What is PAX?
PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) is a gaming convention where gamers all around the world can come, show off their new products, network, and be around their community. PAX Unplugged is all of that, but highly focused on tabletop gaming and board games. So, instead of video game consoles and keyboards, you get board games, miniatures, and dice. It is a beautiful convention, held in the Pennsylvania Convention Center in the city of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia.
Discourse During COVID
As many are already aware, there was some discourse that emerged within the TTRPG community surrounding the attendance of an in-person convention during the pandemic. That is understandable, as there are absolutely risks involved with attending and we would never suggest, insist, or otherwise try to push anyone that was uncomfortable into going. That said, it is important to note that there are equally reasons to attend such an event from invaluable business help to improved mental health. As long as proper precautions are taken, we believe that nobody should ever be made to feel bad for making the decision they felt was best. It should also be said that the PAX team did an outstanding job to ensure that only vaccinated peoples were allowed entry and everyone stayed masked outside of designated eating areas. On top of that, we know that many, MANY individuals took COVID tests and quarantined after the convention to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.
Why Did We Go?
First and foremost, this is a job for us; WafflesMapleSyrup is a business. The amount of networking that can be done and connections that can be made at an event like this, in one weekend, outweighs years of attempting to maintain an online presence. For someone wanting to make it in this industry, PAX is immensely helpful to that endeavor. In addition to that, the experience of being around ‘your people’ cannot be downplayed. The boost in both validation and mental health we felt from this convention was invaluable. It made such a difference.
The Experience
We arrived on Thursday night at an AirBnB with some friends in the community we’ve known for a LONG time, but never have had the pleasure to meet. The smiles, hugs, and warm energy that ensued was even lovelier then we could have hoped for. Over the course of the weekend, we were able to network with companies we’ve never heard of, and other companies we’ve only ever dreamed of talking to. Shout-outs to some cool products & people like Lore of Aetherra, a DnD adventure and gorgeous lore book and the very cool Beadle and Grimm’s who are expanding into the Pathfinder world (check it out!). We were lucky enough to meet & chat with wonderful people in the community like Danny Quach, Gabe Hicks, Aabria Iyengar, and more! We were able to attend intensely impressive panels, such as the “Decolonizing RPG Design” panel moderated by Tanya DePass. And even a Jasper’s Game Day Ambassador/Staff meetup. These are all things that would not have had the same impact in just an online setting and absolutely MADE the weekend what it was.
Post Convention Blues
But with every high comes a low. With all the adrenaline, inclusion, and even possible sickness that can be picked up at conventions (from COVID to colds), it’s only natural that there will be a post-con dip in mood and energy. Preparation for this part of the battle and knowing how to fight it is goes hand in hand with attending. So to those that attended, or want to attend in the future- just understand that this is temporary, and getting back into a routine is highly important. Lean on your friends, or take a break from people and activities if it’s necessary. Dr. Raffael Boccamazzo over at Take This wrote an amazing write-up about this and you can find it here.
Mental Health Is Important
We hope that everyone remembers, in the end, someone’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. While conventions can be dangerous in these times, PAX has shown they work hard to curb the exposure and spread of COVID-19 and promote mental health. (This includes quiet and diversity rooms as well as stringent masking policies.) As advocates for mental health, and knowing it is something we work to manage on the regular, we implore you to remember that everyone has a right to how they feel. But there is never an excuse, no matter how much you disagree with someone’s decisions or behavior, to attack or wish ill to their person. Let’s continue to be safe, promote discussion, and grow together.
