There’s something magical about stepping into PAX Australia (“PAX Aus”) every year. That moment the crowd buzz hits, controllers click, laughter echoes, and suddenly it feels like home again. This year, that feeling was stronger than ever.
A Reunion Through Gaming
PAX Aus has always been more than just a convention; it’s a reunion. A place where friendships forged through games and fandoms reignite like no time has passed. This year, it truly felt like coming home especially when catching up with old friends, discovering new games together, and laughing through shared chaos on the show floor. It’s that warmth and sense of community that always makes PAX Aus so special.
Magic: The Gathering Takes Centre Stage
One of the biggest highlights of PAX Australia 2025 was how much Magic: The Gathering (“MTG”) stepped into the spotlight this year, thanks to eBay. The tabletop area was buzzing with activity all weekend, and seeing MTG take centre stage in such a big way felt incredibly special.
Of course, the addition of the Universes Beyond Marvel’s Spider-Man set made it even better. From the incredible Welcome Decks, learn to play sessions and themed art walls, it was a celebration of the world of comics and cards coming together in a spectacular way.
And hearing Gavin Verhey himself share lessons from his time designing cards with Wizards of the Coast was the perfect touch. It was insightful, inspiring, and a reminder of just how much heart goes into every set and story.
Tech That Feels Straight Out of the Future
The tech on display this year pushed boundaries in ways that made every geek’s heart skip a beat. From MSI’s RTX 50 Series Project Zero making its world debut at PAX to the Lenovo Legion laptop with a fully 3D display that made Cyberpunk 2077 literally leap off the screen, it was impossible not to be impressed. Add in a wave of new handheld gaming devices and PC builds so sleek they felt futuristic, and you had a weekend that truly celebrated how far gaming hardware has come.
Xbox Brings the Fun and the Comfort
Seeing Xbox back on the show floor was another massive highlight. Their booth wasn’t just about games; it was about experience.
Between the clever “This is an Xbox” theme and the inclusion of massage chairs (yes, really!) Xbox created a space that reminded everyone what gaming is about: joy, accessibility and being able to play anywhere.
Panels That Mattered
This year’s panels hit differently too. Not just for their entertainment value, but for their impact.
Being on the Asian Women in Games panel was an incredibly proud moment for me. We finally had a space at the largest gaming convention in the Southern Hemisphere that celebrated identity, visibility, and the power of representation. Seeing the room fill up for that discussion was emotional in all the best ways.
And the Women in Content Creation panel? That was equally a panel I was so proud to be a part of, especially when the room was absolutely packed. The conversation spanned topics that resonated deeply with so many of us navigating the digital space and encouraged open discussion.
Immersive Worlds and Iconic Moments
Beyond the tech and talks, the show floor was alive with immersive experiences.
The Fallout cafeteria transported fans into Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic world complete with a life-sized Power Armour that stole the show.
Elsewhere, booths like The Sims and Cult of the Lamb offered creative activations that reminded everyone just how vast and vibrant gaming culture can be.
A Celebration of Community
Between panels, booth visits, cosplay parades, and community meetups, PAX Aus 2025 felt like a living, breathing celebration of the people who make this industry what it is. Whether you were a developer, a content creator, a fan, or someone just discovering their passion, there was room for everyone.
This year, more than ever, PAX Aus felt like it had evolved. Not just in scale or spectacle, but in inclusivity, creativity, and heart.
As I packed up my badge and sore feet at the end of the weekend, one thought kept replaying in my head: PAX Aus isn’t just a convention. It’s a community. A heartbeat.
And this year, that heartbeat was louder, stronger, and more diverse than ever.
See you next year, PAX Aus family.