PAX West is an annual gaming convention in Seattle featuring games, panels, and events for fans, developers, and industry professionals.
This year’s PAX West in Seattle was an absolute blast, filled with fantastic booths, engaging indie devs, and a whirlwind of game demos that left me exhilarated. Here’s a breakdown of some of the standout booths I visited at the event:
Among Us
The “Among Us” booth was buzzing with excitement as fans flocked to see what InnerSloth had in store with their latest update. The setup was fun and colorful, with life-sized characters from the game that made for some great photo ops. The new update seems to be adding more layers to the already chaotic gameplay we all know and love, but with a few twists that will keep even the most seasoned imposters on their toes. It was a great chance to reconnect with the game and remember why it became a cultural phenomenon.
Five Nights At Freddy’s
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” booth was transformed into a vibrant Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria. It felt like stepping straight into the unsettling world of animatronics. There were carnival-style games where attendees could win themed prizes, adding a light-hearted, yet eerie vibe to the atmosphere. It’s amazing to see how much this franchise has grown, and the birthday bash setup was both nostalgic and a reminder of the impact it has had on horror gaming.
Poland Game Industries
The Polish game industry made a strong showing with a booth that featured over a dozen games. Titles like “Roger Waters,” “The Whims of the Gods,” and “JDM Racing” were just a few of the highlights. I had the pleasure of chatting with some of the developers, and their passion was contagious. Each game showcased a unique aspect of Polish game development, from intricate storytelling to innovative gameplay mechanics. It’s clear that Poland is becoming a powerhouse in the gaming world, and these developers are at the forefront of that movement.
Monster Hunter Wilds
One of the most anticipated games at PAX West was undoubtedly “Monster Hunter Wilds.” The booth featured a replica of the mount players will ride in the game, and attendees could take pictures with it. The detail was stunning, capturing the essence of the game’s vibrant ecosystem. The developers have promised a fresh take on the beloved franchise, and based on what I saw, “Monster Hunter Wilds” is going to be a massive hit. The community is already buzzing with excitement.
Bandai Namco
Bandai Namco’s booth was packed with eager fans wanting to try out demos for their upcoming games “Awakening” and “Little Nightmares III.” The demos, though brief, were tantalizing glimpses into what’s to come. “Awakening” seems to be pushing narrative boundaries with its complex characters and immersive world, while “Little Nightmares III” stays true to its chilling, atmospheric roots. It’s safe to say Bandai Namco has two hits on their hands, and I can’t wait to see more.
Indie Dev Booths
The indie section of PAX West is always a treasure trove, and this year was no exception. I met with a variety of developers showcasing a diverse range of games:
- Royalty Free-For-All: A chaotic multiplayer brawler that promises endless fun.
- Cornucopia: A farming sim with a twist, focusing on community and sustainability.
- Sulfur: A dark, atmospheric puzzle platformer that’s visually stunning.
- Tether Geist: An innovative puzzle game that involves manipulating time.
- Deathland Drifters: A gritty action RPG with roguelike elements.
- Croak: A charming adventure game featuring a frog on a journey.
- While Waiting: A narrative-driven game that explores the concept of patience.
- Ascent Rivals: A fast-paced racing game with a unique vertical track design.
Each game had its own unique flavor, showcasing the creativity and innovation thriving in the indie community. I had some fantastic conversations with the developers and am excited to see these games launch.
Warhorse Studios
Warhorse Studios offered a more intimate experience, inviting me to a sit-down to preview “Kingdom Come: Deliverance II,” set to release this coming February. I was lucky enough to play an hour-long demo reserved for the press, and it was a deep dive into the game’s mechanics and narrative. The developers were incredibly personable and shared their vision for the game with a contagious enthusiasm. It’s shaping up to be a worthy sequel, maintaining the historical accuracy and detailed world-building of its predecessor while introducing new features that will enhance the player experience.
KingsIsle Entertainment
Lastly, I had a quick but insightful chat with the team behind “Wizard101” about their upcoming game, “Ravenwood Academy: A Wizard101 Story.” The demo was short but packed with charm, reminiscent of the beloved “Bully” game but set in the magical world of Wizard101. It looks like players will get to experience life as a student at Ravenwood Academy, complete with magical classes and whimsical adventures. It’s a fresh take on the Wizard101 universe, and fans are sure to love it.
Overall, PAX West 2024 was an incredible event filled with exciting game reveals, passionate developers, and a palpable sense of community. From indie gems to big-budget blockbusters, there was something for everyone, and I left feeling more excited than ever about the future of gaming. Can’t wait for next year!