December 22, 2024: PAX Unplugged 2025 Wrap Up

In 2004, the folks behind the Penny Arcade webcomic decided to take their community to the next level and set up a show that was a celebration of games and gaming culture. The Penny Arcade Expo, aka PAX, has grown ever since, expanding to multiple shows across the country and even an Australian show. Noticing that the tabletop gaming sections of their shows also kept growing every year, in 2017 they decided to dedicate an event specifically for them, and so PAX Unplugged was born.

The Steve Jackson Games team headed back to Philadelphia once again for this year's PAX Unplugged the first week of December. We were in the exhibitor hall along one of the main aisles, so we got to see a lot of folks over the weekend. The large center aisle was great for cosplay watching from the booth! For those that stopped by, we were showing off Munchkin Shadowrun, the new 2-player starter set Car Wars Orange/Purple, Pathfinder Revolution!, Hack & Slash Deluxe, and others! Thanks to everyone that came by for a demo, to shop, to have meetings with us, or just to chat and tell us how much you've enjoyed our games over the years!

A highlight of this show for me is visiting Reading Terminal Market before the show or during lunch. It's a huge indoor space with tons of food shops, bakeries, coffee shops, and handicraft markets. The wide variety of things to see and taste there is always fantastic. From the obligatory cheesesteaks, to El Salvadorian pupusas, a creperie, and a cajun diner, the choices are vast!

Everyone knows that the convention doesn't end for the day when the dealer's hall closes, but what about for the dealers themselves? Well, it depends on the day. Sometimes we just want dinner and to crawl into bed, but other times we have more events to go to as well. Last year for me, it was a late night marathon of Blood on the Clocktower, but this year Steve Jackson Games, Backerkit, and Foreteller sponsored an industry event at Kick Axe Philly one night to socialize with other folks that work to make great games happen. Some of us even managed to get a few axe throws to start landing! Thanks to everyone that joined us there and hung out for a great evening.

-- Jimmie Bragdon