PAX At It Again
Summary
Host Krista Mergen explores Panic’s history of trade show booths, from early Macworld flyers to immersive GDC events and recent PAX West appearances. The episode highlights the 2023 PAX booth, featuring hands-on demos for Playdate and five published games like Noor and Arco. Guests include CEO Cable Sasser, Greg Miletic, and various game developers who discuss the value of in-person community connection.
Topics discussed
Intro: Panic's history of trade show booths and events
PAX West 2023 booth overview and Panic's ethos
Early days: Macworld Expo flyer drops and DIY signs
The Firewatch GDC event: A Disneyland-style queue
Firewatch event details: Props, lighting, and scent machines
PAX West booths: Firewatch, Untitled Goose Game, and Playdate
2023 PAX West: Modular design and game showcases
Why do expos? Connecting with fans and energizing the team
Showcasing Noor, Arco, and the Playdate console
Developer meetups: Playables, Despilote, and Call Suburly
The value of witnessing player reactions in person
Future of publishing and closing thoughts
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