PAX West 2021 Is In-Person Event This September, But Won't Require Vaccines

Event organizers Penny Arcade and Reed Exhibitions confirmed that PAX West will return as a physical in-person event from September 3-6. One piece of safety precaution appears to be missing from the event, however, and it's a big one.

The organizers said in a press release that PAX West 2021 will "adhere to detailed health and safety guidelines," which are said to be revealed before the September show takes place. Meanwhile, event coordinators are "working with venue officials, local governments, and health authorities to determine [total] capacity, which will be reduced, and ensure a safe setting."

However, one measure not being taken, apparently, is a vaccine requirement. It is not mentioned on the event's website.

PAX West 2021 will be held at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Tickets will go on sale this weekend, the organizers said, with individual passes costing $60 and four-day permits running for $230.

PAX West 2020 was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The crisis impacted several industries and led to the cancelation or postponement of tons of events, including E3, GDC, and EVO 2020. PAX West 2021 marks the first major in-person gaming event since the pandemic began, which has claimed over 600,000 US lives, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Still, the COVID-19 pandemic has opened the doors to virtual events. Most cancelled or postponed conventions were replaced with digital showcases, and PAX is no different, with an online event taking place from July 15-18. Registration is free for everyone, but a $15 badge comes with early access.