You know it was going to happen, it was just a matter of time, but now it’s official. Reed Pop has canceled PAX Unplugged, due to the ugly COVID-19 health concerns. And once again, this is the right call.
The news of the cancelation was posted over at the PAX website and has you can imagine, the cancelation hasn’t set well with fans of the event.
We’ve been monitoring the state of Covid-19 and social gatherings and the mandates on social gatherings from local officials. There have been numerous questions about the status of PAX Unplugged, and we have taken everything into consideration. And of course, we always want to share updates as soon as we are able.
With safety being our number one priority, we are unfortunately canceling this year’s PAX Unplugged. The next PAX Unplugged will take place in 2021.
Sadly, it was also mentioned that PAX Unplugged would not see a digital replacement of the event.
While PAX Unplugged won’t have a virtual version, like PAX Online, we’re looking into ways we can celebrate the games and community you look forward to every year at the show. Stay tuned to our social channels and newsletter for more info on livestreams, panels, and community events!
While a reason as to why there will be no online version of the event was provided, I can speculate as to why. As much as I enjoyed PAX Unplugged and love that the event takes place in my own backward (Philadelphia, PA), it simply isn’t as big as the other PAX events. PAX Unplugged is all about tabletop gaming, card gaming, board games, and other gaming-related activities that aren’t video games. As such, it’s harder to try and replicate this in an online setting. At least not in the sense that they have with videogame themed PAX events. It stinks, but that’s how I see it.
Another event has been canceled and again, this is the right call. Especially seeing that the United (Divided) States of America simply can’t get it through their skulls that social gathers that include a massive amount of people aren’t helping us get through this pandemic. So you won’t see me getting upset over an event being canceled, especially if it’s to try and keep us healthy.
Hopefully, we’ll see PAX Unplugged, as well as the other events live and onsite in 2021. Fingers crossed, gang.
