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Stacey K. Harvey

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I went to PAX East 2025 for the first time this year—and honestly? I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. There’s no perfect way to prepare for your first PAX (trust me, I tried!). I made lists, packed all the essentials—I even brought backup socks! My goal was simple: have a great time at a gaming convention and make solid industry connections. I thought I knew what to expect. News flash: I didn’t.

As both a first-time attendee and exhibitor, I dove in headfirst: wide-eyed and totally unprepared. PAX East completely wrecked me, but in the best way possible. For four days, I navigated packed crowds, explored incredible indie titles, and formed connections I’ll always remember. PAX East was a crash course in just how big (and welcoming!) the games industry can be. I was fully immersed in a kind of energy that only happens when thousands of passionate people come together under one roof. From wall-to-wall booths to nonstop conversations at every turn, it’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after it’s over.

(Photo: Entrance area of PAX East 2025 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, MA.)

So, what is PAX? Short for Penny Arcade Expo, it’s one of the largest and most vibrant gaming conventions around. Held annually in cities like Boston, Seattle, and Philadelphia, PAX is a four-day celebration of all things gaming. It brings together gamers, developers, and creators alike to play upcoming titles, attend panels, and connect with a community that shares their passion for the industry. (Source)

PAX East 2025 ran from May 8–11, with each day offering something a little different. The Expo Hall (Source) stayed packed and energetic the entire time, while the panel schedule kept things fresh—ranging from autograph signings and game reveals to fun debates like who the real “best boy” in Final Fantasy is. (Source) With so much going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but the great thing about PAX is that there’s no wrong way to experience it.

(Photo: A glimpse of the Expo Hall on May 10, taken from the skybridge above.)

Attending PAX East was a real privilege. I had the opportunity to be there as an exhibitor with Ysbryd Games (Source), which gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the event. I saw the convention center before setup even began—and let me just say, we don’t give exhibitors enough credit. Running a booth is hard work! From setup to teardown, and making sure every attendee has a great experience with your game, it takes a ton of energy. But it’s worth it. Seeing people genuinely excited to play your game and making meaningful connections along the way is incredibly rewarding. And of course, a huge shout out to the Enforcers as well. They’re the volunteer crew that keeps PAX running smoothly—handling lines, panels, accessibility; you name it! Seriously, they’re the unsung heroes of the whole thing. (Source)

But what’s PAX East like for someone attending just for fun? Tristan Scarpa (Source) got to find out, thanks to Amir Satvat’s raffle giveaway (Source). In just one day, he made new friends, played the addictive Just Shapes & Beats by Berzerk Studio (Source), and attended the Breaking in & standing out in non-traditional careers in games panel. Here are some key takeaways he shared from the discussion:

“When it comes to networking, the biggest tip was to focus on asking questions and making real connections. Don’t lead with your resume or talk about yourself right away. The guests provided a solid breakdown of AAA vs. indie careers: AAA tends to value specialization, while indie roles are all about wearing multiple hats. For artists, tailoring your portfolio to a studio’s style is super important. Another good takeaway was to lean into your unique background—like using research skills for historically inspired games. Be open to starting anywhere, even as an intern or receptionist, to get your foot in the door. Funding’s gotten trickier also, so things like Patreon or being authentic on social media is a great way to get noticed. Overall, it was super informative—and getting to see Doug Cockle (Source) in-person was awesome!”
—Tristan Scarpa

Tristan’s day at PAX East is just one way to experience the event. There are plenty of other ways to get involved, too. Take Max Evans (Source), who volunteered as an exhibitor with Rookery Interactive LLC (Source), demoing their game: A Good Night’s Rest. (Source) Here’s what Max had to say about his experience:

“I was only at PAX East for about three hours, volunteering with Rookery Interactive. The team was super kind, and I had a great time introducing the game and handing out business cards. I did get to stop by the DOTS non-profit booth (Source) and try their new braille dice, which led to a great chat about accessibility in tabletop gaming! I wish I’d had more time—there was so much more I wanted to see. My only complaints were the unclear signage, limited seating, and minimal health precautions—which was a bit disappointing as someone with a compromised immune system. Still, it was a really positive experience, and I’d love to go back for longer next time!”
—Max Evans

Even if you’re not a first-timer like Max, Tristan, or me, there’s still a lot to get out of PAX—whether it’s your fourth time or your twenty-first time. For example, Mike Fertitta (Source), a longtime PAX regular, shared his thoughts on this year’s event:

“This year’s PAX East was easily my best one yet. I had the chance to attend as an exhibitor with topsbr Games (Source) and showcase “Shapez 2” (Source) on the show floor—which was an incredible experience. Seeing the Expo Hall come together behind the scenes was honestly one of the coolest parts. As a PAX regular, I can say the number of booths and the variety of indie titles from around the world was as impressive as ever. But what always stands out most is the community—the Enforcers are always ready to help, and the overall vibe is so welcoming. If you only go to one gaming convention, make it a PAX. There’s so much to do that you’re guaranteed to create your own unforgettable experience.”
—Mike Fertitta

For an even closer look at Mike’s time at PAX East, he shared a great video recap (watch it here)—definitely worth a watch if you’re after a more in-depth look!

As for me, while I didn’t have much time to dive into panels or demos, wandering the Expo Hall still introduced me to some fantastic games. A few favorites (outside of my own booth) were: CYBRLICH and the Death Cult of Labor by Cybrlich Studios (Source), Cat Secretary by Good Build Games (Source), the OFF remake by Mortis Ghost (Source), Away From Home by Squishy & Cameron Smith-Randick (Source), and oneway.exe by Disordered Media. (Source) But PAX isn’t just about trying new games—there are entire sections for TTRPG players, a competitive gameplay arena, cosplay meetups, and inclusive spaces like PAX Together. (Source) There’s truly something for everyone, no matter what you’re into.

What made PAX East so memorable were the unexpected friendships I formed. Connecting with folks like Myles Maxup (Source), Hunter Bond (Source) with DreadXP (Source), Mikey Kirin (Source), and Zeenigami (Source) made the whole experience even more special. I thought I’d just hit a few panels and play some demos, but I ended up having way more fun just hanging out and making new friends. In the end, it wasn’t just about the games—it was about the people. And that’s what made this year’s PAX East truly unforgettable.

(Photo: TF2 cosplay meetup, courtesy of Pa8rsPat8rs on r/PAX.) (Source)