PAX Australia (PAX Aus) finally returned to in person events last year after being stuck inside from the pandemic. Now, PAX is coming back to Australia for another round with an exciting line up. Whilst some things are still super secret, there’s lots already planned for this fun-filled gaming extravaganza. Here’s everything we know so far about PAX Aus 2023.
When is PAX Aus 2023?
PAX Aus will take place on Friday October 6, 2023 to Sunday October 8, 2023. The event returns to its usual home at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Center. In the heart of the city, PAX Aus draws gamers, fans, developers, artists, streamers, and even cosplayers together. Dubbed the “Home of Gamers”, this will be the ten-year anniversary of PAX in Australia.
Who is exhibiting?
We already know there’s an epic lineup of exhibitors attending PAX Aus 2023. Bethesda and Nintendo were some of the first to confirm their journey down under. We can probably expect to see plenty of Starfield action on display from Bethesda, given the game is launching tomorrow.
Nintendo has confirmed they will be hosting the Splatoon 3 AU/NZ Championships. Racers rejoice as the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe AU/NZ Championships are also set to take place at PAX Aus.
❗ ATTN Australia and New Zealand!
Championships for #Splatoon3 & #MarioKart 8 Deluxe are kicking off soon, beginning with Splatoon 3 online qualifiers from 19/08.Prove your skills in qualifying to compete LIVE in the finals at PAX Aus!
👉 https://t.co/ffr0jbzzHZ pic.twitter.com/PCdknFHaZl
— Nintendo AU NZ (@NintendoAUNZ) August 7, 2023
If you’ve been to a PAX before, you’ve probably experienced visions of computer components, RGB lights, and custom PC builds. You can definitely expect all this to return for 2023. Aftershock PC, Audio-Technica, ASUS ROG, Cooler Master, Corsair, HTC VIVE, and MSI have confirmed their attendance. Fans can experience the latest peripherals and components. You can guess there will be plenty of stock to purchase during the event, and lots of giveaways.
Popular studios and publishers will be present at PAX Aus 2023. Devolver Digital, the team behind the award winning Cult of the Lamb will be on the floor. Along with NetEase Games, and lots of Australian indie gaming studios who have won exhibitors spots thanks. You’ll find these exhibitors in PAX Rising.
As always, there will be other non-game specific exhibitors such as Crunchyroll. The final list is yet to be released so keep your eyes peeled.
Talks, panels, and storytime
The PAX Aus Expo Hall is often a place many attendees hang out. PAX Aus is so much more than that! The whole of Melbourne Convention Exhibition Center is booked out just for PAX Aus. This means there’s an abundance of conference rooms and lecture theatres. It’s here you can indulge in gaming bliss. Listen to panels on collaboration, VTubing, streaming, how to get into esports, and more.
We gotta (ultra)hand it to Nintendo, there’s a LOT to talk about when it comes to #TearsOfTheKingdom! @ZeldaUniverse will be discussing the very depths of the game at #PAXAUS, hope to see you there!
Check out the rest of our announcements here: https://t.co/vanFaRkEuf
Saturday… pic.twitter.com/Uj4TO2JV9N
— PAX Australia (@PAXAus) August 30, 2023
PAX Storytime
PAX Storytime is a long standing and fan-loved favorite at PAX Aus. This year there is a stellar lineup of speakers and special guests. Aussies are in for a treat this year, as Erika Ishii has been confirmed. Ishii is a renowned actor and artist. She is best known for her voice-over roles as Valkyrie (Apex Legends), Ana Bray and Kridis (Destiny 2), Lumu (Halo Infinite), and Kitsune (Call of Duty: Warzone).
. @ErikaIshii, renowned actor and voice-over artist for Apex Legends and Destiny 2 will be delivering our 2023 Storytime Keynote in Main Theatre on Friday, October 6th at 12:00PM (AEDT).
Over the course of her illustrious career, Erika has also lent her talent to franchises… pic.twitter.com/QmeoDiHXxG
— PAX Australia (@PAXAus) August 30, 2023
Cosplay competition at PAX Aus 2023
The nature of gaming conventions usually draws a crowd of attendees who like to cosplay. Last year, PAX Aus introduced the cosplay competition. Cosplayers no longer have to spend hours on their costumes only to walk all day, getting photos with fans and professional photographers. Instead, cosplayers can go for glory, and for gold! The winner will take home $3,000 AUD cash, and two weekend passes for C2E2 Chicago 2024 with three nights accommodation. They’ll also receive two passes to PAX Aus 2024. The cosplay championships will take place on the Sunday of PAX Aus.
The Cosplay Central Crown Championships is returning to #PAXAUS on the Sunday afternoon, and applications are closing this Monday 28th August!
T&Cs apply. Learn more and apply here: https://t.co/b4KF7woJ6Y#PAXAUS pic.twitter.com/4SdaVD1YHr
— PAX Australia (@PAXAus) August 25, 2023
Tickets are on sale now, but almost gone!
If you’re excited to come to PAX Aus 2023, you better get in quick. Three day badges are already sold out. Tickets are available for individual days. Saturday passes are 90% gone. If you’re planning to attend, you better head over to the website and purchase your ticket now.
