The PAX 2021 dates have been announced. PAX East, PAX West, and PAX Unplugged have their dates locked in, while the fate of the other shows is uncertain — or outright canceled.
PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) is a Seattle-based convention that was created by the people behind the Penny Arcade webcomic. After the show's initial success in Seattle Washington, it soon expanded with new shows in Boston, Texas, and even to the other side of the world with PAX Australia.
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of many conventions, shows, and events around the world and PAX was no exception: many companies and developers opted to sit out the show. Now, PAX has announced dates for some of its shows along with the plans being put in place should the coronavirus pandemic continue.
What Are the PAX 2021 Dates?
The PAX 2021 Dates have been firmly announced for three shows, while three shows are uncertain or outright canceled.
- PAX South 2021 Date – Cancelled
- PAX East 2021 Date – June 3–6, 2021
- PAX Dev 2021 Date – Uncertain
- PAX West 2021 Date – September 3–6, 2021
- PAX Australia 2021 Date – TBA
- PAX Unplugged 2021 Date – December 10, 12, 2021.
Unfortunately, PAX South has been wholly canceled for 2021; last year's show took place from January 17–19, 2020, and it looks like the showrunners don't expect the pandemic to lighten up by then. As for PAX Australia, the organization behind the conventions is working with the Australian government on how to best run the show; more information will arrive in the next few weeks.
There's also the question of PAX Dev, a special event run for game developers prior to PAX West. No announcement has been made for this developer-only show. PAX may have the show run anyway, but it's also possible that it could be canceled as no announcement has been made.
What Happens to PAX if the Pandemic Continues?
Setting the PAX 2021 dates might be a little optimistic at this point in the eyes of some people, but the showrunners are confident going forward. If the pandemic does continue into next year somehow, a backup plan is also in place.
"Let’s just say the quiet part out loud: if COVID-19 remains a major barrier to safely gathering at one of our shows, we won’t do it or we will take it virtual," read the announcement on the show's official website. "As much as we miss, even crave, the togetherness and magic of a PAX, we will not put attendees, exhibitors, or our guests at risk for the sake of an event if things aren’t on the up and up."
One way or another, it looks like PAX will be ready to go from 2021. Only time will tell whether we'll be able to enjoy the show in person or we'll have to experience it from the comfort of our homes.
What do you think of the PAX 2021 dates being set in the midst of the 2020 pandemic? Do you think any of these shows will actually take place in person? Let us know in the comments below!
