Preview of Pax East 2025

The wait for the next PAX East is just around the corner, with only 5 days to go. Pax East is one of the biggest gaming conventions on the East Coast and across the nation, gathering gaming studios and developers, fan communities, and more for four great days of nerdy festivities. Taking place at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center from May 8 – 11, PAX East offers a robust show floor, hours of panel discussions, and networking opportunities to meet fellow geeks. Our preview article will provide a brief overview of the highlights and offer some helpful tips to make your time there satisfying. Half the fun is discovering what new interest speaks to you, so hopefully this can help make that happen. Whether you’re attending to hear the latest news in the AAA development space, a hardcore indie supporter, or someone who is attending PAX East for your very first time, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

Location and Times

PAX East takes place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, located at 415 Summer St, Boston, MA. The event is open to the public daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, concluding each night after the final panel. Morning lines begin forming early, so if you plan to be on the expo floor right at 10 AM, it’s recommended to arrive by at least 9 AM to secure a spot in the queue. If you are driving to PAX East and plan to park on the day of the event, you will want to allow an extra 30 minutes to deal with parking at the BCEC or in the surrounding neighborhood. If you are staying at one of the preferred PAX hotels, complimentary shuttles will be available starting in the morning hours. Saturday has always been the busiest day to attend, and Saturday-only badges have sold out again this year. Please prepare for longer wait times for queues or service in and around the event that day.

Expo Hall

The Expo Hall serves as the central hub for viewing game demos, browsing vendor merchandise, experiencing PC gaming, and attending tabletop events. There will be a healthy mix of mainstream publishers, smaller publishers, and indie studios showcasing their latest projects. While you will witness differences in a studio’s marketing budget, you will always see the passion and creativity of talented creators and artists at every booth. Want to get a jump start on your holiday shopping for yourself or someone else? Check out the vendors offering unique swag and fun apparel, or that perfect board game that will make your next gaming session memorable. There are an estimated 600+ vendors and products to see at the Expo Hall, so you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated to explore everything this area has to offer.

Upcoming Game Demos

As mentioned, many game studios will have hands-on demonstrations of brand-new games for attendees to check out. From blockbuster titles to hidden indie gems, the show floor is packed with opportunities to try out upcoming releases and chat with developers. There’s no better place to experience what’s coming next in gaming than playing the games freshly built for the convention.

Panels and Performances

Need a break but want to keep your mind engaged? Take a comfortable seat at one of the hourly panels, which will be held on the upper levels of the building. There are four panel rooms and one dedicated speed run stage, offering hours of entertainment running through the day and evening. Watch panelists talk about various nerdy subjects and industry insights to help you learn about new ideas and perspectives.

Highlights of upcoming panels include:

• Natural Six – D&D Live Show

  • “Join Natural Six live at PAX East for a standalone Dungeons & Dragons adventure set in our original world. No prior knowledge of our campaign needed, just bring your imagination (and maybe some snacks).”

• It’s Not All Art and Programming?! Jobs in Games You Didn’t Know Existed

  • “When most people dream of working in the games industry they usually imagine themselves working as a programmer writer or artist. But did you know? There is a whole world of games-related jobs out there that you (probably) didn’t know existed! Whether you are looking to break into the industry or looking for a career change this panel hopes to widen your perspective of possible games industry careers. We will highlight some of the lesser-known jobs in the industry provide insights into the day-to-day work and offer advice on getting started. Who knows maybe you already have the skills needed to start your career in games!”

• Cosplay Armor – Foam and 3d printing

  • “Join veteran cosplayers Shannon Noelle Cosplay, MetalMadeCrafts, and Geek.en.Chic as we talk about various ways to bring your armored cosplans to life! We’ll discuss pros and cons of foam and 3dprinting and various tips and tricks we’ve learned over a combined 25 years of cosplaying.”

• A Parents Guide to Gaming with Your Kids in 2025

  • “Exploring Hyrule with your kid? Gaming while parenting is fun builds connections sparks conversation and reinforces values. Parents who grew up gaming know firsthand how powerful games can be. But today’s gaming world is bigger more connected and more complex than the games of our youth. This hands-on families-welcome panel explores practical strategies and the psychology behind gaming’s benefits and risks. Parenting experts psychologists game developers and kids will discuss how gaming fosters creativity connection and leadership—while also addressing challenges like financial pitfalls toxic subcultures and mental health concerns. Audience participation encouraged!”

Also, Everything Action will be returning with a panel of our own, teaming up with RadioHorror once again to talk about a comic book-related superhero subject. This year, we’ll be exploring the rich and colorful history of Batman video games, which began in 1986, from the Caped Crusader’s original appearance on the Amstrad PCW/CPC, ZX Spectrum, and MSX, to the latest VR experience on Meta Quest.

Batman video games have not only helped shape the Batman mythos but also significantly influenced the gaming industry, inspiring the development of innovative game designs and mechanics. For every title like Batman: Dark Tomorrow, there would be no Spider-Man 2018 that took lessons from that experience. Get an early dinner beforehand, then get ready to fill your brain with nearly 40 years of Batman gaming details.

Meet and Greets:

Meet your favorite streamers, developers, and industry icons face-to-face during special sessions happening all weekend. Snap a selfie, grab an autograph, and share a quick chat with the personalities who inspire you most. See the complete guest list here.

Cosplaying

Whether you’re a dedicated cosplayer, love admiring the creativity of others, or are curious about diving in yourself, PAX East has you covered. Join cosplay meetups, attend themed panels, or drop by the cosplay lounge for hands-on workshops and tips from fellow fans. Don’t forget to check the schedule below for all the panels, gatherings, and show-stopping showcases happening throughout the weekend.

Tournaments and Competitions

Put your skills to the test in high-energy tournaments spanning multiple game genres, including elite esports matchups featuring top-tier teams and players. Whether you’re in it for fun or aiming for glory, there’s a challenge waiting for every level of competitor.

After Hours

The fun doesn’t stop when the expo hall closes! Dive into a packed lineup of after-hours excitement—from epic gaming parties and live concerts to exclusive gatherings hosted by PAX sponsors and partners. It’s the perfect chance to unwind, connect with fellow fans, and keep the good vibes rolling. For the latest party schedules and sign-ups, be sure to check out SideQuesting Ultimate PAX East 2025 Party List and take your PAX experience to the next level. Party responsibly and get at least 6 hours of rest, or you might feel the wraith of con sickness. Plus, at least a cup of water before sleep.

Tips for First-Timers

• Plan ahead: Big games attract long lines. Use the official PAX app to prioritize your must-sees.
• Create mental landmarks: Every location will be numbered or labeled, allowing your brain to quickly recognize shapes and colors more efficiently.
• Stay hydrated and bring snacks: The food court fills up quickly.
• Charge your cell phone: Nothing sucks more than trying to capture a good moment and having your batteries drain right before it.
• Communicate with people: Some of the best moments at PAX happen between strangers in line, geeking out over the same fandom.
• Badge check: Have your badges ready if you had them mailed to you in advance. Please remember to bring your badge before entering the convention center.
• Take breaks: You will see a lot and do many things, but if your body feels like it needs a moment to relax, listen to it. You’ll be ready for more later, especially if you plan to be out for hours.

Last details

PAX East 2025 is set to be a fantastic celebration of gaming, culture, and community. The dedicated staff and volunteers behind the scenes are everyday fans just like you, working hard to make your experience incredible, so remember to show kindness and patience. Whether you’re a die-hard gamer, a casual fan, or just exploring out of curiosity, there’s something here for everyone. And if you ever find yourself with downtime, explore a different area—you might stumble upon your next favorite game, panel, or geeky moment.

For tickets to PAX East, you can visit the registration page here.

For previous coverage of our times at PAX East, you can check out our archived adventures here.