Penny Arcade Expo 2008 - A Destructoid Experience.

Heres an overused, but awesome picture. - Thanks GuitarAtomik.



When I told my parents that I was going to travel half way around the world in order to attend an expo about video games, they thought it was a big joke, and that games aren't worth spending the large amounts of money that it
costs to fly that far. The fact that I was staying with a bunch of people I'd only ever met over the internet was the icing on the cake. It just wasn't going to happen. I told my friends, they all thought I was crazy, nobody really understood. But I did. I knew I had to go.

I'm really really glad I went. For me, it was a life changing experiance, you people were all waaaay more awesome than I thought it was possible to be. And the fact that I wouldn't hesitate to spend that kind of money again really shows how great you are. When I got home I talked to my friends about this whole trip, and I really couldn't put into words what made it so amazing. It kinda hit me then, you can't put love into words, and that's what I feel for you all. You're family to me, family I'd never give up, never hesitate to do anything for and you all mean so much to me.

I'm going to throw some (A lot) of personal shoutouts here. If I forget you, it's not that I don't love you, it's just I was probably drunk when we met.

Coonskin05: Well, what can I say about you? You made me laugh so often, and you gave me my first hug of the trip. I love you man, glad we could room together.

CountingConflict: I'm amazed we didn't know each other before this thing. I think I spent more time with you than I did with anyone else, and you're just the most awesome guy ever, I'll keep in touch.

Necros: What's more to say, other than you're hot! (Literally)

CrocBox: Next time, you need to be in bed with us...

Aerox: You're a fucking great guy, you let me stay with you, and did so much for me. Many many thanks brother.

Tactix: I didn't know you before PAX, I'd talked to you once the night before, and yet somehow you've become one of the people I love most on the site. You're absolutely awesome dude, and I can't wait to talk to you more.

Phist: You're fucking great. You bought us all cigars, and to top it all off, you're the fucking man. We totally need to hang out more dude.

Knives: What's to say? You're exactly like you are on the internet, only cooler. It was a blast hanging with you, and thanks for the tequila.

Dyson: You impressed me so much, I want to be like you. You're laid back, yet amazing. You're also the most dedicated drinker I've seen.

Toneman: Motherfucking Toneman, I love you so much man. You were there when we lit Necros on fire, you're an honorary member of room 238 (also known as room epic).

Sixth Avenue Inn Staff: Sorry about the duvet cover, I left my hair straightners on it, and they burnt it. I swear.

LostCrichton: I want more hugs from you. In those shorts. <333

King3vbo: We should have babies. Macca3vbos. It'd be fantastic.

CutieHoney: Penis-arms fo lyfe.

Asian Joe: You licked me. I liked it.

Hamza: You rock more than I thought you would. Plus, you're attractive. Hairy men ftw. Plus, you managed to pull off the jeans, blazer, tshirt combo when someone else couldn't.

Chad: I got a picture with you and Dan Paladin. I'm getting it framed. You're amazing.

Tiff: Totally different in real life than I thought you would be, and yet totally more awesome. Great to meet you. You'll be missed at Dtoid

-D-: I'm sad I didn't know you before PAX. I'm glad I know you now. You're 100% fantastic man.

Wardrox: You didn't say one negative thing to me the whole time! <3 you man.

Pheonix: You get locked out of you room, and yet you still are great in the morning. We should have talked more :P

FooLiz: ANZAC for life right?

RiserGlen: You were whipped, but still awesome. We'll talk more when you get back.

Dorian: I didn't know you before PAX, other than your name, but now I'm glad to say I know you personally, and you are fantastic.

Keener: Grab my ass again. I liked it. You're the freaking man dude.

Droobies and Amber: Next time, you're hanging out with me more. Got it?

Husky: Funniest dude I've ever met. So outgoing, and never ceases to make me laugh.

ConradZimmerman: I'm glad you're a fucking editor dude, because you are a great guy and you deserve everything you get. Thanks for buying me that beer dude.

ImpossiblePlant: I didn't think it would be possible for someone to be as cool as Conrad, but you are. Perfect couple.

ItemForty: You took me from the airport, and taught me how to get lung cancer. I love you dude, you're super.

Tazar: Thanks for the smokes, the hugs, and the insults. Much love to you.

Samit: You didn't correct my verbal spelling once. Very nice. You're a cool guy, and I can't wait to get to know you more.

Rio: Hope you liked the Snapple! You're as great as you are in real life, and then multiplied by 10. You and your mom are both great.

Suffocat: Great meeting you man, hit me up on Gtalk sometime!

BigPopa: No show at the strip club? Come on man, we saw a dude who looked just like you there! You're awesome, and just as cool as Coon said you were. We should call you the Awesome Brothers.

Nademagnet: Thanks for the dollar bills, sorry I didn't use them. Let's get this book going yea? <3

Kryptinite: You're big, you're black, and you're fucking awesome. Man, I love you :D

Dexter and His Girlfriend (Sorry I didn't catch your name :( ): You're so awesome dude, next time I'm in LA, we'll hang out. Also, thanks for the directions to the ATM.

Nihon: Great to meet you dude, you're a really cool guy.

Ceark: I thought you were cool on the internets, but in real life, you're above an beyond cool.

ScottyG: Great guy, will talk to later.

DigitalD3839723987423: I don't remember your numbers, I just remember how cool you are.

Hoygeit: You're fucking cool dude, it was a pleasure to hang out with you.

DVDDesign: You're awesome, lets talk more.

McSnow: When you weren't spending all your money on hookers, you were a great friend to hang out with.

GuitarAtomik: I love you dude. I can't believe I got to meet you, you're a musical superstar in my eyes. We'll sing sometime, although I'll sing badly =/

DaleNorth: Everytime you pull the fingers on camera, god makes a divine being.

Colette: I don't know if words can describe the kind of person you are. Somehow, when I'm talking to you, it feels like you really care about us all, and not just hanging out with us because you have to. You're an amazing person, and I mean that. Probably my biggest regret was not talking to you more, but there's going to be plenty more chances to do that. Thanks for everything.

And finally, Niero: You're an amazing guy. You never get pissed off when we ask for photos with you, you're always willing. You're so accessible, if people want to talk to you, they can. You're fucking amazing. I owe you so much. I don't think you realise what you've created, and how it helps all of us. You're like the father of this big family, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I wish I could put into words the gratitude that I feel towards you, but I can't. Just, know that you've created something special, and it wouldn't be here without you. Thank you very much man, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

Thank you Destructoid, for giving me the best week of my life. I'll never forget it, or you.