PAX Australia 2023 marked a significant milestone, celebrating a decade of gaming excellence at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre. Making my way there was a breeze, thanks to the well-connected public transport system; a train and tram ride from Southern Cross Station conveniently landed me just across the road from Crown Casino.
Stepping into the convention center was like entering a gamer’s paradise. The entire space was transformed into a haven for gaming enthusiasts, with a dizzying array of activities, tournaments, and panel discussions. From thrilling speed runs to group Jackbox sessions, there was an overwhelming wealth of entertainment options. Time seemed to slip away as I tried to experience it all.
| Highlights | So much to do, so little time. It’s worth getting the 3-day pass to experience everything. |
| Cost | $65 for a day pass (usually Saturday sells out) |
| Location | Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre |
| Website | https://aus.paxsite.com/en-us/ |
Being one of only four physical Penny Arcade Expos globally, PAX Australia holds a special place in the hearts of gaming aficionados. While there used to be other similar conventions like the EB Expo, focused more on Sydney, they seem to have faded away. I vividly recalled the joint expo with PAX and EB Expo, where the latter dominated with a sprawling section for merchandise but didn’t make much of a presence otherwise.
This year’s PAX brought a noticeable shift in exhibitors. While big studios like Nintendo showcased Super Mario Bros Wonder and Sega wowed with Sonic Superstars and Like a Dragon, there was a notable absence of other big studios like PlayStation, Ubisoft, Activision, and Microsoft. The spotlight was on indie developers and hardware vendors like ASUS, MSI, Corsair, and Prism+. Third-party services like Aussie Broadband, Ubank, Twitch, and Crunchyroll added to the diverse mix.
I had the thrill of trying out Sonic Superstars, albeit with a degree of clumsiness that led to a minor glitch in gameplay. The Nintendo booth, on the other hand, featured a delightful Nintendo Store, offering an array of apparel and game-related merchandise like T-shirts, playing cards, and wall stickers. Demos galore, from Kirby to Metro and the much-anticipated Detective Pikachu Returns, kept the excitement levels high.
The convention’s staple features—tabletop, board game, computer, and console free play zones—were bustling with enthusiasts. Vendors and merchants, along with a sprinkling of tournaments and giveaways, added to the vibrant atmosphere. Personally, I scored a haul of bags, hats, drink bottles, and badges.
Gaming enthusiast will have a fantastic weekend
The trading card area proved a treasure trove, with lessons in One Piece TCG and a haul of promo cards, not to mention some fantastic deals on trading cards across various franchises. Though tantalising hardware and specials were on offer, the timing wasn’t quite right for a purchase, as my current setup sufficed.
Notably absent were vendors like Harvey Norman, EB Games, and JB Hi Fi, leaving a tinge of disappointment. I remember Harvey Norman having some excellent deals where hardware purchases also included a triple AAA game code. I had been eager to demo titles like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Spiderman 2, a wish that remained unfulfilled. Back in PAX 2019, Final Fantasy VII Remake made an appearance and I was lucky enough to play the demo.
PAX Australia 2023 was an exhilarating whirlwind of fun and discoveries. From the latest games to trading cards and beyond, there was an abundance to explore and celebrate. The event left me with a trove of memories and stories to share, a testament to the enduring magic of PAX.
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