HUH? A month late?
Okay okay, I was gonna do a full rundown of the games (especially the indies) from this year's Pax Aus convention, but I didn't get nearly enough time with them all and then I decided that rather than just lsit games and throw my thoughts out there - something every games media under the sun has done (especially this late afterwards, whoops), I'd instead dump my thoughts on the convention as a whole - having been to every single one - how it's changed, and where I think it needs to go.
PAX Australia 2024: A Look at the Present, Past, and Future
PAX Australia 2024 was jsut over a month ago now - and it's been long enough sat in my brain that I've had a chance to let the initial rush and post-con tiredness disappear. As with every year, it was a space filled with gamers, developers, and cosplayers coming together to celebrate a shared passion. But more than that, it's become a central part of the industry here in Aus - a key anchor within Melbourne Games Week - and after 10 years it’s a good time to reflect on the current state of the convention, how it has evolved since its inception, and what directions it could take to continue thriving in an ever-changing industry.
The State of PAX Australia in 2024
This year, PAX Australia continued to focus on connecting the gaming community, whether through tabletop games, indie showcases, or esports tournaments. With its balance of panels, free play zones, and booths, it remains one of the most comprehensive conventions for gamers in the country. We had some major publishers return after a couple of years of lackluster appearances, while indie developers — arguably the heart of PAX — had more presence than ever, with some of the most innovative and creative titles coming from smaller studios, as usual.
On top of that, the community focus has always been a cornerstone of PAX, and this year was no exception. Social areas, LAN parties, and the tabletop area buzzed with the energy of gamers making new friends, trying out unfamiliar titles, or taking part in spirited tournaments. We also saw a stronger emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. Panels covering topics from diversity in gaming to mental health in the industry offered thoughtful discourse, showing that PAX isn’t just a place to play games but a place to understand their impact and potential.
How PAX Australia Has Evolved Over the Years
When PAX first came to Australia in 2013, it felt like a bridge between the Australian gaming community and the larger, global gaming scene. Back then, it was more compact, with a smaller presence of industry giants. Indie developers were present, but not with the same level of visibility they have now. Over the years, the event has grown in size and scope, reflecting not only the growth of the convention but also the expansion of the industry as a whole - especially the indie scene.
Over the past 10 years, we've also seen the rise of esports, and thus PAX has seen an increased focus on competitive gaming. The early years of PAX were more about demos, panels, and showcases, but as competitive gaming gained popularity, so did the tournaments at the event. Now, there's equal (almost) space for the competitive side of things - whether it's playing in tournaments or showing up for showcase matches (or, weirdly, Red Bull deciding to have actual real life dodgeball this year)
Another significant evolution has been the tech advancements featured at the convention. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and cloud gaming have all found a place at PAX, letting attendees experience the forefront of gaming technology. These innovations keep PAX relevant in an industry that is constantly evolving, making it an event where you can see both what’s current and what’s next.
Potential Improvements and the Future of PAX Australia
While PAX Australia has done a commendable job of staying current and community-focused, there are areas I feel could enhance (or improve) the experience and ensure the convention remains relevant and worth attending. Here are some thoughts on how it could continue to improve:
Less "Filler" - As with most conventions, there's a good chunk of merch. Some of it better than others. It was nice this year to see some more established shopfronts take up space - companies like Blackmilk and Keychron showing up - and I feel that if you're going to have 3rd party merch and offerings, this is the direction the convention needs to take. I know everyone seems to love buying their lootboxes of collectables, and their foam swords but eveyr year there's a few booths that feel a little more "sunday market" than "gaming convention".
Keep pushing the indies - It's fairly clear that the organisers know how important the indie scene is in Australia, and it's great to see that space improve year on year. No real notes on this, other than to keep doing that. Keep highlighting the small studios, keep showing the unique things. More support and more space, always - especially if the "big boys" of AAA are still missing in future years.
Games and gamers - not content - This is probably more of a personal opinion, and it's perfectly fine to disagree - but I (and others I've talked to) saw a noticeable difference in the overall vibe of the convention this year due to a lower impact presence from Twitch and a pullback from general content creation. Don't get me wrong - there's certainly space for creators and they're an important part of the industry these days - but a few past years have definitely felt more like a Streamer/Youtuber/etc meetup space than the core gaming roots of the convention. That shifted for the better this year, and I can see it improving as a balance is found.g
Conclusion
PAX Australia 2024 continued to deliver as one of the most exciting and community-centered events in the gaming calendar. It successfully balances nostalgia and forward-thinking, allowing attendees to enjoy both beloved classics and fresh, innovative ideas. While the convention has grown significantly since its early days, the core focus on community and accessibility remains.
With a few tweaks and expansions, PAX Australia can continue to evolve alongside the industry. As long as it stays true to its roots while adapting to the times, it will remain a beloved pillar in the gaming world. Here's to many more years of growth, fun, and shared experiences at PAX Australia.