Throughout the current pandemic, cancellation of public gaming events like PAX East is common. A show completely focused on video game news and media, the East version received the moniker for taking place in Boston, Massachusetts. With COVID-19 still a threat in America, PAX East is skipping 2021, but PAX Online is coming back.
It no surprise that the gaming event is switching to a digital format again this year. Even before the pandemic, other companies like Nintendo and Sony made use of the online format for revealing upcoming projects. With GamesRadar's recent Future Games Show running via the web, PAX Online is set up to continue the trend.
Reedpop and Penny Arcade, the groups behind PAX, have announced the reasoning behind this decision. Because of ongoing public health concerns, the teams did not feel comfortable hosting the event. These groups did not sell tickets ahead of time either, expecting that the convention could go this route. According to the memo, safety of attendees, exhibitors, and show staff is the most prominent concern. The creators behind PAX are still taking note of guidelines and local laws, as well as deferring to health officials.
Players looking forward to the conference can still get hyped because PAX is still coming this year. From July 15-18, fans can tune in for PAX Online which broke records last year. There will even be an Indie Showcase before the digital PAX. Reedpop and Penny Arcade are hopeful that PAX West and PAX Unplugged can occur in person in September and December. This is due to the current progress combating Covid-19 in the United States, but fans will need to wait to hear more about these events.
While news of PAX East seeing cancellation will be disappointing to some, it seems like the right move. It is true that restrictions in some areas have started to ease up, but a large gaming conference would be pushing it. With Reedpop and Penny Arcade anticipating this decision by preventing ticket sales, going back on that now could be disastrous. Pushing content to an online format benefits lots of players, though recent coronavirus legislation could hurt streaming.
Hopes of running PAX events later this year may cause some players to be skeptical. Vaccine rollouts are occurring, but the stigma of gathering together in groups could still lead to gaming conventions getting canceled. It is unclear whether there would be any vetting for creators or attendees either, which could put a dent in late 2021 plans. In any case, it looks like PAX is still going strong for 2021 so players will just need to hang on a little more to find out what is coming.