PAX Together
WHAT IS PAX TOGETHER?
This heart will guide you to content in our PAX Together Program.
PAX Together is PAX's diversity initiative, a program at every PAX celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and working to lower the barriers to entry in gaming. PAX believes that games should be for everyone and made by anyone, and this program aims to further that goal.
PAX Together hosts and celebrates diverse gaming and gamers throughout PAX. The program includes The Intersection, panels, exhibitors, hosted games, developers, and so much more.
PAX believes that games should be for everyone and made by anyone, and this program aims to further that goal.
Check out this page for more information on how PAX Together can welcome you home.
THE INTERSECTION
Merriam-Webster defines "intersectionality" (n) as: the complex, cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) combine, overlap, or intersect especially in the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups. This usage of the word was first introduced by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989.
The Intersection is the hub for the various branches of PAX’s diversity initiative. The Intersection aims to be a reflection of, and supportive space for, the intersectional identities of gamers. This includes a variety of nonprofits and community groups focused on elevating underrepresented groups’ experiences and addressing stigmas in gaming culture. The Intersection is an inclusive and supportive space for women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent people.
LOCATION: Summit Building, Rm 440
HOURS: Friday - Sunday, 10:00am - 6:30pm, Monday 10:00am - 6:00pm
PAX TOGETHER DEMO DAYS
The PAX Together program is proud to bring PAX Together Demo Days to PAX West!
Demo Days is a program dedicated to providing space and support to BIPOC tabletop game developers. It is no secret that the gaming industry has long had systemic barriers in place that prevent game developers of marginalized identities from breaking into it or forming connections. Demo Days is our attempt at lowering that barrier, even a little. We offer BIPOC game developers the opportunity to demo their games at a major convention as an Exhibitor in the Expo Hall. Demo Days is specifically supporting BIPOC game devs, holding space for more diverse games and stories to be shared with the PAX and gaming communities.
Demo Days is just one more way we bring PAX Together!
THE INTERSECTION GAMES LIBRARY
The Intersection Games Library features a variety of games including tabletop, board, card, and roleplaying games from small, independent, BIPOC and other creators of stigmatized identities. In addition to featuring these games, the library also uplifts attendees from targeted communities by providing safe space gaming tables with like-minded GMs, or Intersection Storytellers.
PAX Together Intersection Storytellers are volunteers that run tabletop games within the Intersection space. Our Storytellers commit to guiding stories in The Intersection using Safety Tools and being open to playing games with all our attendees. If you would like to bring your story to The Intersection in the future please complete The Intersection Storyteller Interest Form below.
In support of the Intersection being a space where everyone can participate and feel safe, we have customized some popular TTRPG safety tools for use with all of our games. Some Accessibility tools are available to use in the games library to check out on your own.
In The Intersection acceptance and inclusion are the expectation, not the exception.
Full game schedule to be announced!
If you have questions about the PAX Together program, or if you think your game should be featured in The Intersection Games Library; that it is a tabletop, board, or roleplaying game that is either created by, or features, BIPOC or members of stigmatized communities, then email [email protected] to learn more. Featured games have scheduled games sessions in The Intersection, with the game's name and description featured prominently in the schedule.
PAX TOGETHER FELLOWSHIP
The PTI Fellowship is a program created to highlight BIPOC game devs and content creators who are rising luminaries and influencers in the gaming industry. The program launched at PAX West 2023 with Tanya DePass as the first PTI Fellow. PAX has been honored to work with amazing Fellows who embody the mission of The Intersection in their work.
PAX looks forward to growing this program - working with other gaming-focused organizations and diversity-aware companies to continue highlighting the contributions of BIPOC devs and creators to the gaming industry. Email [email protected] to learn more about becoming a sponsor or about the availability of the fellowship program.
PAST PAX TOGETHER FELLOWS INCLUDE:
Amir “dimplesndice” Hamzah
Ave “Calamity” Kaye
Brian "urbanbohemian" Gray
Cassie aka Lamia (they/them)
Eugenio Vargas
Tanya DePass
PAX TOGETHER STAMP RALLY
The PAX Together Stamp Rally is a program designed to help attendees explore and discover new parts of PAX and the gaming industry.
Start by picking up your stamp rally card in The Intersection. Complete any 3 of our 5 qualifying tasks, ranging from attending PAX Together Picks panels to visiting participating booths to finding a hidden Step & Repeat banner in the building.
Each task will earn you a stamp; once you have 3 stamps, return to the Intersection to trade your completed card for a prize! (Sorry, you won’t get to keep the card.)
Limit 2 prizes per person per show; Intersection Enforcers will be marking your badge to indicate when you’ve reached your limit.
PAX TOGETHER PICKS
PAX Together has curated a selection of games, events, and panels which are recognized by PAX as uplifting gamers and creators of underrepresented backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. These are our PAX Together Picks.
Look for panels, booths, and other events around PAX with the PAX Together heart when you're planning your PAX West!
Are you an exhibitor interested in having your game considered for our PAX Together Picks? Reach out to your sales contact for more info.
PARTNERS AND SPONSORS OF PAX TOGETHER PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
