I just hope PAX doesn't conflict with another Northwest convention, Kumori-Con, again. I like both conventions, and I would like to go to both conventions, this year they were on the same weekend. Kumori-Con will be Sept. 5th-7th so I hope it doesn't fall onto Labor Day Weekend again.
PAX doesn't always fall on Labor Day Weekend. It's the last weekend of August. If the other con is in September, then you have nothing to worry about.
I just wish it was more days! I drove a long way, and it was a great time, and it would be even better if there was just a single more day so I could space out some of the gaming and show stuff I wanted to do so I could get to more panels.
Secret keynote speaker for next year: Steven Colbert
If it was announced publicly it could draw way too many people.
Exceptional speaker and longtime D&D player who frequently drops geek culture references. He made a specific point of honoring Gary Gygax's passing on his show.
Yeah it's likely a long shot, but he has been known to engage in wacky stunts and something like PAX could make for a great segment on his show. Someone from PAX should contact his staff, can't hurt to try.
Gawd Stephen Colbert is SOOOOO last year[/douchebaggery]
Seriously if they made Stephen Colbert a surprise speaker at PAX. People like me who normally skip out on the keynote speech (I did go to Wil Wheaton in 07, yay me!) will be PISSED.
If we're getting up to the 6th floor, there should be an epic ballroom party thing with waltz-y video game music. Like the observatory theme from Super Mario Galaxy.
I'm not sure how many people would like that, since PAX isn't that... fancy, but just an idea.
If we're getting up to the 6th floor, there should be an epic ballroom party thing with waltz-y video game music. Like the observatory theme from Super Mario Galaxy.
I'm not sure how many people would like that, since PAX isn't that... fancy, but just an idea.
If we're getting up to the 6th floor, there should be an epic ballroom party thing with waltz-y video game music. Like the observatory theme from Super Mario Galaxy.
I'm not sure how many people would like that, since PAX isn't that... fancy, but just an idea.
That would actually be great. If we could have a night of actual dancing to video game music, everything from the Observatory theme, or some of the FF music for ballroom dancing, to some of the OC Remixes and more techno style stuff for people more inclined to that style of dancing.
SWATJester on
Moderator, PAX Prime 08, 09, 10, 10-East, panels on "Legal Issues in Gaming"
Contributing Editor, http://www.gamepolitics.com
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
If we're getting up to the 6th floor, there should be an epic ballroom party thing with waltz-y video game music. Like the observatory theme from Super Mario Galaxy.
I'm not sure how many people would like that, since PAX isn't that... fancy, but just an idea.
That would actually be great. If we could have a night of actual dancing to video game music, everything from the Observatory theme, or some of the FF music for ballroom dancing, to some of the OC Remixes and more techno style stuff for people more inclined to that style of dancing.
Are you asking nerds to dress up and ballroom dance with nerdettes? Because:
1. Most of them don't own fancy enough clothes,
B. They're largely too socially inept to ask girls to dance with, and
III. The M/F ratio would be largely prohibative.
[tiny]This post intended as a work of comedy. Any resemblance to real nerd behavior is unintentional, except where really really funny.[/tiny]
If we're getting up to the 6th floor, there should be an epic ballroom party thing with waltz-y video game music. Like the observatory theme from Super Mario Galaxy.
I'm not sure how many people would like that, since PAX isn't that... fancy, but just an idea.
That would actually be great. If we could have a night of actual dancing to video game music, everything from the Observatory theme, or some of the FF music for ballroom dancing, to some of the OC Remixes and more techno style stuff for people more inclined to that style of dancing.
Are you asking nerds to dress up and ballroom dance with nerdettes? Because:
1. Most of them don't own fancy enough clothes,
B. They're largely too socially inept to ask girls to dance with, and
III. The M/F ratio would be largely prohibative.
[tiny]This post intended as a work of comedy. Any resemblance to real nerd behavior is unintentional, except where really really funny.[/tiny]
Please, if we can get nerds to dress up in hideous cosplay, it shouldn't be too hard to get some of them looking spiffy.
SWATJester on
Moderator, PAX Prime 08, 09, 10, 10-East, panels on "Legal Issues in Gaming"
Contributing Editor, http://www.gamepolitics.com
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
If we're getting up to the 6th floor, there should be an epic ballroom party thing with waltz-y video game music. Like the observatory theme from Super Mario Galaxy.
I'm not sure how many people would like that, since PAX isn't that... fancy, but just an idea.
Well, PAX as it is right now is way too big and crazy for something like this; not to mention this really is a gaming-focused event. You can find ballroom events like this at other conventions, though-- for example, they have something like this at Anime Weekend Atlanta, and my significant other and I go to AWA often just to go to the Friday night ball. The dress code is strictly enforced, and admission is separate from admission to the con, so it actually works really well.
Nijhazer on
0
CaptainTapoleAwesome in the Possum - Yee-Haw!Northern CaliforniaRegistered Userregular
I think something dressy could potentially be fun, as long as it's not too dressy (like tuxedo dressy). I feel like this is deja-vu though. Did we talk about this idea like 8 or 9 months ago? Maybe it's just in my head.
Okay, I'm not awesome enough to read through all of the suggestions to make sure that I'm not repeating anything so if I suggest something that has already been said then just take it as a vote for that person's suggestion.
First off, I've been to every PAX and it has been really cool to see the convention evolve over the years. My suggestions mostly come from my personal experience at the convention and the problems that I've experienced.
- Not getting into panels is a big problem. Making the main theater even bigger is probably not the best solution because we would probably start to run into issues with the curvature of the Earth. Instead, I overheard someone talk about simulcasting the event taking place in the main theater to another theater. I think this is the best solution, since what is happening on stage isn't usually all that interesting, but what is happening on the big screens and what is being said by the panelists is interesting and both of those things can be broadcast to another room with audio and video. You wouldn't be able to participate in the Q&A, but it's better than not seeing the panel at all.
- Tournaments. They have been consistently horrid. I have missed more of the convention by trying to participate in a single tournament than I care to mention. This year, however, I participated in the Rock Band Tournament and it was amazing. Qualification was based on a blanket high score and could be done at any time on Friday (this won't work on other tournaments, I know, but the idea is good). Each subsequent round was scheduled well beforehand, performed in a private room, and executed in a timely manner. No single round took more than half an hour. All that has to be done is to consider the format of each tournament a little more carefully and that part of the convention will be a lot smoother.
-No seats for the Final Round of the Omegathon. This is sort of a personal pet peeve. The first two years we had seats and it was awesome, and the last three years we didn't have seats and it was lame. No seats for concerts is fine, it adds excitement. No seats for the Final Rounds of the Omegathon is not fine, the excitement is already there and having to stand on your toes to see anything detracts from the experience in my opinion. Also, Gabe and Tycho owe us a game of Tetris.
Those are the big three. Shortage of space is also a chronic problem, but I figure the only inevitable solution to that problem is to pool the funds of our community and construct a Tower of Babel (Tower of Arcadia?) so that Seattle might dwell in the shadow of its omnipotence and despair.
All in all, I had a great time! I can't wait to do it all again next year!
I loved absolutely everything.
Being cut off from the Fallout 3 line-up while only 20 spots from the front was disappointing. But, hell, now I know how to organize my time next year.
Keep on rockin', PAX!
^.^
Hi Guys! I'm writing a story for my Journalism class on how PAX has created a physical place for gamers to interact instead of spending their time interacting via Xbox Live, computer forums, and other similar software. When replying if you could tell me:
1: How many years have you gone to PAX?
2: What does PAX mean to you?
3: For my contacts page, my teacher needs your name, phone number, e-mail, and address.
Thanks for your help everyone!
oldeskoolj on
0
Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
Oh! That just got me to thinking something that would have been nice at PAX: Someplace on or very close to the exhibit hall floor that media can conduct interviews in relative quiet. Just a small side room or two, would be great. As it stands, we had to bring the person all the way back to the press room if we wanted privacy; not all exhibitors were ok with that. A small room or two attached to the exhibit hall would have been balls hot
SWATJester on
Moderator, PAX Prime 08, 09, 10, 10-East, panels on "Legal Issues in Gaming"
Contributing Editor, http://www.gamepolitics.com
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Hi Guys! I'm writing a story for my Journalism class on how PAX has created a physical place for gamers to interact instead of spending their time interacting via Xbox Live, computer forums, and other similar software. When replying if you could tell me:
1: How many years have you gone to PAX?
2: What does PAX mean to you?
3: For my contacts page, my teacher needs your name, phone number, e-mail, and address.
Thanks for your help everyone!
Yeah, right fool. Like I'm going to send some anonymous dork my name phone number email and physical address. Do you think we're stupid just because we play video games?
Unfortunately those small side rooms don't really exist right off the side of the expo hall. Maybe in 2010 they'll connect the expo hall with the lower floors of the annex (right after PAX this year they shut down the annex for major remodel) and there will be room then, but the media rooms we had this year look to me like they were the best solution for the space Penny Arcade had.
Here, check out the floor plan http://wsctc.com/pdfs/floor_plans/Level4ExhibitHalls.pdf <--all of 4C was taken up by PC, 4E/4F were the expo hall, and 401 is off limits. Who knows, it might change next year with the 6th floor.
Disclaimer: I have no idea what the PA folks are/were planning; this is my own speculation. :P
I know they don't exist, but they could have been created with partitioners or some artificial means. For instance, the escalator area outside of the PC Freeplay area was open enough that if fire code permitted, a small 10x10 portion could have been partitioned off for a media area.
Granted, the dedicated media room was more than adequate, just too far away.
SWATJester on
Moderator, PAX Prime 08, 09, 10, 10-East, panels on "Legal Issues in Gaming"
Contributing Editor, http://www.gamepolitics.com
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
the escalator area outside of the PC Freeplay area was open enough that if fire code permitted, a small 10x10 portion could have been partitioned off for a media area.
It wouldnt have been permitted there.
and if you are already that far away from expo, you may as well just go to the media room :P
Man, that contradiction is so huge I'm surprised the universe didn't collapse in on itself.
I'm actually surprised you want to see them perform at PAX, because they are notorious for having a shitty live show (which is kind of what happens when you write albums comprised of studio effects and lyrics ripped straight from Molly Hatchet album covers).
Man, that contradiction is so huge I'm surprised the universe didn't collapse in on itself.
I'm actually surprised you want to see them perform at PAX, because they are notorious for having a shitty live show (which is kind of what happens when you write albums comprised of studio effects and lyrics ripped straight from Molly Hatchet album covers).
HOWEVER, getting their current opening act, Powerglove is a fantastic idea.
I think he would be perfect for PAX.
He's tried, but they don't seem to be interested.
But his new album is out featuring, among others, MC Frontalot.
So, hopefully we see him next year.
He grew up in the same hometown as me. We went to different schools, but we met about six years ago when he was called MC Lars Horris. He wasn't terribly great then, but I have the feeling this album is going to make him explode; at least in the nerdcore scene.
Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
edited November 2008
Most of PAX's attendance lives in the Greater Seattle area, and those that don't typically aren't going to PAX to see seattle. Granted, some people would like to see the sites, but there's why the site you linked exists. The PAX site isn't a Seattle tourism site, it's a site about PAX. If you're interested in seeing Seattle with other PAX attendees, keep an eye to this forum for community events that take place before and after PAX.
Most of PAX's attendance lives in the Greater Seattle area, and those that don't typically aren't going to PAX to see seattle.
True enough that most of the attendee's are going to be from Greater Seattle. Yet there is a very large amount of people that aren't from the area. I imagine that there would be at least over 10,000 of PAX attendees that are not from Greater Seattle.
Granted, some people would like to see the sites, but there's why the site you linked exists.
Thus, why not provide that information on the PAX website? You want people to come to PAX to enjoy themselves on their trip. Wouldn't they enjoy it "more" if they had more information about "where" PAX is at?
The PAX site isn't a Seattle tourism site, it's a site about PAX.
PAX is an event, held in Seattle. You're correct PAX isn't a branch of the Seattle Visitors Bureau. Isn't the point though is to make sure people coming to PAX enjoy themselves the entire time they're going to, at and leaving the event?
If you're interested in seeing Seattle with other PAX attendees, keep an eye to this forum for community events that take place before and after PAX.
It's been great seeing the events here in the forum to get together. I just believe that the PAX website should better help the "PAX Attendee" by providing them as much information as possible about PAX, as well as where PAX is located. What is the harm in creating another couple pages of content, or linking to them. Why keep the information from attendee? The information has already been provided by the websites I linked too. It's not that hard to make the sites.
I think he would be perfect for PAX.
He's tried, but they don't seem to be interested.
But his new album is out featuring, among others, MC Frontalot.
So, hopefully we see him next year.
He grew up in the same hometown as me. We went to different schools, but we met about six years ago when he was called MC Lars Horris. He wasn't terribly great then, but I have the feeling this album is going to make him explode; at least in the nerdcore scene.
I want to express that I am disappointed that PAX is AGAIN the same weekend as another Northwest convention, Kumoricon. I hate that it will turn into a trend that I have to choose between the two conventions each year, but being an artist, have to choose Kumoricon over PAX.
Im sure this has been mentioned or maybe I mentioned it already. I think AXE needs to sponsor PAX and put some sample deodorant in the bags everyone gets.
magiic on
0
Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
edited November 2008
that's been mentioned a billion times by everybody
Posts
PAX doesn't always fall on Labor Day Weekend. It's the last weekend of August. If the other con is in September, then you have nothing to worry about.
Do it up.
Gawd Stephen Colbert is SOOOOO last year[/douchebaggery]
Seriously if they made Stephen Colbert a surprise speaker at PAX. People like me who normally skip out on the keynote speech (I did go to Wil Wheaton in 07, yay me!) will be PISSED.
I'm not sure how many people would like that, since PAX isn't that... fancy, but just an idea.
I can think of a few better uses of the space
That would actually be great. If we could have a night of actual dancing to video game music, everything from the Observatory theme, or some of the FF music for ballroom dancing, to some of the OC Remixes and more techno style stuff for people more inclined to that style of dancing.
Contributing Editor, http://www.gamepolitics.com
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Are you asking nerds to dress up and ballroom dance with nerdettes? Because:
1. Most of them don't own fancy enough clothes,
B. They're largely too socially inept to ask girls to dance with, and
III. The M/F ratio would be largely prohibative.
[tiny]This post intended as a work of comedy. Any resemblance to real nerd behavior is unintentional, except where really really funny.[/tiny]
Please, if we can get nerds to dress up in hideous cosplay, it shouldn't be too hard to get some of them looking spiffy.
Contributing Editor, http://www.gamepolitics.com
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Well, PAX as it is right now is way too big and crazy for something like this; not to mention this really is a gaming-focused event. You can find ballroom events like this at other conventions, though-- for example, they have something like this at Anime Weekend Atlanta, and my significant other and I go to AWA often just to go to the Friday night ball. The dress code is strictly enforced, and admission is separate from admission to the con, so it actually works really well.
A good amount of the Forumers were awesome enough to show their "classy" side in the Face-To-Name thread.
First off, I've been to every PAX and it has been really cool to see the convention evolve over the years. My suggestions mostly come from my personal experience at the convention and the problems that I've experienced.
- Not getting into panels is a big problem. Making the main theater even bigger is probably not the best solution because we would probably start to run into issues with the curvature of the Earth. Instead, I overheard someone talk about simulcasting the event taking place in the main theater to another theater. I think this is the best solution, since what is happening on stage isn't usually all that interesting, but what is happening on the big screens and what is being said by the panelists is interesting and both of those things can be broadcast to another room with audio and video. You wouldn't be able to participate in the Q&A, but it's better than not seeing the panel at all.
- Tournaments. They have been consistently horrid. I have missed more of the convention by trying to participate in a single tournament than I care to mention. This year, however, I participated in the Rock Band Tournament and it was amazing. Qualification was based on a blanket high score and could be done at any time on Friday (this won't work on other tournaments, I know, but the idea is good). Each subsequent round was scheduled well beforehand, performed in a private room, and executed in a timely manner. No single round took more than half an hour. All that has to be done is to consider the format of each tournament a little more carefully and that part of the convention will be a lot smoother.
-No seats for the Final Round of the Omegathon. This is sort of a personal pet peeve. The first two years we had seats and it was awesome, and the last three years we didn't have seats and it was lame. No seats for concerts is fine, it adds excitement. No seats for the Final Rounds of the Omegathon is not fine, the excitement is already there and having to stand on your toes to see anything detracts from the experience in my opinion. Also, Gabe and Tycho owe us a game of Tetris.
Those are the big three. Shortage of space is also a chronic problem, but I figure the only inevitable solution to that problem is to pool the funds of our community and construct a Tower of Babel (Tower of Arcadia?) so that Seattle might dwell in the shadow of its omnipotence and despair.
All in all, I had a great time! I can't wait to do it all again next year!
Get the Aquabats
Being cut off from the Fallout 3 line-up while only 20 spots from the front was disappointing. But, hell, now I know how to organize my time next year.
Keep on rockin', PAX!
^.^
1: How many years have you gone to PAX?
2: What does PAX mean to you?
3: For my contacts page, my teacher needs your name, phone number, e-mail, and address.
Thanks for your help everyone!
Oh! That just got me to thinking something that would have been nice at PAX: Someplace on or very close to the exhibit hall floor that media can conduct interviews in relative quiet. Just a small side room or two, would be great. As it stands, we had to bring the person all the way back to the press room if we wanted privacy; not all exhibitors were ok with that. A small room or two attached to the exhibit hall would have been balls hot
Contributing Editor, http://www.gamepolitics.com
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Yeah, right fool. Like I'm going to send some anonymous dork my name phone number email and physical address. Do you think we're stupid just because we play video games?
That'd be cool, but at the same time we'd get a bunch of nongamers at PAX. And then it will be crowded. Bleh.
i'd be scared of these so called "interviews" in these small side rooms ~.^
Heh. Oh the things I would do to some of the designers!
+5 to creepy!
Contributing Editor, http://www.gamepolitics.com
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Here, check out the floor plan http://wsctc.com/pdfs/floor_plans/Level4ExhibitHalls.pdf <--all of 4C was taken up by PC, 4E/4F were the expo hall, and 401 is off limits. Who knows, it might change next year with the 6th floor.
Disclaimer: I have no idea what the PA folks are/were planning; this is my own speculation. :P
Granted, the dedicated media room was more than adequate, just too far away.
Contributing Editor, http://www.gamepolitics.com
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
It wouldnt have been permitted there.
and if you are already that far away from expo, you may as well just go to the media room :P
Good music
Fairly appropriate theme (Fantasy/D&D stuff)
They are in Guitar Hero III
Abney Park
>.>
<@zerzhul> you win at twdt
Man, that contradiction is so huge I'm surprised the universe didn't collapse in on itself.
I'm actually surprised you want to see them perform at PAX, because they are notorious for having a shitty live show (which is kind of what happens when you write albums comprised of studio effects and lyrics ripped straight from Molly Hatchet album covers).
HOWEVER, getting their current opening act, Powerglove is a fantastic idea.
He's tried, but they don't seem to be interested.
But his new album is out featuring, among others, MC Frontalot.
So, hopefully we see him next year.
He grew up in the same hometown as me. We went to different schools, but we met about six years ago when he was called MC Lars Horris. He wasn't terribly great then, but I have the feeling this album is going to make him explode; at least in the nerdcore scene.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mclars
New Album (donation of $1.00 or more): http://dglp.digitalgangster.com/
Check it out, folks.
Thanks, he'll really appreciate it.
He's touring the states right now too.
I exclaimed "Khoo is my Sensei!"
So if memes make great shirts,
And Pod Six is Jerks,
Then Moe, Khoo and I had our day.
I exclaimed "Khoo is my Sensei!"
So if memes make great shirts,
And Pod Six is Jerks,
Then Moe, Khoo and I had our day.
1. Bring back a video game orchestra at the Paramount! Either Play or Video Games Live. There's also the Eminence music group out of Australia.
2. A Machinima Festival
3. More content on the website. Here's some examples to improve the PAX website.
Video's of attractions, museums, parks, restaurants, & tours around Greater Seattle.
Maps & restaurant guides around Downtown Seattle.
Attractions around Greater Seattle
Tours around Greater Seattle.
Travel and Weather around Seattle.
True enough that most of the attendee's are going to be from Greater Seattle. Yet there is a very large amount of people that aren't from the area. I imagine that there would be at least over 10,000 of PAX attendees that are not from Greater Seattle.
Thus, why not provide that information on the PAX website? You want people to come to PAX to enjoy themselves on their trip. Wouldn't they enjoy it "more" if they had more information about "where" PAX is at?
PAX is an event, held in Seattle. You're correct PAX isn't a branch of the Seattle Visitors Bureau. Isn't the point though is to make sure people coming to PAX enjoy themselves the entire time they're going to, at and leaving the event?
It's been great seeing the events here in the forum to get together. I just believe that the PAX website should better help the "PAX Attendee" by providing them as much information as possible about PAX, as well as where PAX is located. What is the harm in creating another couple pages of content, or linking to them. Why keep the information from attendee? The information has already been provided by the websites I linked too. It's not that hard to make the sites.
If folks want to see Seattle, they can research Seattle. The PAX site is about PAX.
Lars really is an awesome guy, I hung out with him a bit during the summer. So glad he and bryce decided to work on an album together.
I'm hoping he can be convinced to do PAX, or at least a seattle show around that time, to promote TGRK
3ds friend code: 2981-6032-4118
Sad that I will be unable to attend PAX again.