Tabletop Gaming is quickly becoming more popular than I have ever known. Just about every comic book store and hobby shop has weekly events for their favorite ways to roll dice from classics like Dungeons & Dragons to new entries like Exploding Kittens. I suspect that the upswing of board games on Kickstarter is why there are so many high quality tabletop games to enjoy now more than ever. Even though most PAX events have an element of tabletop gaming, their new event PAX Unplugged will have a focus on it.
Unveiled at PAX South by the Penny Arcade team and ReedPOP (the world’s leading producer of pop-culture events), PAX Unplugged will debut at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on November 17 – 19th 2017. Everything PAX attenders have loved like being the premiere place for new gaming goodness and live music will continue at PAX Unplugged, but this event will have a renewed focus on bringing out the best of the tabletop world. Badges for the event will go on sale this Spring.
With the rise of popularity of board games, we wanted to provide a dedicated space where fans can come together. We will continue to have tabletop games at every PAX, but Unplugged will focus on stepping away from the TV, monitor, and phone to foster face-to-face multiplayer experiences. – Jerry Holkins, co-founder, Penny Arcade
This event sounds like a logical answer to the renewal of interest in board games and card games. I usually turn to board games to get away from all the technology I’m surrounded with constantly and really just enjoy the company of friends. I’ve also met a lot of awesome people over a game of Magic: The Gathering or X-Wing. There’s just something special about sitting around a big table with people to enjoy a game, whatever game that may end up being.
For those into tabletop gaming, Philadelphia, PA will be the place to be in November. Just be sure to get those badges as soon as possible; they always go pretty quick.
I can’t wait to see what sort of new things could be announced at PAX Unplugged. This could be a huge boon for the smaller companies trying to get their ideas out there as well as a boost for industry giants.
For more information about PAX Unplugged, check out their website.
