PAX Aus is The Gaming Event in Australia. Sure, it originated in the USA, but Australia definitely does it better. **Yes, I said it.** PAX Aus is the only PAX event held outside the USA and subsequently attracts ALL OF THE AWESOME from Australia, New Zealand, Oceania, and Asia. It’s also one of the only (if not, THE only?) gaming events that cover all areas of gaming life. 

PAX Aus has been an annual event for 10 years–except for the COVID Lockdowns when Melbourne was experiencing the harshest and longest Lockdowns in Australia (277 days). After two years of online participation, PAX Aus returned in 2022 in person; one of the first events held in a post-COVID world. Unfortunately, that was the year many of the Big Exhibitors chose not to appear (a noticeable and heavily questioned absence). After such a long lockdown, many attendees voiced their disappointment, feeling abandoned by the lack of support from big companies. However, this did not impact the love for indies and may have been a big push behind the rise in Aussie Indie developers in 2023. That’s a pretty big win for gamers AND indie developers.

The good news is it looks like organisers have taken the “Go Hard or Go Home” approach this year. Companies like Nintendo are returning, blending their showcase with feature panels to celebrate key game releases this year. The Special Guest list is also heavy with voice actors from many popular video games, and the tabletop library is stocking up for extra game time. However, there will still be one absence this year. 🙁

EG Mum will NOT be attending in person this year. I have been attending PAX Aus since 2017 2015 (I thought so! I just found my old media pass!) and love every minute of it. It is my favourite of all geeky events in Australia. I love fielding the exhibition floor, talking with developers in the indie sections, collecting the pins, and attending as many panels as possible!! I have presented and moderated a few of them, too. 

The choice to not attend is a tough one, especially since PAX Aus is one of my biggest professional events to network and lots of fun to attend. However, due to a whole bunch of STUFF (EG Sinister sitting HSC, my ongoing asthma issues since Bushfires 2019, and upcoming events in the near future), a trip to Melbourne in October is not ideal. The good news is I still have plenty of news and updates for those who WILL be attending. Do I still recommend others to attend PAX Aus? The answer is YES. The caveat is to plan appropriately. 

Step 1: Tickets

Okay. So, I’ve convinced you to go to PAX Aus 2023!! WAHOO!! If you had already planned this, you may have your 3-Day pass in your hot little hand and can skip this step completely. However, if you are looking to purchase tickets right now, I have bad news. 3-Day Passes and Saturday Tickets have completely sold out. You can still purchase tickets for Friday and Sunday, and I promise you it will still be a fantastic time. 

Ideally, the 3-Day pass allows you the time to see everything at a smooth and easy pace. PAX Aus is huge–it takes up the entire Convention space, and sometimes more outside (eg. Sea of Thieves had its premiere exhibition onboard the historic tall ship, Polly Woodside #onpointtheme). 

Regulars will tell you that each day has a ‘vibe’ about it: 

• Friday is media and business networking. A good time for indies to attract publishing companies. Many panels on this day are about developing games.
• Saturday is Gamer Life. The hardcore gamers come out to play. It’s busy and loud, and the lines for the Big Name Games are huge. It is also the day for Cosplayers and a day of pure beauty. Panels tend to be more playful but edged towards mainstream pop culture. 
• Sunday is Family Day. It’s a little more relaxed and casual. By Sunday, most of the exhibitors are starting to tire, the mad rush has died down, and those with 3-Day passes are coming around for a final look at their faves. It’s a great time to pick up some closing deals and find the real People’s Choice without the marketing glamour. 

If you are still thinking about whether to buy tickets now, I will definitely say yes. Buy Friday and Sunday tickets, and use Saturday to step outside the Convention. Melbourne has much to offer during PAX Aus–but more on that soon. 

Step 2: Transport

Melbournites already know how to use public transport. You’re good. Out-of-towners and newbies need to consider transport right now. Flights seem like the obvious option. Quick and easy, but hella not cheap. I strongly recommend using the Melbourne SkyBus from the airport to the CBD. It’s fast, it’s well-priced, and you can book your tickets ahead. It takes you from the airport straight to Southern Cross Station. I cannot over-emphasise how much easier this is. 

Planes aren’t the only transport to Melbourne. In 2019, I caught the Intercity Express Train from Sydney to Melbourne and was thrilled to find the PAX Aus vibe started early! Our train car was filled with games, setting up many tables for the trip down. While it’s not as quick as the plane, it was more affordable, with plenty of space to move around and meet other gamers. 

Finally, when you do arrive, Melbourne CBD has a fantastic tram network, including a Free Travel Zone. This zone extends to most of the CBD; however, it does not extend to the Convention Centre. If you are sticking to the Free Travel Zone, hop off at Batman’s Park, located on the other side of the bridge before the Convention Centre. 

Step 3: Accommodation 

Bad news on this front. Accommodation at this time of year can be awful, depending on who you are travelling with. My best advice is to buddy up and save on accommodation costs at Melbourne YHA. Last check (15 Sept), they still have rooms and beds available. You can take a standard bunk in a shared room for about AUD $70 per night. You could book out an entire 4-share room and split AUD$295. They also have private rooms with ensuites for AUD$240. 

Travelling with family is a little tricky. In 2022, the EG Family stayed at Ibis Melbourne Hotel and Apartments on the opposite side of the CBD. This is where the Free Travel Zone for trams was an absolute blessing. We were also well located for both food and sightseeing in other areas in Melbourne. To be honest, this is a personal choice depending on availability and affordability. At the end of the day, you just want somewhere to wash and crash. 

Step 4: Food

Remember to eat and, most of all, REMEMBER TO HYDRATE. On the first day of my first PAX Aus, I completely forgot to stop for lunch. It’s easy enough to do, and let’s be honest: the food at the Convention Centre is not great. 

Across the road at the Casino, there is a great food court with plenty on offer. My fave is Schnitz (upstairs and back a bit), but I can’t live on that all weekend. Check the PAX Aus app for discounts or specials for other food outlets nearby. The key to a great PAX experience, whether with kids or just your hangry self, is to pack snacks. There are plenty of Woolworths Metro and Coles Express (and everything else) in the area. Pick up a few snacks and fuel up regularly during the day.

For an extra splurge, head to Fortress Melbourne in the CBD. This is your dream modern-age gaming tavern. The menu is moderately affordable and very generous with the servings. Pick up a tabletop game or two, and you won’t even notice the wait. During PAX Aus, seating is walk-in only but rarely an issue. 

Step 5: Dress for the Occasion 

And now we’re hitting the serious stuff. What to wear. First and foremost, wear comfy shoes. If you are planning to cosplay for the entire weekend, we salute you. And wear comfy shoes. The exhibition hall has a flat concrete floor. I have always chosen solid hiking boots or super comfy sneakers, and I swear it’s the only thing saving me by Sunday night. Did I mention how big PAX Aus is? You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so: wear comfy shoes.

Cosplay! Oh, how I love the cosplay! Cosplay, as always, is an inclusive event. Have fun with it. Over the years, I have seen everything from magnificent full-body sets to subtle t-shirt compilations. The majority of cosplayers love to show off their creations on Saturday, and you’ll see many of them with photographers in the walkway between the two main buildings or along the grassy area outside. The cosplay community is very warm and welcoming, but please remember to always show respect. Cosplay is NOT consent. Always ask first before taking photos. And try to ignore the out-of-costume comfy shoes peeking out from under the heavy mage robe. 

Step 6: Video Games

Truth: The video games section is the most popular of all PAX Aus, from Day One and from the gates opening every day. As mentioned above, the Big Names are coming back for PAX Aus 2023. Nintendo has already announced it will be showcasing Super Mario Bros Wonders before release to the general public. SEGA has lined up Sonic Superstars for its fans. And I will eat my web-shooters if PlayStation does NOT have Spider-Man 2 on show. 

However, PAX Aus fans have always known about the Indie section; specifically the Aus Indie Showcase. There is so much amazing talent in Australia, with some of the games found in the Showcase becoming absolute gaming stars around the world. This year, look out for returning fave Primordials Legends: Hollow Hero from Toybox Games Studios. This 3rd person action-adventure features an anthropomorphic combat wombat in a fantasy world. It is glorious and everything I want to promote about Australia. I am also planning to review Copycat from Spoonful of Wonder, which offers a great identity-theft narrative with a taste of adventure. 

Next to the Showcase, you can easily lose a few hours exploring all of the new indie games in PAX Rising. There’s a long list to work through that will keep me busy for the next few months. Let me know in the comments if you have a favourite. In the meantime, these have caught my eye: 

• Ailuri from Vivink Studios – 2D Platformer to rescue adorable animals
• Soul Devourer from Studio Water Bear – 2D metroidvania platformer with a touch of dark horror. Plenty of monster killing and thriller elements in a supernatural world under the school
• The Godfeather: A Mafia Pidgeon Saga from Hojo Studio – back for a second swoop, The Godfeather was introduced at PAX Aus 2022 and loved by the masses! Can’t wait to see how they fare at PAX Aus 2023
• The Owl, the Thief, and the Strawberries from Splerp – I’m here for the strong C64 nostalgia vibes and the mystery narrative set in a library. 

Step 7: Tabletop Games

There is only one piece of advice for the Tabletop Games: Whatever time or money you estimate for the area needs to be TRIPLED. Thankfully, the organisers keep the section open until late at night, so you have plenty of time to play as many games as possible. Here are my top suggestions for PAX Aus 2023: 

• Spellbook (Space Cowboys/Asmodee) – Brand new gorgeous ‘set-collection’ game inspired by the classic card game Rummy. Creator Phil Walker-Harding (from Joey Games) is demoing the game with VR Distribution. 
• The Bath House  (Ark Angel Games) – Head to Collaboratory tables on Saturday and say hi to Karl Lange (developer). Inspired by Japanese bathhouses, this resource-building task game was a fave with the EG Family last year. 
• Aethermon – Following their successful launch of Aethermon: Collect earlier this year, the team at 3rd Place Games are back with the original and larger version of the game. 
• Level Up Dice: EG Sinister (our resident dice goblin) refuses to shop anywhere else for his dice. This is the same kid with a passion for geology and tabletop RPG, so you can see where the two worlds collide.

• Kites: Time to Fly (Floodgate Games) – Head to Let’s Play Games for this brand-new family game (2-6P). Colourful, coordinated, and cooperative. Need more of this in the EG Lair.
• Floating Floors (Guf Studios) – Kicked off in 2021 and successfully launched with Kickstarter in 2022, Floating Floors is a must-see at PAX Aus 2023. Inspired by the famous Nightingale floors in Japanese castles and temples. 
• Boba Master (Quokka Games): Get in quick because the Quokka Games sell out FAST! Boba Master is the fourth game in the catalogue, known for their quick and entertaining gameplay. Last year, Yum Cha was the talk of the floor. Boba Master is the perfect pairing with a splash of extra sabotage. 

Step 8: Panels

I love the panels at PAX. Panels are a great place to stop, catch your breath, and gain a feel for what’s happening behind the scenes. Topics range from game design to cosplay creations. There are discussions on representation in games, how to use your games for education support, legal ramifications within the industry, and deep dives into your faves. My top picks are:

• Friday: The Great Escape Room Debate 12.30 pm – say hi to Leanne Yong, one of six on the panel talking about escape rooms and game design. If you have a copy of her book, Two Can Play That Game, you might be able to score an autograph. 

• Saturday: Set for Success! Entering the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge 12 pm – a great opportunity to see the game design of the next generation, with school kids from around Australia showing their STEM Video Games and achievements. 

• Sunday: The Geek Parents Gathering 1.30 pm – An annual meet-up sharing their best stories of family geekiness and how to include gaming for everyone. 

Step 9: Merchandise

Believe me when I say the games you end up buying will be enough merchandise for you. However, there is one other thing you should probably consider: PINS. PAX is all about the pin collection. You will see attendees flaunting their collections all over the place. Even one single pin can be enough to attract the masses; I still have my very special Breath of the Wild pin from 2017, and every member of the EG Family has their own Pin-Chicken to commemorate our first PAX Aus together. 

While I don’t know what the official 2023 pins are yet, it is also worth keeping an eye out for special pins offered by various exhibitors around the place. Nintendo usually has one (I’m betting Super Mario Bros.), and I know Quokka Games has one to go with their Boba Master game. 

Step 10: Recovery

I think I’m going to need a recovery from this article, let alone PAX Aus 2023! If you’ve made it this far, you are more than ready for PAX! Don’t rush your recovery. Take your time to savour the games, re-read your panel notes, and eat something healthy (compared to Convention Centre food–everyone gives in at least once). Be kind to your body because there is always a chance you’ll pick up a cold or two while you are there. Convention Crud is real, folks. 

Bonus Round: Sightseeing in Melbourne

If you need a break from the Convention Centre, or you simply have a day free before/after/during PAX Aus 2023, Melbourne has a lot to offer. 

ACMI (formerly the Australia Centre for the Moving Image) is located in Federation Square and about a 20-minute walk from PAX Aus. It has a fascinating collection of history covering art, television, movies, and video games in Australia. You will notice more than a few PAX favourites and learn so much about the cultural history of Australia. 

Melbourne is also known for its laneway culture and street art. One of the best ways to explore it during PAX Aus is with the AR Art trail, 64 Ways of Being. It’s an urban art experience, taking you through the streets of Fitzroy and learning about the history through street art. 64 Ways of Being is a free augmented reality app using geo-synchronised music or visual art to present an AR guidebook of Melbourne. There is really no better way to explore the Gaming City. 

PAX Aus covers three days: Friday, 6 October to Sunday, 8 October 2023.  You can find all the details for PAX Aus on the official website here. And please, please, please share your pics on social media. I need to live vicariously through you. Oh, I am going to miss this sooooooo much. #EGMum #PAXAus

Categories: Travel

Tagged as: Australia games kids parenting PAX spawnlings tabletop

Evil Genius Mum

Evil Genius Mum
- Taking over the world, one blog post at a time