The Penny Arcade Expo is Dtoid's biggest and best excuse to gather hundreds of our community members and friends in beautiful downtown Seattle once a year to see awesome games, go to nerdy concerts, and drink until we hardly remember the reason why we came there in the first place. Sounds delightful, doesn't it?

Details for PAX 2009 have been officially announced, and it looks like in addition to crowd favorites Freezepop, Jonathan Coulton, MC Frontalot, and Anamanaguchi are two new acts, Paul and Storm and Metroid Metal. I think it's awesome to see a few new bands take the stage, so this is in no way meant as an offense to them, but um, where's my love for The OneUps? Seeing them every year was sort of one of my top reasons to go to the event in the first place. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement.

The show boasts sixty exhibitors this year and is expected to be even bigger than last year's extravaganza. I fyou want tickets, I wouldn't wait -- the 3 day passes usually sell out pretty quickly, and Dtoid expects to see you there. Otherwise, how can we drink with you at The Red Lion bar after hours?

PAX 2009 FIRST PROGRAMMING DETAILS REVEALED

60,000+ Attendees, 60+ Exhibitors, Six Musical Acts, One Massive Show

SEATTLE - April 23, 2009 -- The sixth annual PAX gaming festival is set to erupt this Sept. 4-6, leaving the Washington State Convention and Trade Center forever changed. Show organizers today revealed that the PAX 2009 Exhibition Hall will offer attendees game demonstrations and hands-on opportunities with some of this year's hottest titles from over 60 exhibitors, including top publishers Microsoft, Nintendo, Valve, Blizzard and Ubisoft.

PAX attendees will also marvel at the informative panels, thrill at the highly competitive Omegathon and then be amazed by rousing musical performances from Freezepop, Jonathan Coulton, MC Frontalot, Anamanaguchi and, new for this year, Paul and Storm and Metroid Metal.  Metroid Metal will be offering a new studio-recorded album containing the best of Metroid Metal as a PAX-exclusive before regular sale at www.metroidmetal.com.

"Every show, we try to offer gamers new content, old favorites and the best overall experience possible," said Penny Arcade's Robert Khoo. "If you really think about it, we're easily the biggest show west of the Mississippi within the continental United States that focuses on games that isn't E3 or affiliated in some way with NBC. If you've never been to PAX, 2009 is your year to come."

Although pre-registration badges are still available, they are going fast and expected to sell out prior to the Aug. 15 closing date. Those interested in attending this year's show can make their purchases at www.paxsite.com to guarantee a place in the action this fall.

Exhibitors looking for last-minute booth opportunities can contact Bill Butler at paxsales@paxsite.com.

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About PAX: PAX is a three-day celebration of games and gamer culture. The festival includes an exhibition floor filled with playable builds of upcoming tabletop, console and computer games; a conference program of game industry speakers; music concerts; freeplay areas; industry parties; game tournaments and more. Since its inception in 2004, the show has doubled in size year over year, growing from 4,500 attendees to 58,500 in 2008, making it the largest gaming festival in North America. For more information, visit www.paxsite.com.

About Penny Arcade: Equal parts online comic and commentary, Penny Arcade (www.penny-arcade.com) keeps its finger on the pulse of the gaming industry, prompting conversation and controversy alike from community members and industry experts. What started as a hobby in 1998 for Jerry "Tycho" Holkins and Mike "Gabe" Krahulik has grown into an online phenomenon serving over 70 million page views a month to millions of readers worldwide. In addition to the comic strip and PAX (www.paxsite.com), Penny Arcade has expanded its reach to include a growing line of merchandise, a video game and management of Child's Play (www.childsplaycharity.org), a gamer-driven charity for children that spans the globe.

Media Contacts

For further information regarding Penny Arcade, PAX, The PAX 10 or the Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness game series
 
Carolyn Carnes
Flash Fire Communications
866-205-5670 x500
carolyn@flash-fire.com


For PAX 2009 media registration

PAX Media Liaison
206-774-1296
pax_media@penny-arcade.com

For other inquiries
Amber Fechko
PAX Program Manager
206-388-3531
amberf@penny-arcade.com