Last weekend, Boston was the mecca for 60,000 gamers from around the world as we hosted Penny Arcade Expo East, the inaugural East Coast counterpart to Seattle's annual celebration of gaming in all its forms.
The three-day event included a spacious show floor for both renowned and independent publishers to show off their wares. Gamers could play recent and upcoming titles, from Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption to Aksys Games BIT.TRIP Runner. Dedicated rooms hosted tournaments of not just video and PC games such as Joust and Street Fighter IV, but also board and card games like Munchkin and Settlers of Catan. Hallways were littered with beanbags for gamers needing to rest or to engage other attendees in wireless handheld gameplay.
The American Classic Arcade Museum of Funspot in Laconia, NH, was on hand with some classic games.
The American Classic Arcade Museum of Funspot in Laconia, NH, was on hand with some classic games.
Kristin Lindsay, Graham Stark, John Seggerson, and Chros Kohler detailed how to organize a Child's Play fundraiser.
Kristin Lindsay, Graham Stark, John Seggerson, and Chros Kohler detailed how to organize a Child's Play fundraiser.
The illuminator made famous by Jason Scott's documentary.
The illuminator made famous by Jason Scott's documentary.
Kathleen DeVere of LoadingReadyRun was on-hand for some tips writing press releases.
Kathleen DeVere of LoadingReadyRun was on-hand for some tips writing press releases.
Don Woods, Dave Leibling, Nick Montfort, Steve Meretzky, and other creators of text adventures were present for the premiere of Scott's film.
Don Woods, Dave Leibling, Nick Montfort, Steve Meretzky, and other creators of text adventures were present for the premiere of Scott's film.
We couldn't get in to hear Wil Wheaton's keynote speech, so we attended this panel on video game music, including representatives from 38 Studios and Irrational Games.
We couldn't get in to hear Wil Wheaton's keynote speech, so we attended this panel on video game music, including representatives from 38 Studios and Irrational Games.
Creator of the GET LAMP documentary.
Creator of the GET LAMP documentary.
Leonard Herman of "Phoenix", a history of video games, was present.
Leonard Herman of "Phoenix", a history of video games, was present.
An original Ralph Baer PONG game.
An original Ralph Baer PONG game.
The console freeplay room.
The console freeplay room.
"Still Alive" sung as "Xbox Live" by McKenzie Eaken, with help from Laura Lollipop.
"Still Alive" sung as "Xbox Live" by McKenzie Eaken, with help from Laura Lollipop.
Robert Bowling of Infinity Ward and Larry Hyrb ("Major Nelson") of Microsoft discuss social media strategies.
Robert Bowling of Infinity Ward and Larry Hyrb ("Major Nelson") of Microsoft discuss social media strategies.
