Preview of Pax East 2024

It’s that time again in Boston when gamers, geeks, and fans of all nerdy stuff gather to celebrate Penny Arcade’s take on the latest things in gaming. As one of the largest gaming events, PAX East promises an unforgettable experience filled with exciting exhibitions, captivating panels, thrilling tournaments, and much more! Our preview guide is a quick rundown of things to see and do, plus what makes this event so fun that everyone looks forward to each year.

Location and Times

Pax East takes place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC), 415 Summer St, Boston, MA. Doors open to the public at 10 AM each day and stay open until 11 PM until the last panel wraps up for the night. Lines queue up in the morning, so if you think you’ll breeze in from the entrance to the expo hall at 10 AM, you may want to show up at a minimum of 9 AM to be placed into a queue line. This is very important for those looking to attend early on Saturday. Only on Sunday, the last day of the event, everything closes at 6 PM.

Expo Hall

This expo hall will feature exhibitors showcasing the latest and greatest in gaming hardware, software, and accessories. From AAA titles to indie gems, there’s something for every type of gamer to discover. Several vendors will be set up to sell items, accessories, and stuff you didn’t even know you needed. This area opens at 10 AM and will close at 6 PM each day. This will easily be the busiest area to travel around in and could take up most of your time exploring. It’s always better to tackle this place selection by selection, rather than trying to explore in one major loop. You’ll encounter crowds and random queues that will throw you off track.

Game Demos and Previews

Many game creators and studios will have previews of some upcoming projects in development. Some may be just concept trailers that need more time to get ready. Others will have show-ready demos that will go over the basic gameplay. Here are just a few trailers of some upcoming games you can see:

Panels and Workshops

Delve deeper into your favorite games, industry trends, and geek culture through various panels and workshops featuring industry insiders, developers, content creators, and more. Get insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories straight from the experts. Last year, we got invited to co-host a panel with Spidey-Dude Radio Network and Radio Horror about a few of the best and worst Spider-man games, so you never know who you’ll hear. Maybe even more of us again?

Tournaments and Competitions

Test your skills against fellow gamers in adrenaline-pumping tournaments across various gaming genres, including esports competitions featuring some of the top teams and players. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned pro, there’s a competition for you.

Meet and Greets:

Get up close and personal with your favorite content creators, streamers, developers, and industry personalities at meet-and-greet sessions throughout the event. Don’t miss the chance to snag autographs, take photos, and engage in meaningful conversations with your idols.

After-Hours Events:

Keep the fun going after the convention ends with a variety of after-hours events, including gaming parties, concerts, and exclusive gatherings hosted by PAX partners and sponsors. Connect with other attendees and make memories that will last a lifetime. You can check out SideQuesting.com’s Ultimate Pax East 2024 Party List for the latest information and sign-ups to extend your experience.

Last details

PAX East 2024 is shaping up to be an epic celebration of gaming, geek culture, and community. The staff and crew that help run the event are made of regular people who want you to have a great time, so be kind and patient. A cheery attitude goes a long way. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a casual enthusiast, or simply curious about the community, there’s something for everyone at PAX East. If you happen to be bored, take a stroll and try something new. Also, remember to hydrate and wear comfortable clothes. The weather is looking to be Sunny, but have a light jacket handy. Veteran con-goers will know to wear broken-in shoes since you will be walking and standing a lot of time. But remember it’s okay to take a break and find a spot to sit. There’ll be plenty of stuff to do and explore for hours.

Join us in the event and check our post-Pax East coverage to see what we did!

For tickets to Pax East, you can visit the registration page here.

For previous coverage of our times at Pax East, you can check out our archived adventures here.