WHAT IS PAX TOGETHER?
PAX Together is PAX's diversity initiative, a program at every PAX celebrating diversity and working to lower the barriers to entry in gaming, both for players and creators who represent marginalized groups. PAX believes that games should be for everyone and made by anyone, and this program aims to further that goal.
The PAX Together programs include panels, stamp rallies, exhibitors, and more! Check out this page to learn how you can be a part of bringing PAX Together.
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 Unplugged!
Are you an exhibitor interested in having your game considered for our PAX Together Picks? Reach out to your sales contact for more info.
THE PAX TOGETHER 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: Rm 201
HOURS: Friday - Saturday 10:00am - 6:30pm, Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm
THE INTERSECTION GAMES LIBRARY
The Intersection Games Library features tabletop, board, and roleplaying games from small and independent BIPOC creators and creators of stigmatized identities. In addition to featuring these games, The Games Library also uplifts attendees from targeted communities by providing safe space gaming tables with like-minded GMs, or Storytellers. PAX Together Intersection Storytellers are attendees who run tabletop games in the Intersection.
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. Additionally, the PTIGL is working to increase disability access to gaming at PAX. Tools are in the process of being developed to better serve Storytellers and players with disabilities.
In The Intersection acceptance and inclusion are the expectation, not the exception.
If you have questions about the PAX Together program, or if you think your game should be featured in The PTI Games Library as a game that is either created by, or features, BIPOC or members of stigmatized communities, then email [email protected] to learn more.
ACCESS FORWARD GAMING LOUNGE
The Access Forward Gaming Lounge returns with Accessibility-focused gaming hours! During these hours, the space will be focused on accessible adaptations of your favorite tabletop games. Access Forward is disabled-led, with both disabled and nondisabled Storytellers and Players side-by-side. We welcome everyone! This space will offer accommodation and accessibility support for a wide variety of bodies and minds. However, you may benefit from the support offered in the Access Forward Gaming Lounge whether or not you identify as disabled!
The Access Forward Gaming Lounge is proud to be able to offer various disability access tools from the DOTS RPG Project and Open the Gates Gaming groups upon request, when available. Available access tools include, but are not limited to: braille dice from the DOTS RPG Project, large print and high contrast dice, oversized foam dice, and cognitive access tools for Dungeons & Dragons 5e from OtG. This space is supported by our returning partners DOTS RPG and Open the Gates Gaming.
OUR SUPPORTERS:
About DOTS RPG Project: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the DOTS RPG Project is Improving Accessibility in Tabletop Roleplaying Games, One Adventure at a Time! DOTS provides braille dice, accessibility resources, and more to make tabletop roleplaying games accessible for disabled gamers.
About Open the Gates Gaming: Play is a human right, and Open the Gates Gaming (OtG) empowers everyone to tell their stories through the medium of tabletop roleplaying games. We develop open-access tools so everyone can play together without altering the rules of the game, adding flexibility to make systems like Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition more accessible.
LOCATION: Rm 125
HOURS: Friday - Saturday 10:00am - 6:30pm, Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Have a demo game to submit? Applications are open now!
PAX TOGETHER INTERSECTION 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 DEMO DAYS
PAX is proud to announce the return of the PAX Together Demo Days! The program host new and in-development game demos on the Show Floor. The goal of the program is to celebrate and highlight games by BIPOC game creators. Below are the Demo Days developers featured on the Show Floor at the Hall C Demo Days tables in the PAX Together section.
OUR SUPPORTERS
LOCATION: Demo Tables, Hall D near GH-52C
HOURS: Friday - Saturday 10:00am - midnight, Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm
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 PTI. 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 in the PA Convention Center.
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.
PARTNERS AND SPONSORS OF PAX TOGETHER PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
WHAT IS PAX TOGETHER?
PAX Together is a program which celebrates diversity, underrepresented groups, and stigmatized topics, both at PAX and in the gaming community at-large. PAX believes that games should be for everyone and made by anyone. Whether you're here to meet old friends or find new faves, we aim to have something for everybody.
WHAT ARE PAX TOGETHER PICKS?
PAX Together Picks is a curated selection which ais recognized by PAX for celebrating and centering marginalized groups and stigmatized topics. A PAX Together Pick uplifts those of underrepresented backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences within gaming.
Look for content with the PAX Together logo to indicate that it's a PAX Together Pick!
If you've got a game that you think fits what we're looking for and could be featured as a PAX Together Pick, we'd love to hear all about it!
WHAT IS THE PAX TOGETHER INTERSECTION?
The Diversity Lounge has leveled up and is now The PAX Together Intersection (Rm 201C)!!! The Intersection is the hub for the various branches of PAX’s diversity initiative, PAX Together. The PAX Together Intersection aims to be a reflection of 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. It is a safe and supportive space for anyone who wants to find community and commonality with other people who play games.
Visit the PTI Exhibitors in Room 201C!
PTI HOURS:
Friday - Sunday: 10:00am - 6:30pm
WHAT IS THE PAX TOGETHER INTERSECTION GAME LIBRARY?
The PTI Game Library features tabletop board and roleplaying games from small and independent BIPOC creators and creators of stigmatized identities. In addition to the scheduled games, The PTI Game Library offers co-op games, GM-less games, and open tables for solo or group play!
For Unplugged '23, PAX continues its successful partnership with Games Unbound. Games Unbound will be helping to organize game sign ups, manage library submissions, and be on site in the PTI to facilitate games and answer questions.
Interested in donating a game to The PTI Game Library or hosting a game during PAX? Find out more information about that there and check out our partner Games Unbound and the work they do outside of PAX: PAX Together Intersection Game Library — Games Unbound
Search "PTI Game Library Presents" in the schedule to view schedule games. Sign up in person in the PTI (Rm 201) or pre-register in the app by clicking the “Register” button at the top of the game listing.