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The new E3: PAX 2009
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Previous PAX crowd (PAX Website)
In 1998 a new webcomic focused on the gaming industry and culture emerged. Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik had created Penny Arcade. After gaining some popularity the web duo established their own site at penny-arcade.com, and today Penny Arcade is one of the most read comics online. After the sucess of their previous work, Krahulik and Holkins dreamed of a gaming expo where console, tabletop, and PC gamers could unite. PAX was born.
The Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) 2009 will take place September 4th though 6th in downtown Seattle. Now building street credit as the “New E3,” the festival pleases any gamer with an onslaught of fun and knowledge. I recommend this expo to anyone serious about the game industry, or about gaming in general. Concerts, contests, exhibitors, demos, and free play areas are all planned for the 09 show. In the creators own words: “PAX is not an event run by some giant corporate entity; it's a big party we throw for the gaming community in general.” PAX hit over 58,500 attendees last year, so be sure to register soon.
Some Well Known Sponsors:
UbiSoft, Valve, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Blizzard Entertainment, BioWare, Rockstar, and Nintendo.
Admission:
Preregistered: $50
Preregistered: $50
At the door: $55
Age Restriction:
None, however if you are under 13 they ask you have a parent with you.
The PAX 10: The PAX 10 Page
“The PAX 10 is a showcase of independent games to be exhibited at the Penny Arcade Expo. Taking submissions until May 9th, our group of 50 industry experts will cull the selection of games into what they collectively feel are the ten best in regard to gameplay and overall fun-factor.”
The Omegathon:
“A three-day elimination tournament. Twenty Omeganauts are chosen from those who pre-order PAX passes, and compete in games from every category (tabletop, console, PC) culminating in a live championship match on the big stage during PAX closing ceremonies. The final game is always out of left field: first year was PONG, second year was Atari's COMBAT, third year was Tetris, fourth year was Halo 3, and last year was Vs excitebike. The grand prize is equally ridiculous; last year's prize was an all expenses paid trip to Japan for Tokyo Game Show 2008.“
Hotel Information: Hotel Info Page
“After listening to your feedback, we realized that calling 7 individual hotels to check availability was less than ideal, so this year we've partnered with an outside service that consolidates all of them into an online system.“
LAN Access:
Can I bring my own computer for the LAN?
“Yes! But you need to pre-register first, so we can reserve your space--don't just show up at the event with a computer under your arm. Bring-your-own-computer registration will take place a few months after general PAX pre-registration opens, and those who pre-register will get first dibs on BYOC slots. So when you pre-register, make sure to register an email ad dress you actually check.”
Location / Directions:
PAX 2009 is at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, which is conveniently located in downtown Seattle, Washington. The address is:
Washington State Convention & Trade Center
800 Convention Place
Seattle, WA 98101-2350
800 Convention Place
Seattle, WA 98101-2350
If you're flying in, the airport you want is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with the airport code of SEA.
On-site parking information can be found here. Shuttle Express Share Ride Service is the recommended airport transportation for PAX. Book online for a special PAX discount.
On-site parking information can be found here. Shuttle Express Share Ride Service is the recommended airport transportation for PAX. Book online for a special PAX discount.
From SEA airport, Olympia, and all points south of Seattle:
- I-5 Northbound
- Madison Street Exit (#164A)
- Right on Madison Street
- Left on 8th Avenue
- Garage entrance is on your right
From Vancouver B.C. and all points north of Seattle:
- I-5 Southbound
- Stewart Street Exit (#166)
- Left on Boren Avenue
- Right on Seneca Street
- Right on 8th Avenue
- Garage entrance is on your right
From Bellevue and all points east of Seattle:
- I-90 west to Seattle
- I-5 Northbound
- Madison Street Exit (#164A)
- Right on Madison Street
- Left on 8th Avenue
- Garage entrance is on your right
No worries if you cannot make it to PAX 2009, I will be there to document all of the interesting happenings I stumble onto. Enjoy the show!
For more info:
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