but it's not like PAX does for videogames what GenCon does for tabletop. They're just very different types of cons. Now, how companies choose to spend their advertising dollars, that's a different story, but advertising does not a con make.
I dunno, @stick115, it looks like you've already decided PAX isn't for you. It's hard to have fun doing something when you go in with assumptions like that. A big part of PAX is introducing games of the types OTHER than the ones that you are used to. For the videogaming crowd, that means finding out that tabletop is a lot more fun than they thought. Give everything, not just the tabletop/rpg section, a try. You might actually enjoy breaking out of the rut.
QFT.
I'm a 42 year old gamer that is on the tail end of my video gaming era (I believe) and working toward rediscovering my roots (pen and paper). I have gone to prime in 09 as an attendee and '10 as an Enforcer and attendee and will be doing the same this year. PAX has opened my eyes to a LOT of gaming and enthusiast areas that without this Con, I may have never been exposed to; from the venues, the panels or from attendees at the Con, there's something for everyone to experience that has the least bit of interest in any format.
@stick115, if you love games in ANY form, and are still disappointed with PAX, I'll eat my stinky sock that I used for a full day of enforcing! Believe me, that's something that I wouldn't say lightly!!
Geek Hybrid - I like video games and being outside!
The Primary focus of PAX is gaming culture. Culture being the operative word. It's about the people who inhabit, infest and otherwise have created this time-consuming craze we all seem to enjoy. Be it console, PC, tabletop, card and all the things in between.
PAX is about the people.
I had this massive, 2000 word post that I was writing, and then I hit refresh before I published my draft and saw beta_angel said it better than I did.
Another thing to consider, is that this year, Tabletop has more floor space than both Console Free Play & PC Freeplay. So in that respect, tabletop is getting far more attention.
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Be open to playing games with people in line--remember, everyone is your friend. Go to the freeplay areas--the show floor is cool, but don't spend all your time there. Try games you normally wouldn't.
You'll have a blast.
Maybe you could try Zombie Dice as an ice breaker: http://www.sjgames.com/dice/zombiedice/
I haven't played it myself, but I did see a number of people playing it while in line or even in the hand held lounge. It looks fun enough.
You also almost ALWAYS will get a pack of Magic cards in your informational baggie when you first enter the con. Card games are way over my head, but I did have a lot of fun watched some new friends play with them and explain to me how it works, even though I still hardly got it. LOL
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I just wanted to make sure people knew to get them the first chance they get. No need to miss stuff for it, but when you have a free moment, go ahead and hit up the merch booth.
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Wrong.
Some, not nearly as much as Anime or Comic Cons though.
HAHAHA no.
hmmm Actually.. i'm pretty sure most vegas casinos are quieter... :P But PAX smells better!
ummm No idea. I have no idea what motivates people to attend things they enjoy.
I'd guess around 50/50
No clue, but doubtful. Peoples interestes at PAX are quite diverse.
Hmmm, yea kinda.
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Finally... You know what happens when one assumes right?
Go to pax. and just enjoy. I promise you'll have a blast.
also, look for the schedule at PAX in the table top areas.
I missed out on this the first time I went, I thought it was just PC gaming up there.
According to my 3-Day pass which came in the mail today, the Console Freeplay is on level 6. Exhibitors are on floors 4 & 6. As to EXACTLY where on the floor, no clue.
I do have a question regarding the WSCC. It goes Level 1, 2, 3, 4, 6. There is no floor 5. Is this a typo or what? How can there be a floor 6, but no 5?
Thanks.
Ah, makes sense. Thanks.
Floor 5 is weird, I was there for a product testing session during PAX '10.
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Just go in and have fun. Everything else will sort itself out
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QFT. I Don't usually like tabletop games...first thing I did after PAX 10 was spend ~$100 on tabletop games...
Try everything and you will have fun.
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console freeplay is on the sixth floor, next door to the PC freeplay area
In 2010 came within a mouse click of going to PAX, I opted out at the last moment because I was concerned that the focus was too mainstream. That and I have a really hard time believing all the hype around PAX. So this year, I decided that I would go, and figure out what PAX is for myself. My expectations are low, I keep reminding myself that it is not GenCon, and that there will be more people going to this convention than live in the city I grew up in.
But you are correct, it is hard to have fun doing something when you go in with assumptions, which is why I'm trying to clear them up. I'm pleased that there might be some 6+ hour boardgames, and that there may be a few indy games. I agree that cons are brilliant places to try new games, but when you say "Give everything, not just the tabletop/rpg section a try" what else is there? I'm not in the slightest bit interested in video games. I do intend to go to some panels, not because they interest me, but to force me to do something different. I am going to try to keep an open mind, but I'm skeptical, I just don't see how it can live up the hype I've read. Perhaps when I can find the schedule for boardgames/RPGs/Miniatures I can breathe a little easier, but my understanding is that those don't get posted until the actual event.
Regardless, @jonxp, thanks for your comment, it gave me much thought.
A few things:
If you want a game of something that isn't D&D... are you willing to run one? I have a ready made group who I could probably convince to play Shadowrun, L5R, Seventh Sea, Savage Worlds, or practically any non-D&D RPG. Offering to run one-shots if you're a good GM and a decent teacher can be a great way to blah blah expand horizons. I keep meaning to gin up a good L5R module for one of these, but I don't have the time.
There are a lot of indie game design people demo-ing their games in the tabletop vendor area. Two years ago at PAX East I played System shock, which is a negotiated outcome storytelling RPG. The module I played was about assimilating alien cultures into an interplanetary community similar to Ursula K. LeGuin's Ekumen. It was awesome. My even-more-indie friend makes it a point to go down there and talk with all the indie vendors, who are often very friendly.
Also, at PAX East I sat in a panel and listened to Steve Jackson explain the tabletop industry and be super amazing and Steve Jackson-y. Maybe you don't care about him, but damn. There are several panels about tabletop gaming and indie game design here (though sadly not him again). As for other panels, I recommend both Wil Wheaton (nerd extraordinare!) and Loading Ready Run (internet sketch comedy wizards!)
You do have to be kind of pro-active, though. PAX sometimes has a pretty good tabletop LFG system, but sometimes it's a bit disorganized (At PAX east this year it was basically nonexistant, which was annoying). Also, if there's an indie game or big massive boardgame you really want to play... consider bringing it. I've convinced far too many people to play Illuminatti at these things. I'm not in college anymore so I can't won't and don't play Supremacy (look, we once had people at that table for TWENTY HOURS until one of them decided to cause Nuclear Winter to put everyone out of their misery), but if you can teach a game, you can probably find someone to play it with you.
Triwizard Drinking Tournament - '09 !Hufflepuff unofficial conscript, '10 !Gryffindor
Nerd blog at culturalgeekgirl.com
Used to play it in highschool, but Diplomacy can take as long or as quick (relatively) as you want.
PS: Any info on tabletop games like WH40k?
The primary focus of PAX is, no matter how you slice it, the electronic gaming culture. Sure, it bleeds over into all the other forms of gaming that influenced it, as well as having a heapin' helpin' of general geeky fun, but those are all within one or two steps from console games, PC games and handheld games. While I think they're going to have as good or better a presence of tabletop stuff as GenCon does electronic gaming, if someone told me they had no interest in tabletop gaming I'd be hard pressed to recommend they go to GenCon to check out a few booths and panels, unless they were open to becoming interested in all that tabletop has to offer
Like you said, this isn't GenCon. As someone who has been to a bunch of the big gaming cons several times over the years, I chose to go to PAX this year precisely because I wanted something different. I actually got a little tired of the ever more ossified and graying crowd I'd see at GenCon and Origins, and wanted to experience a different side of the greater gaming community. To be sure, I was a big electronic gamer before I was ever a tabletop gamer, but throughout high school, college and afterward I did a -lot- of tabletop gaming of all kinds. However, now I do more electronic gaming simply because it's a whole lot easier to fit into my schedule. Is there a reason you don't have any interest in all the great MMOs and various CRPGs out there? Perhaps that's something you can really soak up at PAX, since there will be some big announcements there in those areas as well as others.
As has already been mentioned, PAX is all about new experiences for everyone and everyone should make an effort to step outside their little sub-genre and wallow in a full-flavored gaming experience. That being said, I do plan on getting my D&D on there at some point, and maybe some of us tabletop gaming grognards can plan ahead for a game or three. I'll be there Thursday through Monday, perhaps we should assemble a Twitter or email list? I know there's already a D&D and non-D&D RPG thread going on.
I dunno, East this year had a monstrous tabletop showing. I think the major difference is that tabletop companies do not have the giant budgets to throw around for humongous booths in the expo hall, or tons and tons of advertising. I think trying to nail PAX into a particular "primary focus" is a little rough, because PAX is catered towards the people, and each person has an individual set of interests that makes PAX important and valuable to them.
Z makes a good point. Another thing to consider, is that this year, Tabletop has more floor space than both Console Free Play & PC Freeplay. So in that respect, tabletop is getting far more attention.
PAX is about the people.
if only Liming things didn't make my eyes bleed......
Well, that's because the tabletop companies have, at least in years past, focused their efforts at Origins, GenCon and the GAMA trade show. I know, it's not that PAX is only about video games and that many (if not most) gamers there enjoy a wide variety of games, but I'm just trying to put in perspective to help stick115 out.
But yes, this will be my first PAX and I'm excited to go, so I've not had any hands on experience with everything that's available there. Just trying to offer my perspective on how scheduling for those cons are compared to how things are for PAX. Origins and GenCon, for example, have huge catalogs of tabletop events with prepaid signups that go live months in advance.
Games I've got and think would be awesome in lines with newfriends:
Ascension - Recently released for iOS, not sure about Android.
Carcassonne - Because everyone should have a copy. Seriously.
Catan
Bang! - Only pass-and-play, but a damned good Werewolf clone.
Sure, that all makes sense, but PAX doesn't have huge catalogs of *anything* with prepaid signups or whatever. There are obviously major differences between PAX and other cons, but it's not like PAX does for videogames what GenCon does for tabletop. They're just very different types of cons. Now, how companies choose to spend their advertising dollars, that's a different story, but advertising does not a con make.
QFT.
I'm a 42 year old gamer that is on the tail end of my video gaming era (I believe) and working toward rediscovering my roots (pen and paper). I have gone to prime in 09 as an attendee and '10 as an Enforcer and attendee and will be doing the same this year. PAX has opened my eyes to a LOT of gaming and enthusiast areas that without this Con, I may have never been exposed to; from the venues, the panels or from attendees at the Con, there's something for everyone to experience that has the least bit of interest in any format.
@stick115, if you love games in ANY form, and are still disappointed with PAX, I'll eat my stinky sock that I used for a full day of enforcing! Believe me, that's something that I wouldn't say lightly!!
I had this massive, 2000 word post that I was writing, and then I hit refresh before I published my draft and saw beta_angel said it better than I did.
Confound it.
What is that rattling noise coming from my purse? I think it's my dicebag dancing for joy.
+++BRONYS BEFORE BROS!+++