The PAX Aus 2023 event held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre felt like stepping into a time portal where joy, games, and geekery merged into a jubilant celebration of a decade of gaming wonders. The electric excitement upon crossing the threshold hinted at an extraordinary journey through the heart of gaming culture. Little did we know that the days ahead would offer a thrilling rollercoaster ride, providing glimpses into the past, present, and future of a community deeply woven into the global gaming fabric.

The Cosplay Symphony at PAX Aus immediately transported us to a dimension where superheroes, villains, and characters from every possible universe came to life. Here, commitment met imagination, and every area transformed into a photographer's paradise. The cosplayers for the 10th anniversary didn't merely wear costumes; they embodied the very soul of a gaming culture that had become a global phenomenon.

The setting was consistently spectacular, with a diverse range of figures, from superheroes to mythical creatures, showcasing unparalleled passion and ingenuity. Capturing these moments as photographers was a dream come true, with each shot immortalizing the passion and enthusiasm of a community that had grown into a global phenomenon over the past decade. At PAX Aus, the vibrant tapestry of costumes and characters transcended visual spectacle; it bore witness to astonishing ingenuity on display, reflecting the essence of a culture continually pushing the boundaries of creative expression within the gaming world.

Exploring the colorful world of PAX Rising at PAX Aus 2023 felt like discovering a treasure trove of hidden gaming delights. Devoted creators proudly presented their brainchildren to an eager audience, creating a vibrant marketplace of innovation. Navigating meticulously curated booths immersed us in a sea of unique and imaginative titles, showcasing the depth of innovation within the indie gaming sector. The lively atmosphere, filled with innovators eager to share their visions, fostered a strong sense of community among indie developers and players who shared a profound love for gaming in its purest, most creative form.

PAX Rising distinguished itself as a launchpad for the next big thing in gaming. It wasn't just a showcase; it offered a glimpse into the future, where creativity and originality took center stage. Each booth became a portal to a new realm, where groundbreaking ideas and unique perspectives challenged established gaming norms. PAX Rising was, at its core, a celebration of ingenuity, a testament to the limitless imagination that characterizes independent gaming. It demonstrated that the future of gaming is shaped not only by industry giants but also by the hearts and minds of intrepid independent creators carving their path into uncharted realms of gaming brilliance.

The PC Freeplay area quickly became a popular destination, enticing gamers into a world of boundless possibilities. Rows of computers, purposefully loaded with the finest games, stood as digital gateways to vibrant worlds awaiting exploration. This interactive environment served not only as a gaming arena but also as a communal gathering place for gamers from diverse backgrounds. Friendships and alliances formed and were tested in virtual settings that transcended genres and eras. The shared camaraderie among participants, where strangers became friends, engaging in epic battles or cooperative ventures that defied the boundaries of the digital realm, set this area apart. The PC Freeplay area was more than just a gaming space; it was a place for social interaction.

Classic Gaming at PAX Aus 2023 provided a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of video gaming. A collection of vintage consoles, including the Atari 2600, PlayStation 1 and 2, PC Engine, Spectrum, Vectrex, Sega consoles, and Nintendo's Game Cube, formed a captivating gaming history museum. It wasn't merely a static display of relics; it was an interactive exploration of the origins of gaming culture.

What captivated us most were the numerous joysticks and control devices thoughtfully placed for hands-on enjoyment and experimentation. This tactile approach to gaming history allowed fans to not only observe but also experience the evolution of interface design over time. Classic Gaming served as a tangible exploration of the tools that have shaped our gaming experiences, from the simplicity of early joysticks to the ergonomic designs of modern controllers. Nostalgia extended to rare gems like the 1976 Sheen 100 system, connected to the even rarer Panasonic TR-475U pop-up portable black and white TV, transporting visitors to the origins of home gaming. Retro IBM and Apple PCs from the late '80s and early to mid-'90s were also on display, highlighting the humble beginnings of personal computing and its impact on gaming.

Furthermore, the Classic Gaming section didn't limit itself to consoles; it offered a fantastic selection of both vintage and contemporary pinball machines. For those who grew up in arcades, the distinct sounds of flippers and bumpers, accompanied by flashing lights, created a symphony of nostalgia. Classic Gaming at PAX Aus 2023 was more than an exhibition of old hardware and pixelated visuals; it was a celebration of the ongoing legacy of the gaming industry. As we strolled through this time-traveling showcase, we marveled at how far gaming has come, all while relishing the enduring joy that these classic games continue to provide.

For console enthusiasts, the Console Freeplay and Tournament rooms were a gaming paradise. Fierce battles in games like Tekken 8 provided intense moments, adding an extra layer of excitement to the gaming experience. Meanwhile, handheld gaming provided a quieter yet communal environment, where people immersed themselves in their own gaming worlds, highlighting the social aspect of portable gaming.

The Let's Dance area exuded a fantastic atmosphere. Picture a never-ending stream of people dancing to the rhythm of their favorite songs—a pulsating hub of exhilaration that underscored the idea that gaming encompasses more than just pixels and polygons; it's about the overall experience.

PAX Aus 2023 was a haven for speedrunning enthusiasts. Impressive speed runs held the audience captive, showcasing the expertise and precision required to master games in record time. In the Tabletop section, analog gaming proved that it still thrives. In this digital age, board and card games took center stage, capturing the hearts of attendees.

The Panels, though often packed, provided a wealth of knowledge for those seeking insights from industry professionals. However, with so much happening concurrently, many attendees found themselves torn between panels and the plethora of other attractions.

In the VR Freeplay section, virtual reality took the spotlight, allowing attendees to explore immersive virtual worlds that added a new dimension to the gaming experience. Meanwhile, the PAX XP Scavenger Hunt transformed the expo into a game within a game. Attendees roamed the expo floor, discovering hidden treasures and getting a taste of everything PAX Aus had to offer.

Among all these wonders, there were other highlights that truly stood out. Professional players' incredible tournament performances left spectators in awe. The expo showcased remarkable PC builds and components, including a PC with an internal screen for playing Tetris. The Lego Sonic display at the Sega booth, honoring Sonic Superstars, stole the show. The Nintendo booth featured an array of pristine Nintendo Switch consoles, embodying the clean and modern aesthetics of Nintendo's renowned system. Amid the technological marvels on display, the MSI booth shone with cutting-edge gaming technologies.

Beyond pixels and polygons, the prevailing atmosphere at PAX Aus 2023 was one of optimism and inclusivity. Everyone, in or out of costume, had a fantastic time. Gaming culture wasn't merely alive; it was thriving and had firmly established itself as a major global culture.

As the curtains closed on PAX Aus 2023, memories of shared laughter, forged friendships, and the communal celebration of a culture that had evolved and matured over a wonderful decade lingered.

Here's to another decade of PAX, where the gaming world continues to be a source of joy, inclusiveness, and boundless possibilities. Game on, friends!

Regarding the games presented at PAX AUS 2023, here are some of them:

Conscript

Conscript immerses players in a survival horror experience set amidst the chaos of World War I, resembling a low-tech version of Signalis. Armed primarily with a shovel, you navigate through trenches, hoard bullets, and confront eerie gas pockets. The horror lies not in the supernatural but in the grim realities of warfare. As you traverse maze-like trenches and confront enemy soldiers, the tension mounts, resulting in intense moments reminiscent of classic Resident Evil gameplay.

Drăculești

Drăculești is a visual novel that reimagines Bram Stoker's classic tale in an alternate 1930s setting. Players assume the role of R. M. Renfield, the first lawyer sent to visit Count Dracula. Three distinct paths unfold within the demo, offering the choice of pursuing a romantic connection with the castle's ghost, one of Dracula's brides, or Dracula himself. This evocative retelling introduces new characters and breathes fresh life into familiar ones, such as the underdeveloped brides.

Detective Ridelle

Detective Ridelle combines first-person escape-room puzzles aboard a train with elements of a visual novel, reminiscent of Danganronpa. The demo emphasizes puzzle-solving, involving combination-locked doors and hidden jigsaw pieces. Players must employ critical thinking and keen observation to crack these challenges. The story begins to unravel just as the mystery intensifies, leaving players eager for more.

Criminals Within

One standout indie game showcased at PAX Aus 2023 was "Criminals Within", an asymmetric co-op-focused fantasy-themed action-puzzler for two players developed by Space Rock Games based in New Zealand. While its final release date is still on the horizon, a substantial preview allowed attendees to delve into its gameplay and learn about its inspirations and future developments from Game Programmer Varun Naval.

The Drifter

"The Drifter" captivates players with its blend of beautiful pixel art, a captivating synth soundtrack, and a fully voiced cast. Once you don the headphones and grab the controller, the game's story immediately draws you in.

Grist

"Grist", by Melbourne's Chironex Studios, paints a bleak yet intriguing vision of the future. Players become starship captains, tasked with recruiting a diverse crew to develop, maintain, and protect their vessel during interstellar journeys. Crew members can be sacrificed and converted into Grist a crucial resource for survival in a world threatened by a cybernetic plague.

Memory`s Reach

"Memory's Reach" offers a first-person puzzle adventure and metroidvania experience, where players explore massive alien labyrinths. Fans of the Metroid series will appreciate the gradual map expansion and backtracking mechanics. Developed by 100 Stones Interactive, based in Melbourne, the game boasts stunning 3D visuals, making it a standout attraction at the event.

Solium Infernum

Following the buzz generated at this year's GCAP conference, many were eager to explore "Solium Infernum" by League of Geeks. This ground-up remake of a classic grand strategy game set in Hell distinguishes itself with intricate political manipulation, necessitating careful planning before engaging in warfare. The game's mechanics offer a unique twist on 4X strategy titles like Civilization.

Ailuri

"Ailuri" is a charming side-scrolling game featuring hand-drawn animations with a strong environmental and wildlife conservation message. Developed by Vivink Studios, the game centers around rescuing native fauna and eliminating invasive species. Notably, all the featured animals are on the endangered species list, making it an engaging and meaningful gaming experience. Development has been steadily progressing following a successful Kickstarter campaign last year.

We gamed and gamed and gamed all weekend long with thousands and thousands of our closest friends - let's do it again sometime?

Well if they’re on PC, be sure to check out the PAX Aus 2023 Steam event page and Wishlist or pick up some of your favourites once you get home from the show!

​https://store.steampowered.com/sale/paxaus2023?fbclid=IwAR3vFVR1tU0ZBxmHCcelDoefOe40u-DEufWFY-8Z7c57btxpY4TFprWlye0​

Tape it to the side of your head or stitch it into your undies - don't forget it!

Call of Cthulhu, the #1 tabletop horror game, returns to PAX Australia this year with round-the-clock demo tables and expert staff at the booth to help you with anything you might need to delve into an exciting world of eldritch horror!

Finally, a jump to the stars has succeeded! It is the middle of the 3rd millennium. You and your fellow Catanians travel in spaceships to distant planetary systems in search of more resources.

CODE is New Zealand’s national Centre of Digital Excellence for game development, helping indie game studios with grant funding, wrap-around mentorship, capability work and supporting pathways into the industry.

Commit it to memory now, or download a copy on our website.

​https://aus.paxsite.com/en-us/expo-hall/map.html

Where are you heading first?

Tango Gameworks John Johanas and ZeniMax Online Studios Rich Lambert join forces to lift the curtain behind creating some of Bethesda’s most loved games – The Elder Scrolls Online and Hi-Fi RUSH. This panel will touch on everything from their own personal journeys in the games industry, favourite games to play for inspiration, creative process and fostering gaming communities around the world.

We’ve even created our very own game for you to play called ICONIC DUOS! Look out for the Aussie Broadband green and come by to have a go!

PLUS! By playing the game you can go in the draw to WIN either a PC or Console Pack full of top-tier gaming goodies.