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[Updated] Pocket Gamer's Ultimate PAX Prime 2013 Party Guide

Streetpassing, cosplay and chiptunes in Seattle

[Updated] Pocket Gamer's Ultimate PAX Prime 2013 Party Guide
It's almost time for PAX Prime 2013, when video game fans make their annual trek to Seattle to get hands on with the hottest games for the holidays and new year.

It's a feelgood fest where gamers get to meet their favorite editors and developers, play in tournaments, and clean up on swag. No one sleeps for days and the streetpassing is epic.

Parties are just starting to post and there's something fun for all ages around the clock.

We'll be updating over the next weeks as more add. If you know of an event that should be on the list, please send details to martine.paris [at] pocketgamer.co.uk.

Thursday 29 August

What: Pre-PAX Board Game Night

When: Thursday 29 August, 4pm – 2am

Where: Downtown Seattle Sheraton Hotel, 1400 6th, 2nd Floor, Grand Ballroom & Willow Room, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/177844/twas-the-night-before-paxmas-pre-pax-boardgame-meetup/p1

Cost: Free

More Info: 375-450 seats are available for this epic tabletop shindig. All your favorites will be there including Cards Against Humanity and Settlers of Catan. A Cookie Brigade Station will be available for omnomnom and Bakers Dropoff.

What: Facebook & East Side Games Happy Hour

When: Thursday August 29, 5-7pm

Where: Brasserie Margaux, 401 Lenora Street, Seattle WA 98121

How: https://paxindiepower.eventbrite.com/

Cost: Free

More Info: Facebook and East Side Games would like to welcome you to Indie Power Happy Hour - PAX Edition.

What: MMO Reporter Meetup

When: Thursday 29 August, 6pm – 10pm

Where: Elephant & Castle – Billiards Room, 1415 5th Avenue, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://mmoreporter.com/pax, RSVP to mmo.reporter@gmail.com

Cost: Free

More Info: Join the podcast crew of MMO Reporter’s PAX Preview Live and clean up in their swag-o-rama.

What: X360A & PS3T’s Pre-PAX PRIME Party

When: Thursday 29 August, 8pm - late

Where: Taphouse, 1506 Sixth Avenue, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news-3252-Announcing--X360A---PS3T-s-Pre-PAX-Prime-Party--The-2013-Edition.html

Cost: Free

More Info: Pool and free beer!

What: Pre-PAX Pinball

When: Thursday 29 August, 8pm - LATE

Where: Unicorn/Narwhal, 1118 E Pike Street, Seattle WA 98101

How: https://www.facebook.com/events/588743567837485

Cost: Free

More Info: Bar plus arcade equals good times

What: Destructoid's Epic LOST SAGA PAX Kickoff Party

When: Thursday 29 August, 9pm - 11pm

Where: Gameworks, 1511 7th Avenue, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://dtoidlostsagapaxparty.eventbrite.com

Cost: Free

More Info: Get thee to Gameworks for PAX's Most Epic Kickoff Party with all of your favorite Destructoid editors (Max, Tara, Anthony, Niero, Hamza, and more) plus the cool cats from WeMade USA's LOST SAGA, the crazy fun free-to-play fighting MMO where players battle as iconic arcade heroes from classics like King of Fighters. Free drinks and awesome swag while it lasts.

What: MAD CATZ Unveiled

When: Thursday 29 August, 9pm – 1am

Where: Trinity Nightclub, 111 Yesler Way, Seattle WA 98104

How: http://unveiledpaxprime.eventbrite.com

Cost: $20

More Info: Here’s your chance to get hands-on with playable reviews and meet two of the top fighting pro gamers in the world, fighting game legend, Daigo and 2013 EVO Champion, Xian. It’s the show before the show without the lines!

Friday 30 August

What: Final Fantasy XIV Launch Party

When: Friday, August 30, 3:30-9pm

Where: Red Lion Hotel, Seattle Ballroom, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://www.gamasutra.com/etc

Cost: Free

More Info: Dev signings (including Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida, Sound Director Masayoshi Soken and Localization Lead Michael-Christopher Koji Fox), swag drawings, hands-on gameplay sessions to compete for prizes.

What: Twitch Fan Appreciation Mixer

When: Friday, 30 August, 5-7pm

Where: Gameworks, 1511 7th Avenue, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://blog.twitch.tv/2013/08/everything-you-need-to-know-about-twitch-at-pax-prime

Cost: Free

More Info: Join the Twitch community team for fun and games at the first-ever fan appreciation mixer. To get one of the limited invites, visit the Twitch booth on Friday between 10:00AM - 3:00PM and ask a staffer in a purple Twitch shirt for a special wristband and username tag. Visitors who have their picture taken at the Twitch Photo Booth will receive a Limited Edition Twitch PAX T-Shirt and commemorative PAX Button, while they last.

What: Pax Prime Pink Party

When: Friday 30 August, 6pm - late

Where: The Raygun Lounge, 501 E Pine Street, Seattle WA 98122

How: https://www.facebook.com/events/151780981680957

Cost: Free

More Info: BYO board games, cards, and handhelds. Cash bar.

What: MMORPG.COM Meet and Greet

When: Friday 30 August, 8-11pm

Where: Gordon Biersch, 600 Pine Street, 4th Floor of Pacific Place, Seattle WA 98101

How: https://www.facebook.com/events/173767142810894

Cost: Free

More Info: Meet up with your favorite MMORPG.com editors with guest appearances by star devs. First 50 get free drinks.

What: PAX Concerts

When: Friday 30 August, 8:30pm - midnight

Where: Main Theatre, Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://prime.paxsite.com/schedule/panel/friday-night-concerts

Cost: PAX Badge

More Info: Dance! Dance! Dance! to Bit Brigade, MegaRan and the Protomen.

What: Destructoid Community Meetup

When: Friday 30 August, 9pm - late

Where: Elephant & Castle, 1415 5th Avenue, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://www.destructoid.com/dtoid-s-community-meetup-plans-for-pax-prime-2013--258747.phtml

Cost: Free

More Info: Hang with the cool kids and get all nostalgic with PAX Day One stories.

What: Pax Panel: Breaking into gaming, vampires do it better!

When: Friday 30 August, 10-11pm

Where: Wolfman Theatre, Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://prime.paxsite.com/schedule/panel/breaking-into-gaming-vampires-do-it-better

Cost: PAX Badge

More Info: Pocket Gamer's US events editor Martine Paris moderates an all-star panel with Don McGowan, general counsel, Pokemon, Steve Haske, reviews editor, Unwinnable, Bobby Stein, lead writer, ArenaNet, Donna Nicolson, forum manager, Ubisoft, and Rey Gutierrez, director of video, Sony PlayStation. Find out what it takes to break into the game industry from those that work on the most epic franchises out there and why they require very little sleep to do it. 

Saturday 31 August

What: The Elder Scrolls Online Food Truck

When: Saturday 31 August, 11:30-3pm

Where: 802 Pine Street, Seattle WA 98101

How: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TESO-Food-Truck-PAX-Prime/430394760369004

Cost: Free

More Info: Hungry? Get your Pressed Eidermelt with Fire Petal Dip, Emperor’s Garden Sauce, Tangy Nirnroot pickles, and Corkbulb Crisps. Free food inspired by The Elder Scrolls Online.

What: Final Fantasy XIV Launch Party

When: Saturday, August 31, 11:30-9pm

Where: Red Lion Hotel, 1415 5th Avenue, Seattle Ballroom, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://www.gamasutra.com/etcCost: Free

More Info: Dev signings (including Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida, Sound Director Masayoshi Soken and Localization Lead Michael-Christopher Koji Fox), swag drawings, hands-on gameplay sessions to compete for prizes

What: ArenaNet Guild Wars 2 Tournament & Anniversary Party

When: Saturday 31 August 1-7pm Playtime/Tournament, 8-11pm Party

Where: Renaissance Hotel, 515 Madison Street, Seattle WA 98104

How: https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/guild-wars-2-invitational-and-regional-qualifying-tournament-details

Cost: Free. Open to the public til capacity

More Info:1-1:30pm ArenaNet president Mike O'Brien kicks off Guild Wars 2 Anniversary Bash. 1:30-3pm check out exclusive new GW2 content with onstage live demo and playable stations. 3:30-4:30pm GW2 all-star panel with Colin Johanson, Chris Whiteside and other favorite ArenaNet devs. 5-7pm PvP Invitational Tournament with $10,000 prize pool sponsored by SteelSeries and streamed by MMORPG.com at http://www.mmorpg.com/streams.cfm and on Twitch at http://www.twitch.tv/Guildwars2. 8-11pm Anniversary Party with music, prizes and surprises!

What: Curse WildStar Party sponsored by Alienware & Plantronics

When: Saturday 31 August 7-11pm

Where: Hard Rock Cafe, 116 Pike Street, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://ncsoft.com/en/events/pax-prime-2013

Cost: No ticket required, first ones in to the capacity of the venue

More Info: Food, drinks, photobooth, swag, prizes, playtime and dev meet and greet!

What: IGN Community Meetup

When: Saturday 31 August, 7pm - 11pm

Where: Rock Bottom Brewery, 1333 5th Avenue, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/27/whats-ign-up-to-at-pax

Cost: Free

More Info: Hangout with the amazing Greg Miller, Daemon Hatfield, Mitch Dyer and IGN crew over tasty brews and BEYOND!

What: Engadget+gdgt LIVE!

When: Saturday August 31,  7-10pm

Where: Showbox SoDo, 1700 1st Avenue South, Seattle WA 98134

How: http://events.gdgt.com/engadgetgdgt-live-is-coming-to-seattle-august-31st/

Cost: Free

More Info: Startup showcase with swag giveaways and chance to win gear. Open to all ages.

What: Magic The Gathering: Theros Preview Party

When: Saturday, 31 August, 7-11pm

Where: Showbox at the Market, 1426 1st Avenue, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://www.wizards.com/magic/magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/arcana/1302

Cost: Free

More Info: A players party, for sure. Join the Hero's Path Challenge to attend. Pick up a stamp card on the show floor at the Heroes station- The Polis, solve a puzzle, get card stamped, move onto Monsters - The Wilds and Gods - The Temple. Turn in your card, then sign a publicity waiver, and receive your party invite.

What: Zombie Blacklight Retribution PAX Party sponsored by Astro

When: Saturday 31 August 8pm – 3am

Where: The Crocodile, 2200 2nd Avenue, Seattle WA 98121

How: http://www.zombie.com/news/pax-prime-2013-party

Cost: Free with PAX badge

More Info: DJ blowout with R3Y GUTI3RR3Z, NECRON99, ROOTCHADHA, MC BY MR_SARK

What: Star Wars: The Old Republic Community Cantina Tour

When: Saturday 31 August, 8-11pm

Where: Garage Billiards, 1130 Broadway, Seattle WA 98122

How: https://www.facebook.com/events/174122639434619

Cost: Free

More Info: BioWare dev meet and greet, drinks, food, swag giveaways plus every guest receives the highly coveted Tauntaun Fawn code.

What: PAX Concerts

When: Saturday 31 August, 8:30pm - midnight

Where: Main Theatre, Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://prime.paxsite.com/schedule/panel/saturday-night-concerts

Cost: PAX Badge

More Info: Dance! Dance! Dance! to Hideo, The Doubleclicks, and MC Frontalot.

What: Communitoid Live!

When: Saturday 31 August, 9pm - late

Where: Whiskey Bar, 2122 2nd Avenue, Seattle WA 98121

How: http://www.destructoid.com/dtoid-s-community-meetup-plans-for-pax-prime-2013--258747.phtml

Cost: Free

More Info: Have a drink and hang with Destructoid for the filming of their PAX Communitoid podcast.

Sunday 1 SeptemberWhat: Final Fantasy XIV Launch Party

When: Sunday, 1 September, 11:30-9pm

Where: Red Lion Hotel, 1415 5th Avenue, Seattle Ballroom, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://www.gamasutra.com/etc

Cost: Free

More Info: Dev signings (including Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida, Sound Director Masayoshi Soken and Localization Lead Michael-Christopher Koji Fox), swag drawings, hands-on gameplay sessions to compete for prizesWhat: GeForce World of Tanks $100K Finals Community Meetup

When: Sunday 1 September, 6-9pm

Where: Showbox SoDo, 1700 1st Avenue South, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://wot100kopen.eventbrite.com

Cost: Free

More Info: Enjoy the exciting finish of the World of Tanks $100K Open Tournament as a world war is staged between the top pro gamers from China, SE Asia, North and South America, Europe and Russia as they compete for a $100K prize pool and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 600-series graphics cards. Matches will be broadcast live on Twitch at http://www.twitch.tv/worldoftanks.

The first 100 in the door get a Razer Taipan PC Gaming Mouse. Complimentary shuttle bus available starting at 5pm from WSCC level 1, interior entrance doors, look for the ground transportation/bus icon sign. Shuttle will loop between WSCC and Showbox SoDo until 9:30pm.

What: Double Fine Community MeetupWhen: Sunday 1 September, 6-10pm

Where: Hard Rock Cafe, 116 Pike Street-upper floor, Seattle WA 98121

How: http://www.doublefine.com/news/comments/were_having_a_pax_party_and_a_panel_and_you_can_help

Cost: Free with PAX badge

More Info: Meet up with Tim & gang for a real Double Fine Adventure! And if you email volunteer@doublefine.com to staff the Double Fine booth, you might even score a full 3-day PAX pass!

What: EA, POP CAP & BIOWARE's BEER, BRATS & BOCCEWhen: Sunday 1 September 6/7pm - 2am

Where: Von Trapp's, 912 12th Ave, Seattle WA 98122

912 12th Ave

How: https://beerbratsandbocce.eventbrite.com

Cost: Free

More Info: Beer, premium cocktails and a sampling of Bavarian goodies for those of us who miss, or missed, gamescom. Plus cool swag...and BOCCE BALL!! How cool is that!!What: PAX Concerts

When: Sunday, 1 September, 8:30pm - Midnight

Where: Main Theatre, Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://prime.paxsite.com/schedule/panel/sunday-night-concerts

Cost: PAX Badge

More Info: Dance! Dance! Dance! to Super Guitar Bros., Adam Warrock, and Supercommuter.

What: The Indie After Party

When: Sunday 1 September, 9pm - late

Where: Baltic Room, 1207 Pine Street, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://indieafterparty.eventbrite.com

Cost: Free

More Info: DJ, indie game cocktails, cash bar.

What: Xbox One, Mountain Dew & Doritos Party

When: Sunday 1 September, 9pm - Midnight

Where: WACC, South Lobby Queue Room, Seattle WA 98101

How: Link posting soon

Cost: Free

More Info: Drinks, food, entertainment and a big surprise!

What: Destructoid's Total Karaoke War

When: Sunday September 1, 9pm - 2am

Where: Barboza Nightclub, 925 E Pike, Seattle WA 98122

How: https://www.facebook.com/events/600346666682526

Cost: Free

More Info: A bacchanalia rager of free drinks, LootCrate's 40' game bus, Play-Asia's photobooth, SXSW Gaming swag, prizes and KARAOKE to celebrate the 9/3 launch of Total War: Rome II

What: Twitch, Wargaming & NVIDIA Mother of All PAX Parties

When: Sunday 1 September, 9:30pm- 1am

Where: Showbox SoDo, 1700 1st Avenue South, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://blog.twitch.tv/2013/08/everything-you-need-to-know-about-twitch-at-pax-prime

Cost: Invite

More Info: DJ, drinks and so much more. With these three, expect over the top, mindblowing fun. All bets on that it takes Party of Show. First 500 get drink and food tickets.

Monday 2 September

What: Destructoid Community Meetup

When: Monday 2 September, 8pm - late

Where: Rock Bottom, 1333 5th Avenue, Seattle WA 98101

How: http://www.destructoid.com/dtoid-s-community-meetup-plans-for-pax-prime-2013--258747.phtml

Cost: Free

More Info: Say farewell to PAX over fine brews with your Dtoid friends.

What: The 5th Annual Post-PAX Party

When: Monday 2 September, 9pm - late

Where: World Sports Grille (formerly Jillian's), 731 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109

How: http://p32013.eventbrite.com

Cost: $40 (includes raffle ticket)

More Info: Dinner, drinks, chiptunes concert with Klopfenpop, Jonny Nero, A_Rival and Danimal Cannon, Rock Band, pool, darts, ping-pong, and raffle.

About the author

Martine Paris is Pocket Gamer's US events editor, blogging and producing the industry's hottest events. Follow her escapades @contentnow

Tech reporter Martine Paris covers trends across mobile, games, AR VR, wearables and IoT, the intersection of emerging tech, music, video and culture, and how to get featured, funded and monetized. You can typically find her at shows with a mic in her hand interviewing industry's leading voices. Follow her @contentnow.