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PAX AUS 2014 Information and FAQ (READ THIS FIRST, THEN ASK ALL QUESTIONS HERE)
CuZZa
Khoo's Epic MountPerth, AustraliaRegistered User regular
Khoo's Epic MountPerth, AustraliaRegistered User regular
THEY SURVIVED THE DROPBEARS LAST TIME. NOW THEY COME FOR THE TIM TAMS.
If you have suggestions for things to put in here, please post them. If you're just somebody with a question to ask, please ask it here.
*Note: and yes, we mean any sort of question, especially if it's not covered by the FAQ. Please do NOT make a new thread to ask your question, just post it here. I promise it will be answered promptly.
PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR NOW EVERYTHING IN THIS FAQ IS TENTATIVE. FEEL FREE TO ASK QUESTIONS AND WE WILL ANSWER AS BEST AS WE CAN.
The Details:
When: October 31st - November 2nd 2014
Where: Australia. Duh. Specifically Melbourne, VIC
Venue: Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre Also known locally as “Jeff’s Shed”
2 Clarendon St
South Wharf 3006
What:
Wikipedia wrote:The Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) is an annual gamer festival held in Washington. PAX was created by Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik, the authors of the Penny Arcade webcomic, because they wanted to attend a show that gave equal attention to video gamers, computer gamers, and tabletop gamers. No such show existed, so PAX was born.
Created in 2004, PAX has doubled in size each successive year and has been hailed as a weekend-long celebration of gamer culture. Defining characteristics include game-inspired concerts, panels on game industry topics, exhibitor booths, after-hours parties, tournaments, and freeplay areas.
Theros wrote:PAX is awesome
ashridah wrote:PAX is not your personal army
Liger wrote:unless your name is Robert Khoo
HotSake wrote:PAX is 50,000 friends you never knew you had.
In 2008 PAX had over 58,000 attendees.
In 2009, PAX had 60,750 attendees!!!
In 2010, PAX East sold out at over 52,000 in its first year.
Also in 2010, PAX Prime sold out at 67,600
PAX East 2011 sold out with 69,500 attendees.
And frankly, after that we’ve stopped counting. PAX Is huge.
The first ever PAX outside of the US, PAX Aus, sold out and packed a wet, cold and windy Melbourne Showgrounds with over 50,000 Aussie gamers. Proving that gamers in Australia can bring it just as big.
So this year, they tripled the size of PAX Aus.
Links: Penny Arcade, PAX Aus Website, PAX Topic at Wikipedia
What this forum is: This forum is for the discussion of PAX, finding people to carpool or caravan with, finding people to split the cost of a hotel room, and general questions and information about PAX as well as community events and gatherings.
What this thread is: This thread is a place for people to ask questions, and for the PAX experienced to provide answers (and some general PAX wisdom).
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for the Official PAX AUS FAQ
Here's a community-based FAQ for those of you who don't want to comb through this thread to see if your question has been answered already.
General Stuff
When will x be announced?
Soon. Don't expect any definite announcements any sooner than 4-6 weeks before PAX. Don't expect a final schedule and show map until about two weeks before PAX. If you're curious if your favourite game developer, journalist, internet personality is going to be there, shoot them an e-mail and ask, because if it hasn't been announced, we don't know either.
How can I register for PAX Aus?
On the PAX Aus website
When do Passes go on sale?
Passes are available NOW. Go get them! PAX sells out yo. (3 Days have already sold out)
When can I register for a Media badge?
Media registration will not be open until July 2014, the same requirements apply for them as 2013. If you're super paranoid, remember that if you purchase tickets to the show now, and are approved for a media badge later, the tickets you purchased will be refunded. If you require more information, contact info@paxaustralia.com.au
Do the PAX passes have my name on them?
No.
It's after October 1st, if I order my ticket online, where do I pick it up?
The Registration desk will be available for pass pickups at PAX. It’s location will be confirmed on the site closer to the date.
Can I volunteer to help out at PAX this year?
The PAX volunteers, known as the Enforcers, are always after awesome, hard working and enthusiastic people to join their ranks! To apply to be an Enforcer, you need to be 18 years of age by the time of the show, be at the show (travel and accomodation confirmed) and be willing to work one five-hour shift per day of the show. Applications open when an announcement is made with a link to the application on the main Penny Arcade site or via the @Official_PAX Twitter account. Applications for new Australian Enforcers are now open! Apply here! Please be Patient.
What are the hours of PAX?
FRIDAY - 10am-midnight
SATURDAY - 10am-midnight
SUNDAY - 10am-6pm
What is the EXPO floor like?
The exhibition hall is full of awesome. There are upcoming games, and hardware showcased as well as things for sale from games, to guides, to t-shirts, to dice. Prices are comparable with standard retail pricing, or a little cheaper, even. Some awesome companies even give out free swag and prizes, from lanyards and buttons to amazing gaming PCs.
I have moved since buying my PAX passes. How do I change my address information to ensure that my passes get mailed to my current address and not my previous address?
First, you should submit a change of address through the Post. This will ensure all mail sent to your previous address is sent to your current address. As far as changing your registration you can email info@paxaustralia.com.au to request your information be updated.
I have my badge; do I need the paper ticket with the bar-code on it?
Nope! You’re good to go.
Will there be WiFi accessible at PAX?
This will be known closer to the day.
Are there iphone/android apps for pax?
Yes! GuideBook from the creators of the Conventionist. The app is a free download and the PAX Aus 2014 guide will be available around the same time as the schedule and maps and can be downloaded before the event. The Guidebook app is also used for other PAX content, including PAX XP and some competitions!
Are there going to be a ton of people this year?
There's going to be a ton of people. We're not even kidding.
Will just one day will be enough PAX?
No matter who you ask on this forum, we're all going to say no. If you don't want to believe us, that's fine, but when you get to PAX for that one day and realize you could have had three days of that, you're going to regret not buying a three day pass.
I'm disabled/ have a mobility impairment/ use a wheelchair, how easy will it be to get around PAX?
No problem, apply for a medical pass, and you get special accommodation getting into panels and the like. You can apply for a pass for yourself and a +1 so you can have someone help you. To register, email info@paxaustralia.com.au
I have an amazing idea for a panel!! Who should I contact?!?
(NOTE: Panel submissions for 2014 are not yet open, please wait until they are open)
If you just have an idea go to PAX Aus Panels site with your your proposal! If accepted you and your participants will receive a complimentary Speaker Pass for duration PAX Aus 2014. Good luck!
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Wait, if there is a ton of people there, won’t there be lots of lines?
Yes, an unfortunate side effect of going to an awesome event with a bunch of other cool like-minded people is that there is a bunch of other cool like-minded people there who all want to do the same thing as you. It is most likely what you want to do, see or participate in will have a huge line full of other people.
So, what are you going to do about all these lines?
PAX is no stranger to insanely long, large and in some cases, rowdy, ball-worshipping lines. We have some tools we utilize to help with this! First and foremost is our team of Enforcers of the Line Management team! Listen to them, ask questions and they should be able to help you as best they can*! Secondly, follow the @PAXAus_Lines twitter account, this will provide up to the minute updates on the status of the main lines as well as any other theater lines that are starting. The general rule is that lines for panels will not start for a panel until the previous panel for that theater has gone in. This rule is usually broken for super-popular panels, such as Gearbox, Bioware, Good Game, Major Nelson, Giantbomb and anything involving a Penny Arcade staff member, like the Childs Play or Penny Arcade Report panels.
* seriously, don’t be angry at an Enforcer who told you something wrong about a line, they are doing the best they can and can only tell you what they know at the time. Sometimes situations change and they need to help as many people as possible at the time. They always feel super bad when they do it
Why am I spending all my time in lines! THIS SUCKS GUYS.
It does! If you’re willing to wait in the lines, you may experience something super awesome, but if you don’t want to wait in lines, there is always something else to do at PAX, it is designed that way. Panel you wanted to see is full? Go check out another not-full panel, we have lots of panels happening! Line for a new game in Expo Hall 3 hours long? There are hundred of other games to check out! Food lines busy? Grab a game from Tabletop Freeplay and chill for half an hour so they can clear up! Even a long line can sprout mini Magic The Gathering games, D&D sessions or Pokemon battles. It’s also the second best place to get a bunch of street passes.
When are the concerts?
Wait, you think just because the Expo Hall is closed that we all go home? NOPE. Friday and Saturday night after 6pm the Main Theater becomes our very own geek concert hall with various musical acts, from chiptunes to nerdcore, classical renditions of video game music to nerd folk/comedy music. Plenty for everyone!
How much does it cost to get into these concerts?
They are totally free for any PAX pass holder on the day they are attending!
Who is coming to serenade us!?!
We don't know yet! Musical acts will be announced on the PAX Aus Facebook or Twitter as well as the PAX Aus website. Previous acts have included MC Frontalot, The Protomen, The Minibosses, 7bit Hero and the guys from Soundbytes. Other PAX shows have also seen the likes of Paul & Storm, Jonathan Coulton and VGO.
Can I buy stuff at PAX Aus?
Yes indeed you can. There are various vendors within the Expo Hall who will quite happily take your money in exchange for tiny precious things (or not so tiny precious things). PAX also has it's own show merch booth containing a selection of show exclusive items as well as more popular merch items from the Penny Arcade Store! From there you can buy the show exclusive shirts (usually in two designs, a plain PAX Aus 2014 logo shirt and a special art design by Kiko, Erika or Gabe. You can also buy show coloured scarves, Penny Arcade books, PATV DVDs, PA games like Paint The Line ECG and of course, posters and shirts!
Do they have Pinny Arcade pins for trade at PAX Aus?
Yes! You can as always, buy the Pinny Arcade Core Set from the PAX Merch booth as well as the show exclusive set. From there you will be able to trade with any of the Penny Arcade staff, some Enforcers and of course anyone else who is participating at PAX Aus! Last year the show set sold out on the first day so if Pin trading is your thing, you will want to get in quickly!
Do they have EFTPOS/Credit Card facilities?
The PAX Aus Merch Booth will have these facilities available, there are also usually ATMs around the show venue. Exhibitors may or may not have these facilities available.
I want to show off my gaming abilities! Can I use these skills to pay bills, or at least win some kind of cool prize?
There are a variety of competitions and tournaments that you can participate in at PAX Aus! You can find out more about these closer to the date. There are tournaments run in the PC, Tabletop and Console areas of PAX Aus as well as smaller ones in Classic Console, Handheld and elsewhere. If you like a treasure hunt, you can try your hand at PAX XP, which has details inside the show guide and Info Booth. Of course, various exhibitors will be running their own competitions and tournaments, keep an eye out for them at the show or leading up to it.
PAX is open to all ages, and many parents choose to bring their children and infants, but before you haul little Timmy and Amanda down to the show floor, a few things to consider:
- PAX is LOUD. Little ears tend to be sensitive, so take this into consideration if your child doesn't like noisy environments.
- PAX is CROWDED. People don't tend to look down; be prepared to keep the little ones from being stepped on if they're on the shorter side. This is true of any crowd situation, not just PAX. You will need to be aware of all people at all times. Also, per the pre-registration site (Interactive Ticketing), "Strollers are not permitted on the show floor at any time". Perhaps try a front pack?
- PAX breeds GERMS. Again, true of all crowded/convention situations. PAX Prime '09 saw a fairly large outbreak of H1N1 and other flu strains; keep this in mind before exposing any little ones that might be in concern categories for illness.
- PAX is full of SWEARING. The typical demographic of PAX, while fairly diverse, does contain a large number of younger people with a tendency swear. Profusely. About everything. If language is a concern for you, be aware that epithets are a time-honoured PAX tradition, and will be overheard everywhere.
- PAX is FREE for kids 6 and Under. Conversely, PAX is FULL PRICE for kids 7 and older. Any PAX attendee under the age of 15 is required to have a parent or guardian with a valid PAX pass accompanying them.
Now, taking everything into consideration, it's up to you! A little planning ahead and your kids can have just as much fun at PAX as everyone else! Just be aware what hurdles there may be, and prepare appropriately! Small children dressed as assassins are ADORABLE.
I'm under 18. Will I be able to get into a panel for/play the demo of <insert R-Rated game here>?
It is convention wide policy to follow the Australian Classifications Board ratings, even if your parents are present. All attendees at PAX Aus are required to show ID to confirm age and will be wristbanded with an age appropriate wristband for entry to any game rated MA15+ or R18+. Wristbands will be available from most Enforcers upon ID check, best place to find them is the PAX Info Booth or Queue Room. A full rundown on age restrictions and requirements are available on the PAX Aus website.
Oh God, I can't leave! I might miss something important! But, what is this land you call... this land?!
Welcome to Melbourne! If you're one of them funny speakin' types (aka American) then welcome to Australia! Check your shoes for spiders/snakes/sheep/other deadly creatures before putting them on please. Don't be afraid to explore the wonderful cultural center of Melbourne. It is quite safe and is known for containing all sorts of wonders down every laneway and side street. Please do not feed the hipsters, they are highly caffeinated and scare easily. Their natural defense is to open a vodka bar in a dark alley behind a dumpster.
What airport should I fly into?
Melbourne International Airport (MEL) also known as Tullamarine Airport. Domestic travellers be aware - the cheaper flights sometimes will come in via Avalon, which is about 45 minutes outside of Melbourne and is closer to Geelong. BEWARE. Geelong is not a good place to accidentally end up.
Where can I book hotels?
Right here!
What's the weather like during PAX?
This is the hardest question to answer for this city. Melbourne is known for being the city of "four seasons in one day". Upon leaving your hotel in mild sunny weather you will experience oppressive heat, icy hailstorms, flash flooding and tornado-like winds. All before you even get to your destination. PAXAus will be taking place during Melbourne's spring, which is not too bad, Melbourne spring is roughly equivalent to Seattle summer, average of 18C-30C (64F-86F) temperatures, chance of rain, hail, drought, cyclonic winds, scorching heat and a pleasant sunshower. General Melbourne rule of thumb is wear layers that you can remove when it gets warm but add when it cools down at night.
Is there any parking? How much does it cost?
MCEC has three parking areas of various distance, facilities and pricing. See the MCEC Parking website for more information.
Where can I get something to eat near the PAX?
Being at the MCEC has it's benefits as South Wharf and the surrounding areas have a good variety of food around. Probably some better experiences than last year. Generally, if it looks good, give it a try. You're in Melbourne! There is all kinds of amazing food in various alleys or holes in walls. If it isn't good then the hipsters will soon put it out of business and replace it with a vodka bar that serves drinks in tiny hats. [Note: if any locals can help me out here with anything specific, I have no idea what is around South Wharf to eat apart from maybe BBQ Seagull-the-flew-too-close-to-Crown-Casino-flamethrowers. PLS HALP.]
Where do the parties happen?
Hotel Rooms and a few industry sponsored or community organised parties at local bars, pubs and venues. Watch the PAX Australia subforum or relevant gaming community forums for tips on them!
Is there an age limit on the parties?
Usually the ones at pubs or bars will be 18+ unless otherwise marked as all ages.
How hard is it to get around?
Very easy! Inner city is very easy to walk around, some tram travel will be needed in places. Just make sure you have your Myki card and there are plenty of maps and helpful public transit apps for both iOS and Android available (search for Metlink or Yarra Trams for official apps like Public Transport Victoria or tramTRACKER). Google maps is available for any directions you need but currently does not integrate into the public transport system. If you're driving, driving in Melbourne is the same as anywhere else in Australia, drive on the left, be aware of toll roads and if you're feeling brave, drive in the CBD and try some hook turns!
Hey, I got here early/am staying late, and I want to see some cool things in THIS CITY! Where should I go and how do I get there?
Luna Park (Tram 96 to St Kilda Beach) - Fun vintage theme park, St Kilda area is also great for food & shopping
Federation Square - CBD, Across from Flinders St Station - Meeting place and celebration venue, has a huge TV and home to the ACMI
ACMI - CBD, Across from Flinders St Station - Often has gaming & geek relevant exhibitions
The Croft Institute - In CBD, Croft Alley off Little Bourke St between Russell St & Exhibition St - a geeky bar that serves drinks in test tubes and syringes.
Asian Beer Cafe - In Melbourne Central, a gaming friendly, asian and anime themed bar. Awesome drink specials.
Games Laboratory - CBD, a tabletop gaming focused games store and place to play Magic
Minotaur - CBD, on Elizabeth St between Collins and Little Collins St - Geek shopping, gifts, comics
Phillip Island - PENGUINS! ALSO KOALAS!
Public Transit
Melbourne is famous for it's tram network, they run most places in the central city. Tram numbers 96, 112 and 109 travel down Spencer/Clarendon streets and stop opposite the Clarendon Street entrance of the MCEC. Also, Tram numbers 48 and 70 stop at the end of Flinders Street. Walk towards the Yarra River, across the new pedestrian bridge.
For those of you coming in by train, take the train to Southern Cross Station. From there, Tram numbers 96, 109 and 112 travel past Southern Cross Station down Spencer/Clarendon Streets and stop opposite the MCEC.
For more information on Melbourne’s public transit system, the PTV website has a great Journey Planner to get you around, the Metro site has additional train information. If you are going to be using the public transport system in Melbourne, you will need to grab a Myki card as it is the only form of payment Trams and trains accept now. If you're unable to get one before arriving, they are easily available at any 7-Eleven store or major train stations like Flinders Street or Southern Cross Station. You can even reuse them when you return next year!
I'm above the average age of 26 by a decade or more. Will I be the oldest person there?
No, plenty of the older gaming crowd come out to enjoy PAX as well. You are not alone. PAX is geeks reveling in geekery. Age wasn't much of a concern.
PAX was awesome! I want to see everything next year! Should I apply to be an Enforcer?
Even if an open call for Enforcers for PAX Aus 2014 does happen, Enforcing means that you are likely to see less, not more, of PAX. When considering becoming an Enforcer it's very important to remember that you go from attending PAX for fun to attending PAX for work, and that has certain implications. Rule #2 of Enforcing is: PAX Is Not For Us - it's for Attendees. (Rule #1, of course, is 'Don't be a Dick'.) If you want to see the maximum number of things at PAX, you should consider returning as an Attendee instead of applying to be an Enforcer. That being said, the below picture is 100% true:
When applications for Enforcers opens, you will see a post here on the forums and a post on the front page of Penny Arcade.
Should I buy a Nintendo 3DS/bring my 3DS to PAX?
YES. Streetpassin' be MAD yo. You should also bring your PS Vita, DS, PSP, GBA, Gameboy, Game & Watch, NES Purse or any handheld system you may have! We have an awesome and comfy Handheld Lounge to chill out and play in plus you'll never be bored in a line!
Is anybody going to be doing anything before PAX opens/after PAX closes or ends?
Yes, there will be tons of stuff going on, keep an eye on threads in this forum to find awesome stuff to do with other PAX-goers.
A bunch of people are getting together at a nearby bar, but I'm under 18. Will I still be able to go and hang out if I'm not drinking?
It depends on the pub/bar but most likely not as they tend to not allow entry to underaged people at night unless there is a specific all ages event.
Costume Weapon Policy
While PAX is mainly intended to facilitate gaming, we recognize that many Attendees will want to dress in awesome costumes. These awesome costumes often come with prop 'weapons,' and the question: "can I bring this to PAX?" Needless to say, real weapons are NOT permitted, but what about props?
Well, there are some informal rules that we've been using to decide this for the last few PAXes. As of now, they have become official, and are as follows:
A Costume Weapon is NOT permitted at PAX if:
- It fires or can fire any sort of projectile. (Yes, even Nerf.)
- It looks like a real firearm at "second glance." (Yes, even if it's a kid's toy.)
- It's sharp or pointy enough to cut or pierce someone with moderate pressure. (Yes, even if it's not made of metal.)
If you bring something in that's not allowed you will be politely required to leave, stow the offending item in your vehicle/hotel room/etc, and then return. If you have any doubt as to whether your prop weapon falls under these restrictions - it probably does. Err on the side of caution!
NOTE: This policy doesn't apply to the world outside of PAX. It is your responsibility to know and comply with Australian laws when it comes to costume/prop weapons.
THERE'S A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR FIRE! WHAT SHOULD I DO?
You should definitely alert an Enforcer or a member of venue staff. Particularly in the big con centers, they can often get the venue's own emergency responders on the way for the fastest possible response.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SEE A THEFT / FIGHT / FAKE PASS / (INSERT INCIDENT HERE)?
You probably won't, as PAX is pretty laid-back. But the answer is always "alert an Enforcer or member of venue staff." Do NOT take matters into your own hands!
WHO DOES SECURITY AT PAX, ANYWAY?
Enforcers, venue/event staff, and a few police officers. Enforcers are generally the first contact point for Attendees, and things get escalated from there if necessary. Enforcers and event staff both have security specialists who are in charge of ensuring those groups implement their security policies. The police are there for emergencies, and to prevent any lines that spill out onto public streets from causing problems.
WHAT CAN I, AS AN ATTENDEE, DO TO HELP KEEP PAX SAFE AND SECURE?
1. Obey the above costume weapons policy.
2. Obey Wheaton's Law.
3. Be excellent to each other!
4. Let an Enforcer know if you have any issues.
Harrassment at PAX
PAX has a fully documented Safety & Security policy that includes anti-harassment measures. For more information on it, please see the PAX Aus website
I just bought a pass on Gumtree/eBay, how do I know if it's legit?
This really won't apply until after PAX Aus passes sell out, but I wanted to put this out there anyways. If you purchase your pass from a second hand source, you are putting yourself at risk of purchasing a counterfeit pass. Second hand sources also include this forum, which is why there will no longer be any pass selling or buying here.
Please be aware that there may/will be repercussions for attempting to sell or buy badges on the forums.
Please remember, buying a pass from anybody except Penny-Arcade means you are potentially buying a counterfeit pass which can be confiscated and you will be asked to leave the show.
Last year, we ran signups for Tabletop events on the day - so you could show up at 10am to sign up for something later in the day, but you couldn't sign up for tomorrow's events. This seemed the fairest way to run the Tabletop area, and I don't have any plans to change it for 2014.
That said - we may still run some FCFS events, especially for RPGs, and especially if we find that events and tournaments are being booked out.
Aren't there buses or other transport options into the city from Avalon? If its cheaper, there are going to be a few people who want to fly there. Or do you not recommend going through Avalon/Geelong at all?
Looks like there's a bus service, 50 mins from Avalon to Southern Cross Station in the CBD.
Old PA forum lookalike style for the new forums | My ko-fi donation thing.
The PAX volunteers, known as the Enforcers, are always after awesome, hard working and enthusiastic people to join their ranks! To apply to be an Enforcer, an announcement will be made with a link to the application on the main Penny Arcade site or via the @Official_PAX Twitter account. Please be Patient.
How old do I have to be to be to apply for Enforcer?
Minimum age to be an Enforcer is 18 by the time of the show.
Unlike many comic conventions, Guests at PAX seem to always attend for the whole show. There are also not a lot of official "Meet and Greet" area's. Special guests do panels, and sometimes have signings sessions in the queue room or at some exhibitors booth. If you want to figure out when they will be there before the schedule comes out maybe ask them, they might know already.
And yes, you can buy 2(or 3) one day passes.
One section is BYOC, bring your own computer. In this section you have to have purchased a BYOC pass, and then you bring your own computer and hook it into the LAN with the other BYOC attendees to play whatever.
The other section is PC Freeplay. In this section, fairly high specced gaming PCs are in their own LAN (not connected to BYOC), and have games pre-loaded. You cannot bring your own peripherals to PC Freeplay. They are set up with mice, keyboards, and headsets. You wait your turn and then have usually around 45 minutes or so (I don't remember the exact time) to play a multiplayer game with other players. There are usually organised tournaments a few times per day, which you can usually find info about in the schedule once it is posted or by checking in with the PC Freeplay Enforcers early in the day at PAX.
What Zerzhul said below, sorry.
IE. to bring a PC and go all three days would require a BYOC ticket along with either a 3-day pass or one ticket for each day, while if your time limited and can only visit one day, you would need a BYOC ticket and a ticket for the day you wish to attend
so following that logic id say if all the days tickets are sold, there would be no point in buying a BYOC ticket unless you had ones on other days, as you personally wouldn't be able to attend.