PAX Australia 2025 news keeps rolling in this week, with the team now sharing the full schedule for this year’s show.

As is the case every year, there’s A LOT of different things you may want to attend, so I’ve done my best to highlight a little something for all different types of gamers below.

From the Storytime with Gavind Verhey on Friday for Magic: The Gathering Fans, to the live Back Pocket show, and the Fireside Chat with Baldur’s Gate 3 actress Amelia Tyler, there’s plenty of great panels to check out at PAX AUS 2025 this year.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 10

Storytime with Gavin Verhey
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Main Theatre

When he was 11 years old, Gavin’s dream was to make Magic cards – and now he gets to do that every day as a Principal Magic Designer. Whether designing cards, going to events around the world, or appearing on his YouTube series Good Morning Magic, Gavin is bringing the Magic to YOU! He’s led the design of sets like Battlebond, Commander Legends, and Magic: the Gathering FINAL FANTASY, with plenty more cooked up for the future.

Fireside Chat with Rainbow Six Siege Game Director, Joshua Mills
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Quokka Theatre

A driving force behind Rainbow Six Siege, one of the world’s most popular tactical shooters, Game Director Joshua Mills helps shape gameplay and guides the ongoing evolution of the game. Joshua will be sharing insights into game design, behind the scenes stories and reflecting on ten years of Siege.

Highlighting the Aus Indie Showcase Winners – Friday Session
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Kookaburra Theatre

Celebrate the creativity of Australia’s indie game developers! Join Bec from The Indie Brew as she highlights the winners of the Aus Indie Showcase. Each session (Friday and Saturday) will feature 6 of the 12 winners, giving you an inside look at their games, development stories, and what makes them stand out in the indie scene. Don’t miss this chance to discover the next big hits in Australian indie gaming!

Back Pocket’s PAX Prime Time
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Quokka Theatre

Prime Time celebrates everything happening at PAX 2025 – and we mean everything! It’s a party in the Quokka theatre featuring games with special guests, indie game dev interviews, cosplay and Omegathon competitors, your favourite influencers, PLUS we take the time to champion the PAX AUS Enforcers. This is all streamed out to the audience who can’t be there, keeping them locked in on the best bits and giving them a serious case of FOMO.

Small Changes, Big Impact: Levelling Your Fitness Journey
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fruitbat Theatre

Following the success of last year’s panel “From Screens to Squats”, this year we want to engage further with the gaming community to help them live their best life by making fitness accessible. The panel will consist of gamers, content creators and qualified professionals – A Personal Trainer, a gamer that has made a successful career blending fitness and gaming, a content creator navigating chronic conditions on their journey to better health, a Physiotherapist that is passionate about gaming, and a registered Psychologist & Psychiatrist nurse who is the director of a healthcare company focusing on neurodevelopment and the gamut of wellness across both the physical and the mental realms.

We’ll discuss strategies for health and wellness in a fun and informative way, helping people to become “PAX Fit” and get the most out of increasing the quality of their lives. With the help of our mental healthcare and clinical experts we can also bring strategies that work across all of our physical and neurodiversities!

Colouring the Cosplay World: BIPOC stories of Creativity and Challenges: Gaming Edition
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Cosplay Theatre

This Panel will touch on a range of important topics centered around representation, inclusivity, and challenges within the cosplay community for BIPOC cosplayers.

Panelists will discuss personal experiences with choosing characters that resonate with cultural identity, navigating perceptions of « whitewashing, » and the need for conventions to offer more equal opportunities to BIPOC cosplayers.

The discussion will also address the influence of culture on cosplay choices, the impact of cultural expectations (such as being suggested to cosplay characters from one’s ethnic background), and the use of AAVE in the community.

Additionally, the panel will highlight influential BIPOC cosplayers, share positive experiences, and offer advice for those starting out in cosplay, with a focus on fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

The Foot in the Door: Taking Your First Steps into a Games Career
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Dropbear Theatre

Are you keen to work in the games industry, but aren’t sure where to begin?

Well stop dragging your feet and come join us for a panel discussion about all the small steps and giant leaps you need to take in order to kickstart your career in games.

This session will focus on practical and actionable advice broken down step-by-step on how to put your best foot forward at industry events, in interviews and on your social media.

Our panelists will walk you through all the significant strides and serious stumbles they made when attempting to land their first job in games, discussing the lessons that were learned along the way. They’ll reveal the secret “words of wisdom” that helped them get a leg up on the competition and discuss what “nobody tells you” about stepping into your first job in games.

From tried and tested tips from grizzled industry veterans, to hot-off-the-presses info from developers just beginning to build their career pathway, our panel of industry go-getters will provide an array of actionable advice that will benefit developers of different disciplines.

Whether you’re an aspiring game developer looking to step up your game or you’ve already found your footing, this session will be sure not to disappoint.

TRANSfer the Controller: Trans Representation in Gaming
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Kookaburra Theatre

Hosted by Content Creator & Drag Queen, Annie Krevice, and joined by our panelists Ant Thunderfun, Artfulmelody, Klairs, RestingMitchFace and Victory Venus, we pass the mic to trans folks once more, this time exploring the topic of trans representation in video games! Who’s done it well, and where are the biggest areas for simple improvements? Which characters make us feel seen, and what characters would we like to see more of?

A panel for trans folks and allies, for those in industry wanting to diversify their content, as well as those who just love themselves some video games. Come celebrate trans joy and what games can do to bring more of that joy into the world!

You’re Such a Poser: Posing for Cosplay Photography
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cosplay Theatre

So you’re into cosplay and done the hard yards of getting everything together, and after hours of work, you want to celebrate by photographing your project! But what if you don’t know how to pose? What if you have no idea what to do in front of a camera? In this panel, join cosplayers VanilaThrila_ and Leg.itcosplay and photographers Travis De Valle and Oscar Lupton as we go through the complete know-how of getting ready for a shoot, working with a photographer, getting into character, and striking the best poses to capture the spirit of your cosplay perfectly!

Interactive Storytelling 101: Write Your First Game with the Tool Behind Night in the Woods & DREDGE
10:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Dropbear Theatre

Have you ever dreamed of writing your own video game or interactive story? Do you have a story to tell, but don’t know where to start? Join the creators of Yarn Spinner, the free, open-source tool that has powered the narrative of games like Night in the Woods, DREDGE, A Short Hike, and Rift of the NecroDancer, Venba, Unbeatable, and Luma Island for a very quick masterclass in interactive storytelling.

In this panel, we’ll demystify the process of writing for games and show you how to create compelling, branching narratives. We’ll cover the core principles of interactive storytelling, from creating characters to designing meaningful choices. You’ll learn how to structure your story, write engaging dialogue, and use the power of Yarn Spinner to bring your words to life.

This technical panel is perfect for aspiring writers, game developers, and anyone who loves a good story. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, you’ll walk away with the knowledge and inspiration to start writing your own interactive masterpiece. You won’t need any equipment to learn, but if you have a tablet or a laptop with you, you can follow along some examples in a web browser!

We’ll also include a Q&A session where you can ask us anything about narrative design, game development, or the development stories behind your favourite Yarn Spinner games.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 11

Fireside with Amelia Tyler
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Main Theatre

Amelia Tyler is an English actress who recently became Dungeon Master to millions as the voice of the ethereal Narrator in BALDUR’S GATE 3, a performance which earned her a BAFTA Games Awards nomination for Performer in a Leading Role’. She’s also best known as the voice of fan-favourite half-demon Malady in DIVINITY ORIGINAL SIN, vicious huntress Wenduag in PATHFINDER: WRATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS, and The Siren Queen in SEA OF THIEVES. Next, Amelia will be appearing as the Goddess of Witchcraft, Hecate, in Supergiant Games’ highly anticipated sequel HADES 2.

Highlighting the Aus Indie Showcase Winners – Saturday Session
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Kookaburra Theatre

Celebrate the creativity of Australia’s indie game developers! Join Bec from The Indie Brew as she highlights the winners of the Aus Indie Showcase. Each session (Friday and Saturday) will feature 6 of the 12 winners, giving you an inside look at their games, development stories, and what makes them stand out in the indie scene. Don’t miss this chance to discover the next big hits in Australian indie gaming!

Gearbox Main Theatre Show
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Main Theatre

Step into the chaos! Join Gearbox at PAX Australia for an exclusive look at Borderlands 4, featuring all new info on upcoming content and never-before-heard stories from behind the scenes of development. Whether you’re a long-time Vault Hunter or new to the mayhem, this is your chance to hear directly from the team shaping the next chapter of the Borderlands universe.

It doesn’t stop there. Swing by Moxxi’s Bar before and after the panel to keep the party going with themed drinks, giveaways, and a chance to hang out with fellow fans

After Hours x Good Games Morely – Live Commander game
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Fruitbat Theatre

Known for playing the meanest games of Magic the Gathering Commander, After Hours take on the sweet hearts of Good Games Morley live at PAX Aus! Will Riley, Violet, Ricky and Aaron come out alive? Or will Gillsons and Gray Merchant go for the throat?

You are more employable than you think! The game dev’s guide to game-adjacent careers
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Dropbear Theatre

The games industry has been through a rough few years. The trend of layoffs has been degrading job security for many, and it shows no clear sign of slowing down, especially in large companies. And with more people looking for jobs, it will only get harder and more competitive to get the fewer roles that are open.

However, it is not all gloom and doom! Although there is no easy one size fits all solution to magically get employed, this talk will explore a pathway that too many game developers do not consider when looking for a job: adjacent career paths.

The objective of this talk is to give attendees an opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from professionals who will share how their skills that are applicable to the world of game development have been used to secure positions in industries that at first may seem like two worlds apart, but under the surface have a lot in common with game development.

Ioni (Motion Graphics Designer at Champion Data) will host the panel with 4 other professionals across multiple industries: Clary (Web Designer and Developer), Conor (Creative Lead at Saber Astronautics), Elizabeth (Production Director at Wētā Workshop) and Al (CEO of Mighty Serious).

Game developers of different experience levels are encouraged to attend the talk. Each of the speakers is currently at separate points in the timeline of their careers, ranging from recent university graduate to senior. Likewise, developers of any specialization are welcome to join, as the panelists have a wide variety of technical specializations to share their perspectives from.

After reading this far, you might be thinking: “but I don’t want to work in something different from games, videogames is all I want to do!”. This talk also covers the topic of how to keep a healthy balance between a career in an adjacent field and never letting go of the dream of making it big in the games industry, be it indie or triple A. Furthermore, how your adjacent career might even empower your game development ambitions.

Out, Loud, and Critical: Queer Journalists Changing Games Media
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
PAX Together Theatre

Join leading LGBTQIA+ voices from across games journalism as they share stories from the front lines of reporting, reviewing, and shaping the conversation around video games. From navigating industry challenges to championing authentic queer representation, this panel will offer candid insights into how identity intersects with criticism, coverage, and community. Expect thoughtful takes, lively debate, and a glimpse into the future of games media through a queer lens.

Not Your Waifu: An Exploration of Asian Fem Characterisation in Gaming
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Fruitbat Theatre

This panel will explore the depictions of Asian AFAB characters in gaming and other pop-culture media, and track the shifts in representation over time. In the early days of gaming, Asian AFAB characters were, and still are, plagued with conforming to stereotypes such as the Femme Fatale or the Damsel in Distress, under the illusion of representation. In an industry furthering their steps into diversity alongside growing acceptance of diversity in sociocultural contexts, it is important for character portrayals to be analysed under a critical lens, to improve the standards of representation.

Game developers and story writers often tread the thin line of representation and fetishisation, and breaching this line can often have negative repercussions for perceptions towards Asian AFAB populations in real life, due to the influential nature of pop culture and gaming on social mentalities.

Each panelist will bring a unique perspective and area of expertise regarding this topic. As an example, @nyra.nox will discuss Ada Wong within the Resident Evil series and how she has developed over time from being a typical Femme Fatale, to becoming a more complex character beyond the “tough girl” demeanour. @sagocos will discuss the rise of gacha games, such as Genshin Impact, and how the steady inclusion of Asian populations e.g., Chinese inspired regions, has altered expectations of diversity in gaming

THE DARK ROOM
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Main Theatre

YOU AWAKE TO FIND YOURSELF IN A DARK ROOM! Come watch and play the legendary live-action videogame The Dark Room! It’s a deranged, interactive improv comedy gameshow fresh from a tour of the US and the UK “NOT TO BE MISSED” Guardian

The twisted and brilliant mind behind improv comedy gameshow The Dark Room, John Robertson is an Australian comedy powerhouse and cult gaming figure. From sold-out Edinburgh Fringe shows, to Twitch global front page features, the U.S PAXes and rock festivals around the world, Robertson blends chaos and comedy like no other. Expect live shows, surprise appearances and just… just so much swearing

The Dark Room returns to PAX Aus after packing out the main theatres in PAX West, Worldcon, Pixel Expo and a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe. Come enjoy the wildest geek comedy show that fuses modern, retro and tabletop games, in fact all of geeky fandom, into an insane night of nerdy fun. Disclaimer: there’ll be a bit of language.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 12

Fireside Chat – Bringing the Year of Obsidian to Life
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Main Theatre

Obsidian is experiencing an unprecedented year, launching three major titles back-to-back. Join Mikey Dowling, Studio Director of Communications and Franchise, as he shares what it takes to shepherd multiple launches in a single year with the support of one consistent internal team. Gain a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic RPG studio’s process and hear what’s next as they prepare to support Grounded 2, The Outer Worlds 2, and other beloved franchise titles.

Cosplay Central Crown Championship
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Main Theatre

Celebrate the artistry, creativity, and passion of cosplay at the Cosplay Central Crown Championships! Competitors from across Australia will showcase their incredible craftsmanship on the Main Stage, competing for the title of Crown Champion and the chance to represent Australia on the global stage. Don’t miss one of the most inspiring and spectacular highlights of PAX Aus!

Fireside with Luke Dale
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Quokka Theatre

Join host Trent Kusters from League of Geeks as he chats to the amazing Luke Dale.

Luke Dale is a professionally trained actor, voice artist, and performance capture specialist, having graduated from the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama. With a dynamic range and captivating on-screen presence, he’s best known for his standout role as Lord Hans Capon in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2—Gamescom’s PC Game of the Year.

In addition to his work in games, Luke has gained rapid popularity as a streamer on both YouTube and Twitch. Charismatic, witty, and genuinely entertaining, he’s earned a devoted following by fully embracing the spirit of his most iconic character.

Luke now ranks among the top 0.1% of Twitch streamers. His streams are a mix of gameplay, humor, and genuine connection with his audience, making each appearance a must-watch event.

Whether he’s commanding attention as a nobleman in medieval Bohemia or cracking jokes with his fans online, Luke Dale is a talent to watch.

Levelling Up: The Secrets to Becoming the Best GameMaster You Can Be
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Dropbear Theatre

Take your TTRPG Game Master skills to the next (or even first!) level as our panel of expert GMs share with you the tips and tricks to writing scenarios, running games, and making your game the best it can be!

The Truth About Women in Content Creation
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Kookaburra Theatre

Being a woman in content creation isn’t just about going live or posting videos—it’s about navigating an online environment where bias, harassment, and double standards still run deep.

Hosted by content creator @Budewy [she/her], join our powerhouse line-up of women content creators, cosplayers, live-streamers, and industry pros as they share the raw reality behind their online success. Featuring @2bratty [she/her], @jaclynmay_ [she/her], @MissDeusGeek [she/her], @imKMOZ [she/her], @LavaBun_ [she/her], and @Daniella.Makes.Things [she/her].

Plus, don’t miss the interactive (and eye-opening) segment where panellists try to guess whether actual DMs sent to our host Budewy — ranging from absurd to aggressively toxic— are real or fake. (SPOILER: It’s even worse than you think.)

Whether you’re a fellow creator, a community member, or just curious about the real experience of women online, this is your chance to hear the truth—and leave empowered.

The Indie Brew Show LIVE – What’s an indie game, and why should you care?
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Fruitbat Theatre

Join co-hosts of The Indie Brew, Ant & Bec, as they chat about the indie game industry, how it’s changed over recent years, and why it’s more important than ever to support them. They’ll be sharing their top picks from the PAX Rising section, chatting to some indie developers, and will have a special coffee themed indie game challenge for everyone to get involved in.

Fight or Flirt: D&D Dating Live Show
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
GenerOzity Wombat Theatre

Think ‘Bridgerton’ meets ‘The Hunger Games’ in a D&D Live Show.

Picture this! On the mainstage, and working with GenerOZity, we want to stage an EPIC D&D Live Show where 4 hopeful characters ‘Fight or Flirt’ their way to the ‘Perfect Match’ title with 6 Improvisers taking on the roles of the romanceable flirtees, disgruntled family members or wicked foes… and the audience (much like The Hunger Games) get to sponsor their favourites and contribute to the outcomes LIVE.

And this will not be like every other live D&D game, because why just sit at a table and roll dice when we can also transform the stage into a ballroom, or a battlefield, and watch the Improvisors act out the fights in slow motion while they are happening or try ballroom dancing without instructions when the players attempt to flirt.

Hosted by AJ Winters who will guide the story in an hour (maybe an hour and a half if we can) there is no way that this wouldn’t be the biggest and most epic D&D live show done at PAX yet.

Donation ideas:

The Audience will get to sponsor their favourites by giving them influence, advantages, dates, maybe even an unexpected rival etc. They can also disadvantage or sabotage characters they don’t want to succeed. We can provide a full list and costs of these donations to allow for the audience to influence the outcome and raise a tonne of money for charity (and for love!)

This should feel like a reality TV show in real time… but D&D themed.

There’s a new PAX AUS app you can download now for either iOS or Android. Note that you do need a PAX AUS 2025 badge number to complete the sign-up for the badge, which is why I’m unable ot tell you if it’s a good-looking app or not at this stage, but please let me know in the comments if you check it out!

You can check out the full PAX AUS 2025 schedule here. What are you planning to make ‘must-attends’ this year? Let me know in the comments section below.

Keep up with everything PAX AUS 2025 from Explosion Network here.