This Labor Day Weekend, PAX will make its grand return with PAX West, which takes over Seattle’s Washington State Convention Center. Aside from playing some great games, there’s a line of panels in store for all kinds of gamers. These five panels are certainly the ones to check out while you’re at the convention. Badges for PAX West 2021 are on sale here. More information on this year’s event, including health guidelines, can be found on its website.

Powerful Games for Powerful Girls

Friday, September 3

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. @ Sandworm Theatre (Sheraton)

Over the years, gaming has seen a string of powerful heroines, including Horizon Zero Dawn's Aloy, The Last of Us' Ellie, and Life Is Strange's Max Caulfield. Renee Gittins (Executive Director, IGDA), Victoria Caña (Gameplay Producer / Game Designer, Riot Games / Cat Quartet Games), Megan Smith (Game Designer, Wizards of the Coast), Chris Mooney (Game Designer, Wizards of the Coast), Elle Osili-Wood (TV & Radio Presenter, BBC & BAFTA), and Abby Snider (Character Artist, Oxide Games) will discuss the future of heroines in the video game universe.

TTRPGS: Out of the Fantasy World and Into the Real World!

Saturday, September 4

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. @ Sandworm Theatre (Sheraton)

TTRPGs allow players to use skills on the fly, but those skills are valuable in real-world situations. Peter Jung M.Ed. (Social Skills Facilitator, Roll for Kindness), Joe LeConte (Supportive Community Leader, Texas Christian University), Maryanne Cullinan (Middle School Teacher, Great Brook Middle School), Amelia Herbst MS (Community Manager, Geeks Like Us), and Alexander Pereira (Patient Technology Specialist, Methodist Children's Hospital) will join forces to discuss how those special skills can benefit people outside of the game.

Hitting Reset - Post-Pandemic Game Industry Careers

Sunday, September 5

12 p.m. - 1 p.m. @ Sandworm Theatre (Sheraton)

The pandemic has caused a panic in every industry imaginable. For the video game industry, it means games being delayed for a lengthy time. Richard Weil (SVP, Global Operations, ModSquad, Inc.), Keith Pape (CEO, YellowPike Media), Victoria Cana (Gameplay Producer, Riot Games), Linda Carlson (Director of CX, ModSquad, Inc.), and Jessica Hammond (Chief Culture Officer, Evil Geniuses) will discuss the changes in the workplace since lockdown happened.

Morrowmemes: The Absurd Lore of the Elder Scrolls III

Sunday, September 5

2 p.m. - 3 p.m. @ Cat Theatre (WSCC)

Released in 2002, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind became an instant success with over four million copies sold worldwide. The game does have its moments of silliness, though. Panelists Joey Carpenter (UX Designer, Poorly Timed Games), Lorelei (Tonal Architect, Dunmeri Stronghold), and Alex A. K. (Creative Director, Soft Not Weak) will be on hand to showcase some of the game's wildest moments.

The Best Video Game Music Ever

Sunday, September 5

3 p.m. - 4 p.m. @ Sandworm Theatre (Sheraton)

A trio of composers will come together to discuss some of the best video music out there split between several categories. The audience will also be allowed to share their music takes as well. Kyle Martin (Kylydian Music), ZW Buckley (ZW Buckley Music), and John Smith (Games Without Words) will be part of the panel.