Since this is your first pax.... Here's the standard warning.
All lines for AAA games will be long. Three+ hours long. They're usually capped, too, meaning once they fill up nobody can get in line anymore.
So, I highly recommend skipping Blizzard's booth (but feel free to hit up their merch booth!) and instead spend your time checking out indies or things that don't have 3+ hour lines.
But! If you absolutely must get your hands on the new WoW expansion immediately and can't wait a couple months, not all is lost. Get to the convention center early. I plan on getting there around 7:30. You can stand in line with the rest of us for the expo hall to open. Then when it does, you can make your way to the Blizzard booth and get in line. It's by far the best and most reliable way to get in there.
You also may be interested in the Payload Tour which is in... North Lobby 5, which isn't on the map at all. So your guess is as good as mine. That one will also have long lines, but it shouldn't be as bad as Blizzard's main booth.
Good luck!
Its created by guidebook but a separate app
EDIT: After a reinstall of the base Guidebook app I can now download the PAX East 2015 guide.
A Google group has been created! Please join the following group if you'd like to participate.
https://groups.google.com/d/forum/pax-prime-drinking-group-alpha
We'll post Bios, PAX news, bars we want to check out etc. Closer to PAX we'll create a Hangout.
Not sure how you can tell based on 20 or so tickets showing up. You do know thousands of people go to this right?
Try reading this article: http://www.geekwire.com/2015/how-penny-arcade-manages-pax-ticket-sales-and-why-your-crazy-idea-to-fix-them-wont-work/
To add on to the good advice already posted in this thread, there are two types of metal locking backs. The ones Penny Arcade sells are spring-based and are a reasonable compromise between safety and convenience. PA charges far more for these than you would pay if you just get them off Amazon or Ebay, so if you plan on collecting a lot, I'd just buy a pack of 10 or 20 with your next Amazon order.
If you have a pin you really care about or is especially valuable (e.g. DLC, Ellie), there are locking pin backs that use a tiny allen wrench to tighten a set screw. These are more secure than the spring-based locking backs, but obviously it's harder to take them off their back if you want to trade.
Saturday at 2 PM in Bobcat.
I love zany panels, but some have topics that are too generic and either they don't lead to interesting conversations or it wanders off topic. Went to a romance panel last year and they spent a lot of time talking about My Horse Prince. it was certainly entertaining but not what I expected. The NES panel sounds like it's the right scope to match my expectations.
Mapmyfitness will do what you need. Even if the GPS doesn't work, it will give you a running tally of how far you walked. It even has an auto-pause so you can stop and it won't track you for as long as you are stopped.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mapmyfitness.android2&hl=en
Check out the Hotel Spreadsheet from the official PAX forums. There is a forum feedback tab that includes personal experiences.
Also check out the hotel's Trip Advisor page (sort of like Yelp for hotels)
are they going to be using showclix for the sale? trying to setup ifttt and deciding best keyword.
using this recipe
https://ifttt.com/recipes/339965-send-text-if-tweet-by-specific-user-with-specific-word-s
currently configured as Tweeted by "@official_pax" "showclix" which then will send me a text.
> I'm morally certain they've already looked at most of the options by this point. Honestly, I don't think there really is a "fix"; there's just so much demand. ... If there was a panacea, it would probably have been tried somewhere else, but all those solutions just create different sets of problems.
Yes, that is correct. Here's a lengthy Q&A I did with Khoo in which he addresses pretty much every alternative that is typically suggested.
I probably should have been more specific. I totally get increases for supply and demand, what I don't get, ethically, is one in particular who upped their rate from $121 a night to $700 to cash in on it. They even list their usual weekly rate at $795. The 4 night stay is well over what they say is their monthly rate. It's absurd.
Pixel: ru² will be at South and East and I think a few other devs posting on here will be as well.
BTW, for South we're doing a Pay What You Want deal through IndieGameStand, here's a link for anyone that can't make it:
Visit the En Masse booth at #7410 to participate in activities and earn points towards various swag including the TERA Pinny Arcade pin.
http://tera.enmasse.com/news/posts/meet-the-tera-team-at-pax-west-2018
Photographer was Matt Kurkowski. I'm still trying to find a link to his albums, however, ASUS sent me their photos from the party, which may very well be Matt's (I have yet to look through them). Here's the link: https://www.wetransfer.com/downloads/c465f688d0e92d6e028f0afc1742053c20140417183913/1d4c69
You're looking for the Experience PlayStation app (Google Play link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sony.psexp2016 )
However, they haven't put anything on there for East 2019 yet. They didn't use the app for South 2019 so who knows.
ok...duh...the first google hit was this awful looking drinking game silly me for thinking there would be a SECOND game with the same name!
Thank you, and forgive my idiocy...
There are also dedicated "PAX Aus" apps released by Guidebook on each platform:
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.guidebook.apps.PAXAus2013.android
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pax-aus-2015-mobile-app/id657630506?mt=8
Maybe get some short lanyards like this that you can attach them to like these: https://www.amazon.com/AliceBaker-Hand-Wrist-Lanyard-Keys/dp/B099QY4XTV/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=wrist+lanyard+keychain&qid=1670277823&sprefix=wrist+lanyard%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-5
I checked the PAX Forums hotel spreadsheet and searched their forums for "Langham". It doesn't appear as if anyone has provided any personal feedback concerning the location...
On the bright side, the TripAdvisor page for the hotel seems very positive. You can check that page out for generic user reviews and a boatload of pictures.
Not sure about shuttle service but in my experience (I walked a lot last year) that is about a 15 - 20 minute walk.
None of those. There are two places, La Magarita which is downtown - http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60956-d489430-r133914012-La_Margarita_Restaurant-San_Antonio_Texas.html
and Quarry Hofbrau which is a good 15 minute drive from downtown - http://www.yelp.com/biz/quarry-hofbrau-san-antonio
I don't think there's a way to set custom vibrations for a specific app alert, unfortunately. I've taken to leaving my phone in view so I can see the screen if anything pops up.
You can use IFTTT to set up email notifications. As far as I know, there's no built-in way for Twitter itself to send you email notifications for a specific account, only for things pertaining to your own account. Just make sure your email app is set to push.
Yea wow, I just looked up the are around the Washington State Convention and Trade Center and it is way way better than PAX East's location at Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
I made an update yesterday on your last post but it wasn't a top level comment so I will repost it here:
They are trying to get D&D AL together last minute. Here is a form for those interested in volunteering. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=t89K9ddKQEaeAGCr5FakRTh8cGmzPUlHoj-9VvuvfrVUN1hVNUw3WTE1SENCRUU0S09HVUdHMEtFOC4u&fbclid=IwAR3p3YZI2izYE7l4b9EUa3vwTEG2Rh4cSAzr8ems1x4Wjx4luEGM0veG3uk
As of this morning the organizer still had some badges she could give out for volunteers and snacks as long as they held out. It seems to be a pretty awesome effort on everyone's part with how quickly they started pulling together. The organizer starting recruiting Wednesday on the local D&D AL page. So all the people running tables have really stepped it up for everyone.
In case you missed it, there's a good close-up shot of blue (sorry I don't know pokemon) in this gallery: http://www.geekwire.com/2015/photos-the-most-colorful-characters-and-cosplay-at-pax-prime-2015/
Food ordering apps, so you can place an order and have it ready by the time you walk there to pick up, or order delivery to come to you at the Westin lobby or the side entrance of the BCEC. GrubHub is a pretty robust one that covers a variety of restaurants, but some fast casual places have their own which may include deals or more customization options like sweetgreen, Chipotle, and Shake Shack.
If you plan on taking public transit, pick up the Transit App for approximate bus and train times.
PAX delivery pro-tip: you can use Foodler or Grubhub to order food to the Westin lobby and pick it up to bring back into the convention center. We've done this in previous years with great success and ate like kings. Only hiccup was when we attempted to get food at peak dining times and the restaurants' kitchens were swamped with orders and gave us 40+ minute delivery estimates.
Apologies... you may want to consider AirBNB then.
I have not used the service, but it allows residents to rent out their homes/apartments/etc... as hotel rooms while they are away. I do not know if an age limit policy is enforced but I imagine it would be up to the individual "host".
My top two:
Death Squared - very Portal 2-esque. Cooperative puzzle solving where players have to communicate and work together in sync to solve the level. Can also kill your friends :D
Ray's the Dead - CUTE ZOMBIES.
You know, if you really do like video games, I might recommend taking up the hobby of trying to make them like I did. It helped me straighten out a LOT of problems in my life that certainly made it hard to meet women.
Playing games is a great escape but it can't give you a real sense of accomplishment the way creating things and learning valuable skills can. That sense of improving yourself works wonders for the psyche.
If you wanna give it a shot I recommend downloading the free version of Unity3D and then starting here http://unity3d.com/learn/tutorials/projects/roll-a-ball and just doing exactly what it says, slowly, step by step.
Cheers!
Edit: changed tutorial to a better one for a first timer
I run pax (east/west) solo for the most part but I've made a few friends from just seeing them over the years.
As it's PAX, the usual applies. Stand in line, observe then look for interesting people to talk to.
If you're local to Seattle, check on MeetUp.com for any groups that are gathering at PAX.
As for myself, I mostly run around with my camera taking photos of great cosplays, so you're more than welcome to come with!
Not field tested yet, but I picked up this one from Amazon to take to PAX. It's probably about half the size of my giant old school backpack but seems roomy enough for what I'll need to take to the floor and some swag. Tons of other similarly priced, smallish sling bags too. Most of them you can change the strap between shoulders.
I bought this for my wife a year or so ago from amazon. Based on what you want, this could be what you want. If you are looking for something smaller/cheaper, this may work
This is not a game, but if you plan to play some board games, this is my favorite way of choosing first player: Chwazi. Each player puts a finger on the phone screen and the app chooses one at random. It can also be set up to assign teams for games that need those.
A very good guide it's perfect. And yes dressing warm is very important.
A specific apparel recommendation I'd like to make is a heated hoodie. I have a long walk to my work from the parking lot and I gotta say it's one of the best clothing investments I've made. I'll definitely be using it for PAX. If you're gonna be going in and out of BCEC alot it's a great way to skip coat check. Once you get inside, turn it off and unzip it, boom, ordinary hoodie. You can get them on Amazon.
This is the one I got: KABCON Heated Hoodie Heating Couple Sweatshirt with Battery Pack (Unisex)(Black)(XX-Large) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y1NPKDX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2o0kEb9424648
Just make sure the battery is fully charged the night before. Also it has metal parts so you may have to take it off before going through the metal detectors unless you like security getting fresh with you.
South has always had metal detectors and bag check at the door then cosplay weapon check inside further away to not slow down entry. It is in Texas and there is concealed carry here so I'm sure that's part of it. I have been to three Souths and this is my first West. I hope they bring some of the line management from here to keep things moving like the aforementioned distance between cosplay weapon check and the entry as well as entry lines for people with no bags and lines for people with bags. If you are bringing a bag, I recommend something like a travel backpack that fully opens. I got this TSA one this last year: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07915TMW6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_JCjtDbJJCH3DN No trouble getting in or around with merch or tech like 3DS or tablet.
Shadow boxes are quite popular. You can get some from your local craft store, back it with some cork or cardboard (though the structural integrity of the cardboard will decline over time as you stick and restick pins on it), glue some felt over it, and boom: instant classy display case.
Another solution if you don't want to get crafty is cufflink display boxes. You can lie them flat on your desk or prop them vertically. Double-posted pins may present a problem if they don't align with the crevices where you'll be wedging the pinbacks.
There are also pin display banners you can find for purchase online, or make yourself if you know your way around a sewing machine. Those tend to be thick canvas or heavy cloth with wooden dowels and some string for hanging.
Your cheapest, fastest option is probably a cork bulletin board, as /u/CorayEel mentioned.
Happy pinning!
Does this link work?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.guidebook.apps.paxwest16.android
In the same boat as your mates with thatI had the app on my phone before and prior to upgrading to Android 9.0 so maybe that's why I can still see the app in the Play store.
Yeah I actually ran across that one last night, has a promo code for an extra 10% off so that is cool.
I think this is probably the one that was being used in the PC Freeplay actually - https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Y27g-27-Inch-FHD-LED-Lit/dp/B01FXDVZ2K
Thank you for your help!
This is the BEST one I have found, and have been using it for 3 years, and is covered in many many PAX stickers lol.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NC3GOSO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I did find a relatively cheap rubber duck on amazon that has an orange tip, and has no trigger. Its currently listed for under 12 bucks and with amazon prime should arrive fast. Having never cosplayed before I do wonder the likely hood of it being allowed. It does look semi realistic except for the fact that it has a huge orange tip. If you dont like to click on links just search BladesUSA Rubber Training Gun https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CHKIMRY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Eh why risk it when you can get some toy tools or make your own fake tools and call it done.
I just ordered these and they seem to be working great. Just a quick little pull on the top of it and it comes right off. Rather secure as well.
Are you planning on going to the trading event on Saturday?
get chewable airbone. they're like candy, you'll have no problem get your dosage of vitamin c. ~~and other herbs that may or may not work~~
If you can get one in time: A folding camp stool. Like this one.
Absolutely worth it for the longer lines when you just need a few minutes off your feet but there isn't room to floor sit.
If you want to spend a little more, here's a better Anker option. We plan on having one setup at our booth so people can charge their devices while waiting.
I've done something similar in the past, although I just kind of handed them out to people instead of asking ahead of time, which seems like the much smarter idea.
Personally, I've found HP-4 to be the best weave for lanyards, since they lay flat. I've always used larger rings for them too (anywhere from 16g 5/16" to 14g 3/8"), and it goes a lot quicker. I can usually get one done in under two hours.
I seriously recommend shelling out a few buck for swivel lobster claps. They're way more reliable than bulldog claps, and its easier to put badges on.
If you happen to get overwhelmed with orders, let me know. I have some extra supplies and a little bit of free time. I can make a few of them if you need me to.
Here's a few that I put together a few years back (I was handing the blue and orange ones out at PAX Prime).
This will be my 5th year, and I derped a lot in the beginning... last year was the first year I actually felt prepared.
my biggest recommendations are:
That's basically the list I gave my first timer cousins last year, and they were pretty set the whole weekend! Hope this helps!
The sensory overload part should not be understated. I'd been to other cons before but PAX was completely different. I felt like I couldn't turn my head without seeing something cool on the expo floor. Companies go all out with their displays and it is really impressive to see life sized (or bigger) versions of the characters you play on screen come to life.
Illness - Hand Sanitizer is your friend. They have stations all over the expo floor. Every time you see a station, use it. Pax Pox is real.
Lines, lines, lines - Make sure you have good shoes for standing in because you will do it a lot. You may want to look into some small chairs or stools you can carry while in line. I got one of these last year and it helped a lot for waiting in line - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019N0VQA/ref=oh_details_o04_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Check out the PAX forums for lots of posts on what to bring with you and how to plan. But don't stress too much over it. Have fun, talk to people, and try new things.
I picked up a similar bag to this at a military surplus store years ago and have used it every year at pax with great success.
If you can also bring vitamin C pills with you. Eat them every morning before you head to the convention center. I usually get these since they're easy to eat and don't require a beverage to swallow down. They sell them at my local grocery chain/WalMart.
We're taking somethign similiar to this: http://www.amazon.com/Quik-Chair-Folding-Carrying-Royal/dp/B005MAGUPM/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1409074140&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=camping+chait
It's just a tad heavier but he back rest helps.
This; I found the Canon strap uncomfortable for more than a few minutes around my neck walking around (mostly 24-105L on it; so front heavy). I picked up one of these from Crumpler; and much more comfortable hanging at my side. I've done 10 mile hikes with a t3i+40 f/2.8 hanging at my side; and had little or no discomfort (Swap sides every few photo ops).
Thank you very much for this answer. I also notice that you can buy a $7.95 blacklight from Amazon with free prime shipping. Handy tool for taking with you to purchase passes. Linkazon: http://www.amazon.com/UV-Blacklight-Flashlight-Ultra-Light/dp/B004S6JFWQ
They're live via guidebook if you want to go that route. Links are on pretty much any PAX page, but here's the android link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.guidebook.android You have to search and download from within the general guidebook app. PAX Australia 2015 is called "PAX Aus 2015" in it. Download and pick Exhibitors from the menu list. Lists them and you can tap to jump to them on the map.
Just checked it, its made by Guidebook, it's actually the same app except its only for PAX. I assume it was made so they could more easily direct people to it.
Download links for the PAX official app (Google Play and iTunes):
(Android)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pax-east-2015/id605633401?mt=8
(iOS)
Its not on guidebook though. It is a separate app.
EDIT: After a reinstall of the base Guidebook app I can now download the PAX East 2015 guide.