College basketball isn’t the only annual event that creates excitement when March rolls around. Gamers everywhere flock to Boston, Massachusetts for PAX East where they can enjoy a weekend to test out new games, attend panels of their favorite creators and cosplay their beloved characters!
This year the floor was packed with giveaways, demos and table top fun. The show officially began at 10:00am on March 28th but as usual, gamers lined up before the convention center even opened its doors. It makes sense—the more popular games’ lines fill quickly so the early bird truly does get the worm.
I spent my weekend with a few close friends who I met online. We’d agreed months in advance to room together and it was incredible to finally meet in person! Our first night in town we met up with another group and went out to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. It was delectable and getting to know each other made my night.
First on our day one schedule was the opening panel. While in line to get into the main theater for it, Seán (the guy we’d all come to see) and his group walked by us after coming from the Westin Hotel. I could tell he recognized a few of us because his smile grew even bigger as he passed.
Arin Hansen, co-founder of The Game Grumps and co-creator of Dream Daddy, was the key note speaker. He gave an incredible speech―he basically suggested we prioritize having fun for the weekend in spite of doubt. He told stories of how he did things even though he was scared and didn’t have a detailed plan, he just worked with what he had. He suggested we make enjoying ourselves more important than fear, which resonated profoundly with me.
There was a panel we wanted to attend that afternoon (Girbeagly/Brian) but until then we walked the floor just to observe. There was Beat Saber, a VR game, that we wanted to try but we didn’t line up early enough to avoid a cap. One cool place to hang out is the Indie Dev Booth where smaller developers show off what they’ve been hard at work on. Since there was so much to see, walking around just to observe is plenty of activity!
Brian’s panel was delightful. He was at the mic as soon as we entered the auditorium and watched excitedly as we filed in. It was a big deal because it was his first solo panel at Pax East, a pinnacle of YouTube Gaming. As most panels go there were questions and answers, silly stories and good advice. One question near the end did get a little cringey but that’s to be expected when you’re put on the spot.
After the panel we lost track of a portable charger that a member of our group lent to someone. We found out the person who had it happened to be at the Westin Hotel where Seán was staying. We walked across the footbridge to the lobby after collecting our coats and found our friend taking pictures with him. We decided screw it, we’re walking over too.
“Jessie!” He said excitedly as my friend got his attention. She was shocked he recognized her immediately but I knew he would. He chatted with her for a minute, then turned toward me. “Hi, Lauren,” He said with a smile. I hugged him tightly for a moment, though the whole time I couldn’t let go of the feeling that he had somewhere more important to be. I offered a group picture so we wouldn’t take up too much of his time, but he said “I’ll take individual ones, it’s not problem.” He’s so much sweeter than I give him credit for.
We said hi his girlfriend Evelien as well, then let them go on their way. We had a Pax after party to go to ourselves! It took a minute to get started and while it was fun, we wanted to get up early for Ethan’s (CrankGameplays) signing so we headed back to our own hotel to recharge for day two.
We arrived at the convention center at 6:00 am the next day to line up. We were behind a good amount of people but Ethan’s signing didn’t cap for a while. Pax organized things well this year and handed out wristbands first thing in the morning so we had the whole day for activities. Our biggest one was Seán’s panel in the main theater at 3pm. Since we had some time, we made our way to an upper level where there were conveniently placed bean bags and popped a squat.
We also walked the floor, went to Starbucks for coffee, then discovered people were already lining up for the panel and decided it was time to do the same. We waited for a while, “Let me in…let me IN!!” memes galore, until finally they opened the doors. Seán answered every question from the heart but got sassy at the same time, making it one of the most fun panels I’ve had the pleasure to attend!
There was no time to waste when it was over, we went straight down to the que room for Ethan’s signing. He was sweet as usual because when I almost forgot to take a picture he kindly reminded me and we got a pretty good one.
Day three was the big one, Seán’s signing. After the convention on Friday we went straight back to the hotel room, ate leftovers and went to bed. Our group was the first in line the next morning and I was the first into the convention center. An enforcer met us at the door and led us down to collect our wristbands; I was fourth to get one because I let a pair go in front of me.
The rest of the morning was basically a waiting game. We sat on the beanbag chairs again to get some rest since we got up so early, then walked the floor a bit before it was time to line up again.
They filed us into the signing room in groups―ours was second to last. Several people before us took longer than they were supposed to so my time with Seán was short but sweet. While a couple of my friends said exactly what they wanted to in 30 seconds, I wanted to make sure I got a few things off my chest. It might not have been long but it always feels good to hug my favorite gamer.
Our last day didn’t involve much; we attended Ethan’s panel and even though we weren’t close it was a joy to watch. None of us lined up to ask a question; I usually don’t because I struggle to think of things that haven’t been asked before. Ethan was gracious as usual and it ended all too soon. After that we sat and ate, roamed the show floor and got more coffee. I was considering lining up for an XBox game but I wanted a snack too when the group suggested Starbucks. We went for pizza after the show officially closed; I wanted to dance the night away but we had a bigger crew with different ideas.
It was pretty somber saying goodbye the next day. We knew it had to end but it always comes too soon after having so much fun.
Overall my trip to Boston was one for the ages. Nothing spectacular happened but it didn’t need to―getting a weekend to just relax and spend time with friends I love was epic enough. Additionally, getting to see my favorite gamers in person again was everything I wanted it to be and more.
If you love video or table top games, or enjoy watching others play them on camera, you should consider a trip to Boston for Pax East. You’ll get the chance to explore a convention with lots of like-minded people and maybe even find your next obsession. You’ll want to go back every year for more!
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