Even though it feels like it happened a decade ago, we felt incredibly lucky that we managed to make it to PAX East this year, especially because the very next week was when the COVID-19 pandemic ramped up in America... even spreading right next door. PAX West, Aus and Unplugged weren’t as lucky; West and Aus were replaced with PAX Online, while PAX Unplugged was outright cancelled. Fortunately, there's some hope for next year as the convention organizers have just released new dates for all 2021 PAX events.
Rescheduling While Hoping For The Best
In 2021, PAX East will take place from June 3 to June 6 in Boston, much later than its typical window of March or April. Likewise, PAX West will be taking place from September 3 to September 6 in Seattle and PAX Unplugged will go from December 10 to December 12. PAX South sadly has been cancelled for 2021, but organizers have said they still look forward to 2022 to bring it back.
In a statement released on the event’s official Twitter account, organizers said that these dates were set optimistically. However, it should be noted that these dates are all prospective and not set in stone. “Let’s just say the quiet part out loud: if Covid-19 remains a major barrier to safely gathering at one of our shows,” said the organizers. “We won’t do it or we will take it virtual.”
The usual PAX fare of badges, panel announcements and exhibitor updates will arrive next year as we approach each event’s prospective dates. If you want PAX to happen, then do your due duty and wear a mask. If all goes well, we'll have a chance to hang out in person soon.
