On the Filthy Hope podcast with Jonty, OddRev explored not only the PAXAUS 2024 experience but also the deeper, incarnational nature of fully integrating oneself within the convention space. This idea of incarnation—the concept of bringing one’s whole self into a community—was at the heart of their discussion, as they reflected on how PAX offers a unique opportunity for individuals to embrace and express their authentic selves, whether through cosplay, game design, or simply as part of a shared passion for play. This notion of incarnational presence ties into the Johari Window, a psychological framework that helps us understand how self-disclosure and feedback deepen relationships.
At PAX, the open area of the Johari Window—the part of ourselves that we reveal and others see—expands as we engage in shared experiences. The hidden area, things we keep to ourselves, often diminishes as the safe, inclusive environment encourages us to step out of our comfort zones. This integration of self is what makes PAX such a transformative experience for many, as the window of self-knowledge and understanding widens, creating a space for deeper connection with others and a fuller experience of community.
As PAX Melbourne 2024 wrapped up another incredible year of gaming, community, and creativity, attendees couldn’t help but reflect on the energy that filled the convention halls. PAX—Penny Arcade Expo—is a beloved gaming convention known for its celebration of all things geek and gamer. But there’s an intriguing, almost poetic, connection between the name PAX and its Latin meaning: “peace.”
At first glance, the correlation between the frenetic excitement of a gaming convention and the concept of peace seems tenuous at best. PAX isn’t exactly a quiet retreat; it’s packed with passionate gamers, cosplayers, developers, and streamers buzzing with enthusiasm for their favorite games. However, in its own unique way, PAX fosters a kind of peace that transcends the literal translation.
The Latin word pax refers to a state of tranquility, a cessation of conflict, and the establishment of harmony. It conjures images of ancient Rome under the era of Pax Romana, where relative peace allowed for cultural growth and prosperity. Similarly, PAX as a gaming convention creates an environment where the gaming community can come together in harmony, setting aside differences of culture, language, or platform in favor of shared passion and creativity.
While it might seem spurious to connect a bustling expo filled with competitive tournaments, animated panel discussions, and high-energy exhibits to the tranquil ideal of peace, there’s something deeply resonant about the way PAX fosters community. Attendees of the Melbourne event could feel this in the camaraderie that developed between strangers, the mutual respect between cosplayers admiring each other’s costumes, and the shared joy in discovering new tabletop games and video games.
PAX Melbourne 2024, like its previous years, was a celebration of belonging. Whether you’re a diehard fan of indie games like Cult of the Lamb by Melbourne-based Massive Monster, or a tabletop enthusiast captivated by the resurgence of role-playing games, there’s a place for everyone at PAX. This sense of inclusion, acceptance, and respect embodies the kind of peace that we often seek in a fragmented world.
It’s in this space—where gamers, developers, and creators come together without judgment—that PAX lives up to its name. It’s a convention where peace is not a calm absence of noise but a vibrant acceptance of each other’s creativity and individuality. Walking through the convention halls, you could feel that undercurrent of solidarity and shared purpose. Whether you were at a live game demo, listening to Pastor Skar speak about faith and gaming, or cheering for your favorite eSports team, PAX Melbourne 2024 was alive with a peaceful spirit of unity.
This year’s event was marked by a rich diversity of experiences, from the latest indie games to thought-provoking panels. Pastor Skar’s presence, in particular, brought a unique spiritual reflection to the convention, highlighting the intersection of faith and gaming. His message echoed a key aspect of PAX’s enduring appeal: community. Gaming, at its heart, has always been about bringing people together, and that spirit of togetherness was palpable throughout the event.
Another highlight was the growing presence of tabletop games. With titles ranging from the lighthearted to the deeply strategic, the tabletop gaming section became a space where people could sit down, take a break from the rush, and engage in meaningful, face-to-face interactions. This slower-paced part of the convention mirrored the deeper, quieter kind of peace that comes from shared moments of connection—a peace that doesn’t arise from silence but from unity.
For those of us part of the Sonderverse and similar communities, PAX Melbourne 2024 served as a reminder of why events like these matter. It’s not just about the games; it’s about fostering spaces where respect, diversity, and acceptance are the norm. The lessons learned here ripple outward, influencing how we engage with each other in broader gaming spaces and beyond.
At a time when online spaces can often be hostile or divisive, PAX offers a vision of what the gaming community can be at its best—a place of peace, not in the absence of conflict, but in the presence of mutual respect and shared joy.
The spurious correlation between PAX and its Latin meaning might seem tenuous, but there’s something beautiful about the way the name, intentionally or not, reflects the deeper spirit of the event. PAX Melbourne 2024 was a vivid reminder that peace isn’t always quiet. Sometimes, peace is found in the laughter of friends around a tabletop game, the cheers of fans at an eSports match, or the thoughtful discussions in panels exploring how games can reflect our humanity.
Ultimately, the true peace of PAX lies in its community—a community that celebrates play, creativity, and the many ways in which we come together through games. If PAX is about anything, it’s about the peace we find when we feel like we belong.