PAX Australia slated for Melbourne

Penny Arcade's PAX Australia gaming expo will be taking place in Melbourne, Australia, on 19-21 July next year.

It will be the first time PAX Australia has been held, and the first time a PAX expo will take place outside of the USA.

Penny Arcade president Robert Khoo made the announcement with Victoria's Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business, Louise Asher.

“This is the first time the event has been held outside the United States and attracting PAX Australia to Melbourne was a major coup for Victoria,” Asher said.

“It is a great opportunity to showcase games culture in Australia to the rest of the world, and the exposure around the region and the world that Melbourne’s games industry will gain from the event, and the number of international and domestic visitors that will be drawn to Melbourne, cannot be underestimated.”

Khoo said Penny Arcade had chosen to expand into Australia because of “overwhelming” demand from Penny Arcade fans.

“Melbourne has a long history of supporting the games scene, through showcasing cultural game exhibits to supporting world renowned game developers. Holding PAX Australia in Melbourne is the perfect fit for our show,” he said.

The event will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds.