There was a lot of controversy a few months ago when the PAX organizers announced the "Roll for Diversity Hub and Lounge". I actually thought it sounded like a good way to help promote diversity at the event. Now that PAX East is over, what do you think of the idea, and its implementation thus far?
We went in and looked around for a bit. Either everyone there was a bit tired (it was Sunday), or I dunno what, but it didn't feel too engaging to be there (and I'm already pretty engaged in these topics). Though there were some people with tables set up talking to con goers, no one who wasn't busy was necessarily trying to get my attention.
It seemed a bit token, maybe? It was in a room, away from all the showfloor crowds. The plus side is that it's a nice, chill place, and a fair amount of people were hanging out on beanbags with their laptops , and I guess that's cool for people who want to find and hang out with like minded people. The downside is that their message is hidden away for only those who will (quite literally) walk through the door.
I don't know if the people who most benefit from the diversity lounge prefer it to be a sanctuary rather than something on an insane show floor, where everyone is trying to sell something as loud as possible. On the other hand, maybe diversity is an idea that needs to be put out there, demo'd, and marketed.
Went in and chatted with Charles Battersby and Shidoshi. (Sad I missed the panel. Argh. That's the third year in a row. I will make one of these one year.) I like the space. It's cozy, friendly and welcoming. That said, it has the problem that as mentioned, it's a hard sell and generally the people who care are not the people who most need to understand why it exists and learn from it.
The people there were awesome, and I will definitely wear my Roll for Diversity lanyard with pride. However...I don't know how well it worked out. In some ways, it really does feel like LBGT* is being shoved into its own little corner where it will be overlooked by most. On the other hand, because it was its own room, there was the ability to have meaningful conversations as well as relax with cool people on the bean bags.
So I'm of two-minds about it. I figure if anyone, Shidoshi probably has the best take on it. So hopefully we'll get some input there.
As far as the rest of PAX is concerned, eh, the Expo hall was weak this year, the indies games were still nifty, and STEEL BATTALION. (Had a chat with an Enforcer about the nature of PAX Prime vs East, where Prime is coming off of E3 and all about the AAA titles and big companies, whereas East has a slightly older average attendee age and a bigger focus on the indies and classic games. (See: Arcade Museum, strong Classic Console area, and STEEL BATTALION.))
I was sad that ACAM wasn't here as well. Need my pinball fix. I didn't do too much in the way of panels, but I did swing by OCRemix. Neither Larry nor David were there, which was weird, but some of the other bigwigs recognized me and that was fun.
Let's see...what else. Chatted with the team behind Curse of the Necrodancer, which is still a hilarious and awesome concept. Rhythm-based rogue-like? Yes please. The fact that someone suggested a DDR pad at PAX Prime, and they've fully implemented it into the game come this PAX East is especially hilarious. Talk about taking fan feedback!
Also chatted with Christine Love. She's pretty awesome. I REALLY need to play Hate Plus. (...but it's only on Steam. Mrgrgr.)
I'm also impressed I managed to COMPLETELY FAIL TO MAKE ANY GAF Meetups. Gah. Maybe next year everyone.
Hope everyone made it back safe and had a good time. (And whee, streetpasses. Just hit 15200.)