Freeplay

PAXAus 2024: A Gamer’s Paradise of Demos, Cosplay, and Pure Fun!

October 18, 2024 By ausretrogamer

Welcome Home to PAXAus 2024!

As you step into the bustling halls of PAXAus 2024, a giant “Welcome Home” sign greets you, making it clear that this is the place where gamers of all stripes come together. The main expo hall is alive with cosplayers, tech enthusiasts, and curious onlookers ready to dive into the world of gaming and pop culture.

A Sea of Booths and Exciting Demos

As you navigate the vibrant aisles, you’re greeted by some of the biggest names in the industry, with towering displays and interactive stations. Sega, Steam Deck, and other prominent brands are right at the forefront, showing off their latest games and hardware innovations. If you’re a fan of indie games, you’re in for a treat with the Aus Indie Showcase—an area bursting with creative energy, filled with titles that are as unique as they are groundbreaking.

The Zapcat Gamer Passage

One of the standouts of the show floor is the Zapcat Gamer Passage, a popular gathering spot surrounded by brick-themed booths. It’s where you can find demos, grab some exclusive swag, or just soak up the chill vibes while chatting with fellow gamers.

Star Wars Unlimited – A Galaxy Far, Far Away at Your Fingertips

For fans of the Star Wars universe, the Star Wars Unlimited booth is a must-visit. Decked out in familiar characters and iconic moments from the franchise, it’s the perfect space to test out the new card game while meeting fellow fans. The passion for the game is palpable, with players battling it out in friendly matches, comparing strategies, and trading tips.

The Freeplay Zone – Where Fun Never Stops

At PAXAus, it’s not just about watching or waiting in lines for demos; the freeplay area is where you can get hands-on. Whether you’re trying out the latest games, grabbing a controller with friends, or jumping into retro titles for a trip down memory lane, it’s pure gaming bliss. The sight of gamers lost in their screens, engaged in epic multiplayer matches, highlights the inclusive and immersive experience that PAX is known for.

In every corner, there’s something that captures the spirit of the gaming community—diversity, creativity, and a shared love for all things interactive. From blockbuster games to indie masterpieces, PAXAus 2024 delivers an unforgettable experience for every kind of gamer!

Overall, PAXAus 2024 was a dynamic and engaging event, offering something for every type of gamer. Whether you were there for the latest tech, immersive experiences, or just to soak up the vibrant community atmosphere, it was a memorable experience for all attendees.

Freeplay Independent Games Festival

March 23, 2024 By ausretrogamer

Freeplay is the world’s longest-running independent games festival, located in Melbourne, Australia.

Established in 2004, Freeplay is one of the world’s longest-running independent games festivals and explores games at the margins – independent, alternative, experimental and hyperlocal.

Freeplay bridges the gulf between the games industry and Australia’s local arts ecosystem – working with small developers, game-making collectives and the innovators and dreamers at the fringe of digital and interactive art to celebrate games as art – not just commercial products.

Freeplay is the first step for many Australian emerging studios into the broader games ecosystem. For twenty years, Freeplay have helped shape now world-renowned studios like Massive Monster (Cult of the Lamb), Witch Beam (Unpacking), League of Geeks (Armello), House House (Untitled Goose Game), 2Pt Interactive (Heavenly Bodies) and Worm Club (Frog Detective).

The critical details:

What: Freeplay Independent Games Festival
When: Thurs Mar 28 – Sun 14 Apr 2024 10am – 5pm
Tickets: FREE (drop in)
Where: Fed Square Foyer, Level 1, ACMI, Fed Square (wheelchair access)

image sources: ACMI and Freeplay

PAX Aus 2023 Panel Schedule Announced

September 19, 2023 By ausretrogamer

With PAX Aus literally just around the corner, we wanted to share some exciting news that will hopefully bring all of those loose puzzle pieces together to form the final picture – the launch of the PAX Aus 2023 Schedule. Whilst you may have initially asked what sea-shantying pirates, cursed cakes, and the most prestigious cosplay competition in the Southern Hemisphere had in common, well, now you know.

Having spent months behind closed doors curating the most comprehensive celebration of all things gaming, the team at PAX Aus is thrilled to unveil the panel schedule for this year’s event covering everything from meet and greets and freeplay opportunities through to main stage panel discussions and competitions.

So, please… take a seat and start mapping out your weekend here: https://aus.paxsite.com/en-us/schedule.html

Though a starting point is almost impossible to find, here are just a few of the highlights from the schedule:

Friday, October 6

Storytime with Erika Ishii | Main Theatre, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Whose Voice Is it Anyway 2: The Voicening | Twitch Quokka Theatre, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Beyond Stereotypes: Exploring Indigenous representation in video games | Kookaburra Theatre, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Cursed Cakes 2.0 | GenerOZity Wombat Theatre, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Sustainability at Xbox and its Approach to Developer Engagement | PAX Together Theatre, 10:00 – 10:30 am
The Future of Gaming – is cloud gaming set to transform the future of how we play forever? | Twitch Quokka Theatre, 11:00 – 12:00 pm

Saturday, October 7

Secrets & Stories, Music & Myths: A Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical Development Retrospective | Main Theatre, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Robert Hartley GM presents D&D Death Roulette | GenerOZity Wombat Theatre, 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Sea Shanties you say? Yahaarghh! | GenerOZity Wombat Theatre, 9:00 – 11:00 pm
Cosplay Beginnings Workshop: Props and Armour | Cosplay Theatre, 11:00 – 12:00 pm

Sunday, October 8

My parents wanted me to be a doctor, but I want to be a content creator | Twitch Quokka Theatre, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Bach 4 Blood: Game Soundtracks vs. Classical Music | Galah Theatre, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Cosplay Central Crown Championship Finals | Main Theatre, 2:00 – 3:30 pm

In addition to the massive panel schedule, there will also be some celebratory, memory-inducing moments celebrating PAX Aus’ 10th Anniversary. These are:

The Year That Was PAX Aus 2013 – a special retrospective panel reminiscing on the year that was 2013;
Fireside with Mick Gordon hosted by New Zealand podcaster, KiwiTalkz, as they deep dive into 10 years of video game music;
PinnyPals 4*Eva – Celebrating a decade of PAX pin collecting down under;
Join the Press X Science panel who have hosted a panel for 10 years at PAX Aus exploring what we have learned from a decade of exploring science and videogames;
A retrospective on the legendary PAX Aus Omegathon;
Fireside with Halfbrick who were at the original PAX Aus – looking back to 2013 as well as discussing what they have been doing since then;
I attended every PAX Aus for 10 years – a look at the memories from the community, content creators exploring the key moments in the history of PAX Aus that have made the event what it is today;
Omegathon 10 Year Battle Royale – The last 10 years of Omegathon winners compete to find out who will be crowned the 10 year Omeganaut.

Phew, that’s quite a meaty schedule but we hope this helps with mapping out your activities for the PAX Aus 2023 weekend extravaganza!

‘Cheers to 10 Years’ – PAX Aus Announces Even More Major Content

September 13, 2023 By ausretrogamer

‘Cheers to 10 Years’ As PAX Aus Announces Even More Major Content

With only three weeks to go until PAX Aus 2023, there is even more delicious content including more news from Nintendo and announcements from SEGA, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, Star Wars Unlimited, Five Nights at Freddy’s and more to sink your teeth into!

We are hoping to see as many of you at PAX Aus this year, so we can’t wait for these weeks to fly by! Oh yeah, you should know where to find us by now (ahem, at our home base, the Classic Gaming area).

OK, without further ado, here is the awesome news…..

PAX Aus 2023 is shaping up to be an absolute whopper and there’s no better way to celebrate the last 10 years than showcasing even more great gaming content with more major announcements confirmed today. So please, take it slow and try not to stuff your face too quickly with all this delicious content…

In addition to Nintendo’s tournament in PAX Arena, Nintendo returns to the PAX expo floor headlined by Super Mario Bros. Wonder – playable before its release on 20th October! Fans can also shop in-person at the Nintendo booth with My Nintendo Store, which will have merchandise to peruse and purchase. Look forward to more information coming soon about the playable titles and available merch from Nintendo.

Gaming icon, SEGA will be attending PAX Aus this year with a booth showcasing Sonic Superstars and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Melbourne-based Ukiyo Studios will be presenting “SEA What I Made! (SWIM)”, the largest Southeast Asian indie games delegation of its kind to grace Australian shores. A total of 15 titles from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines will feature a variety of game genres from turn-based RPGs to Southeast Asian-inspired Diablo-likes and even restaurant management sims.

And for tabletop fans, Star Wars: Unlimited will be demo-ed for the first time in Australia at PAX Aus. Two icons of the tabletop world will also be at PAX Aus – Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering. Attendees will be able to learn to play Dungeons & Dragons with their friendly Dungeon Masters waiting to guide you on a quest. From there, visit the D&D Superstore where you will be able to find everything you need and want from sourcebooks to minis to collectibles and more. For Magic: The Gathering fans and noobs you can learn to play and get lost in the Wilds of Eldraine with fantastical creatures, unbelievable settings and beloved characters with a unique twist.

Pack your Senzu Beans and Devil Fruit, because the tabletop major moments don’t stop there with Dragon Ball Z and One Piece showcasing their games and hosting tourneys at the event. Compete for glory in the Dragon Ball Super Regionals and One Piece Card Game Tournament, pick up a free demo deck (while stock lasts), as well as try your hand at the new Dragon Ball Super Fusion World card game.

Vanguard, Weiss Schwarz, Shadowverse and Final Fantasy Trading Card Game will also be showcased at PAX Aus and Asmodee, yes, them of Exploding Kittens, CATAN, Ticket to Ride, Dobble/Spot It and so many more legendary games fame will be bringing their latest and greatest games.

What’s October without a jumpscare? Five Nights at Freddy’s will be activating the world of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza where Freddy and the gang are dying to meet you – step into the scene and see if you can survive five nights?

While on the topic of bears, what about bears, in space?! Hear from Broadside Games as they discuss how they went from working a day job and developing games on the side to focusing on a game full-time! The team behind the upcoming action-packed game, Bears In Space, tell all at PAX Aus!

And lastly, tabletop legends Phil Walker-Harding (Sushi Go, Bear Park, Imhotep) and Matt Dunstan (Fairy Tile, Relic Runners) will also be on the floor at PAX Aus, with Walker-Harding demonstrating his game, Spellbook, and Dunstan showcasing a new game, to be revealed for the first time at PAX Aus.

With 3-Day and Saturday Badges sold out and limited single-day badges available, you better gear up for PAX Aus’ 10th anniversary celebration. PAX Aus 2023 takes place October 6-8 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more information and badges, please visit their official website.

image source: PAX Aus

PAX Aus 2022 – It Was Awesome

October 12, 2022 By ausretrogamer

After a 3 year in-person hiatus, the biggest gaming event in Australia was back, bigger and better as ever!

It was so awesome to see crowds flocking to PAX Aus 2022, just like they had between 2013 and 2019. Don’t get us wrong, the virtual PAX Aus events were great to have, but nothing beats the in-person experience.

Masked up and stocked with hand sanitizers, Ms. Ausretrogamer and I were glad to be back, or just like the sign said, “Welcome Home”. PAX Aus definitely feels like home, with its inclusive and diversity rich setup, the event and spaces were safe for all to enjoy.

It’s great to be back at PAX Aus!

Greetings!

Whoa, that is a big map! This is where we will end up….

Even though Melbourne experienced a torrent of rain during the course of the weekend (just like it did in 2013!), it didn’t dampen spirits, with cosplayers doing their thing, cosplaying like a boss. In the Expo Hall, we noticed that the big guns were missing (PlayStation, Nintendo and Microsoft, to name a few), but once you immersed yourself in what was on show (especially in the impressive PAX Rising area), you hardly noticed that these AAA companies weren’t there.

DarkWeb Streamer_ was our pick for best in show!

For us, PAX Aus is all about the great panels, indie developers and of course, the Freeplay area, which is still going strong and getting bigger each time we come back! From the tabletop gaming to the merch and tournaments on offer, this area is the heart of PAX Aus. The Freeplay area is also home to our beloved Classic Gaming Area (CGA)! Unfortunately we had to step back in being part of the CGA for this year, but we were so proud to see the amazing teams from Weird and Retro, Press Play On Tape, Mr. Pinball, Reality Games, Bartronica and the Pinball community create another amazing space for folks to get a hit of some intoxicating nostalgia.

source: Alex Kidman

For those of you that couldn’t make it to PAX Aus this year, we thought we’d share some photos from the event (see above and below, including the above video of the Classic Gaming Area from the equally awesome, Alex Kidman) to hopefully bring the event home to your screens and make you feel like you were there too!

Expo Hall

Freeplay Hall – including the Classic Gaming Area

Conquered: EB Expo 2016

October 7, 2016 By ausretrogamer

As the old saying goes, time flies when you are having fun. This year’s EB Expo has come and gone, and yep, we had fun, lots of it!

A highlight for us was being invited by our Weird and Retro friends to assist in their awesome Retro Gaming section in the Freeplay City area. With 64 classic gaming systems to play, EB Expo attendees were not short on getting their nostalgia fix! From the ultra-rare Philips CD-I development kit, to the Commodore, Sega, Nintendo, NEC, Samsung and Atari wares, there was plenty to reminisce about.

While in the main hall, we got to sit on the Iron Throne, gawked at Optimus Prime, bumped into awesome cosplayers, played on PlayStation, Nintendo and Xbox’s latest gear and shopped at EB Games’ massive Mega-Store! No need for more words, we’ll just leave some of our photos from EB Expo 2016 to speak for themselves…

With the sun shining, it was time for EB Expo 2016!

First stop, Hall 6 and straight to the Weird and Retro Freeplay classic gaming area

Time for a Hewson classic! Go Pogo!

The new generation enjoying some old generation gaming!

Whoa, a Jaguar in the wild!

Attendees wowing at the 16-bit computing wonders!

Freeplay City Mario Kart 64 4P Showdown!

More 4P shenanigans on the Nintendo GameCube!

Whoa, a rare beast – the Philips CD-i dev kit!

Which classic system to play first?

Difficult decision: go straight for Hotel Mario or play Transylvania on the Apple IIe?

We weren’t aware that Deadpool was on the C64. And is that Stunt Car Racer on the Amiga? Whoa!

The decision of what to play on next just keep getting harder!

Doing the math on the Jaguars!

The dark side of Sega. Oh wait, look at that beautiful Atari ST!

Busted! Weird and Retro’s Serby blowing bubbles all the way to his own PS4 Pro!

What’s this, an Atari sign and some old wares? Time to shop!

Cosplay heroes!

Time to hit the Great (Main) Hall Of EB Expo 2016

Aha, a chill session may be in order!

The Iron Throne rules this hall!

Anyone want a test drive?

Hang on, we want a test drive in Optimus Prime!

Hulk Smash!

Lego Xbox!

Lego Kong Ride and some sweet Poke Balls!

A work of Lego art!

We found Pikachu! Quickly, where are our Poke Balls?

Shop till you drop at the EB Games Mega-Store!

The temptation is strong in these ones!

Stocking up on a few goodies *wink*

We’ve hit the motherload of retrogaming goodies!

Surely we can squeeze this beauty in our checked luggage…

Scarily beautiful!

Bumped into the famous Nintendo brothers…

Mind blowingly cool!

Of course we had to go here too!

Woohoo, just dance!

Jump on the tractor!

Gonna grab a seat at Nintendo-land

Let’s all play! Got lots of streetpasses here *winks*

The Nintendo posing podiums!

Another posing podium!

Heading over to Xbox

Forza Horizon 3 was quite popular!

Dr. Curlytek conquered the VeloDrone!

Waiting their turn patiently for some VR

Aha, there they are!

The unmissable PlayStation exhibit!

Wowing the masses with PlayStation VR

Dare to enter!

Driveclub VR = WOWSER!

A well deserved award!

All good things must come to an end. Till the next EB Expo…