Another year, another upcoming PAXU! I’m actually excited that it’s earlier this year because I’m hoping the weather is a smidge warmer 🤞 Regardless, I’m stoked to be attending again and check out some new games, trade some pins, and have a great time! Before we go, let’s do a quick preview!

First Look Hype

It was hard to narrow it down, but I selected the top 5 games I’m hoping to play in the First Look area:

  • Cereal Killer – It looks like just enough silly to be a lot of fun
  • Das Schloss der 7 Schlösser – It’s definitely super light, but it looks aesthetically awesome, so I really want to check it out.
  • Night Soil – I love a funny theme that’s trying to be serious, haha. Oh, and I like bag building
  • Oliva – More bag building!
  • Ada’s Dream – I love anything that mentions tracks, haha, plus I dig this theme
Images sourced from BGG

Most Anticipated

For this, I tried to focus on games that would be available in the vendor hall either for purchase or for demo:

  • Covenant – Fun theme, great look!
  • Trinket Trove – I love a cute animal theme, and it definitely does look cozy, which I’m a fan of
  • The Game Makers – It’s so meta, which just seems funny to me
  • Kokeshi – You had me at track movement!
  • Grendel: The Game of Crime and Mayhem – I’ve really enjoyed past titles from Off the Page, and these seems cool since every player has their own unique thing going on
Photos sourced from BGG

My Schedule

I’m not going to spoil everything, since I’ll have more details in my recap post after the show, but I have about 10 (and counting) media meetings currently planned to speak to various publishers (including Kosmos, CGE, Capstone, and others) about upcoming titles, newest releases, and more! I’m really excited to demo some games, see what’s coming up to start getting excited about, and just continuing building relationships with people in the industry.

On top of that, I am always on the hunt for pin trading at PAX, so I’ll be combing the boards for my needs, trying to attend pinny arcade events, and checking out some of the demos for free pins, if I have the time.

Tips for 1st Timers

I think PAXU is an incredible convention for gamers who haven’t been to many, or even any, cons in the past. Still, these are some tips and tricks I like to have in my back pocket:

Things to Pack:

  • DEODORANT
  • Comfy Shoes
  • Your Badge (unless you need to pick it up when you get there) and a comfy lanyard
  • Vitamins
  • Money
  • Snacks
  • Cell Charger(s)

Helpful Hints:

  • Hydrate – There’s a lot of walking around, please drink water
  • Grab a Map – Enforcers are very helpful for asking directions if you can’t find something too, but a map will come in handy
  • Take Breaks – The vendor hall can be overwhelming at times, so don’t be afraid to step out, grab a snack, and just chill for a bit
  • Make a List – I find it helpful to make a list of games or booths I want to check out so I don’t miss anything I’m most excited about
  • HAVE FUN! – There’s no right or wrong way to do PAX (aside from the drinking water thing, please do that). Do what you want to do, eat where you want to eat, play games, make friends, and have a blast 🙂

See you at the show! Say Hi if you see me!!