643: PAX East 2026
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PAX East 2026 feels smaller and more subdued than in past years, with major publishers like Xbox, PlayStation, and Tiny Build absent—yet the event still delivers standout moments. Luke, returning from the convention, shares his surprise at the absence of Penny Arcade’s Q&A panels, a nostalgic staple tied to the comic’s legacy, and reflects on how the convention’s identity has shifted as its original icons fade from view. He highlights a new, open-source 8-bit console called the Game Tank, built entirely from scratch by a solo developer—an impressive feat of passion and technical skill. The most talked-about innovation? The Omara scent display, a device that releases targeted smells during gameplay (like poison in a game), though it falls short of ambient world-smelling dreams. Luke also praises a mental health initiative, Guardians MH, which hands out free kits with fidget tools and resources, and marvels at the live Daggerheart tabletop game—Critical Role’s Matthew Mercer’s new system, which prioritizes player agency over rigid turn order. Meanwhile, the podcast grapples with AI’s growing role in gaming and music, from AI-generated art in games like Crimson Desert to Spotify’s new artist profile protection trial, warning that unchecked AI could devalue creative work. The episode ends with a cheeky Patreon pitch for the 'after party,' where listeners can join the hosts for extended banter.
PAX East 2026 feels smaller and less dominated by major publishers, with no Xbox, PlayStation, or Tiny Build presence, signaling a shift in the event’s scale and focus.
The Game Tank is an open-source 8-bit console built entirely by one developer, complete with SDKs for C, Rust, and Basic—proof that solo passion can still create full gaming ecosystems.
The Omara scent display releases targeted gameplay smells (e.g., poison) but cannot simulate ambient environments like forests or deserts, limiting its immersive potential.
Guardians MH, a mental health nonprofit, hands out free kits with fidget tools and resources at PAX, highlighting a growing commitment to gamer well-being.
Daggerheart, the new tabletop system featured at Acquisitions Incorporated, uses a 'fear and hope' mechanic and player-driven narrative, offering a more improvisational experience than traditional D&D.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening Banter: Accents, Confusion, and the PAX Vibe
The hosts open with a playful exchange about their similar voices, leading into a discussion on regional accents—especially how Australians and New Zealanders are often mistaken for each other. They reflect on how accents can be misidentified even in places like Vietnam and Rhode Island, where 'bubbler' is a shared term for drinking fountain.
PAX East 2026: Smaller, Different, and Missing Big Names
Luke shares his experience at PAX East 2026, noting the event feels smaller than before. Major publishers like Xbox, PlayStation, and Tiny Build are absent, and Penny Arcade skipped their Q&A panels—marking a shift from the convention’s roots. He reflects on how the event’s identity has evolved as its original icons fade.
The Game Tank: A Solo Developer’s 8-Bit Masterpiece
“I'm just going to make my own console. And he did. And it's all open source. So you can, if you have the ability, get from GitHub the schematics and files required to make this yourself.”
Omara Scent Display: Smell in Gameplay (But Not the Way You Want)
“I want for like when we're wandering around Elder Scrolls VI and we can smell the horse we're riding on. Yeah, yeah. Or like if I'm playing Dune, you know, if I'm out in the desert and I'm mining spice, I can smell them a lot.”
Guardians MH: Mental Health Kits at PAX
“I just thought this was really cool that they have these, it's like literally a little pouch and then you can take, I didn't take one because I was like, leave them for people who might need them.”
“I'm just going to make my own console. And he did. And it's all open source. So you can, if you have the ability, get from GitHub the schematics and files required to make this yourself.”
“I want for like when we're wandering around Elder Scrolls VI and we can smell the horse we're riding on. Yeah, yeah. Or like if I'm playing Dune, you know, if I'm out in the desert and I'm mining spice, I can smell them a lot.”
“The DM only does that you have like a fear points on the top of the DM screen. Chris had, he has to spend those to do stuff. He moves the story along.”
Hosts
Luke
person
Matt
person
PAX East
other
Game Tank
product
Daggerheart
product
Omara
product
Spotify
organization
Patreon
other
Guardians MH
organization
Chris Perkins
person
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