Once A Year It Rises From The Dead: PAX EAST!

Every year, I look forward to special occasions. Halloween, my conjuring day (I like birthday cake), and PAX East!

PAX East is the largest video game convention on the East Coast, showcasing AAA and indie titles from all genres. This year, it took place in Boston from May 8th to May 11th. Yes, I know I’m late in writing about it. I have disappointed both my boss and you. I hope my ghost-like charm will take your mind off my failure.

Anyway, one thing about me is that video games and the horror genre have played a significant role in my life, and with adult money, I can still enjoy them. At PAX East, you can test games, win prizes, buy merchandise, and make new friends with similar interests. Whether you’re interested in learning about the game industry, are an avid collector of retro games, or are exploring niche genres like indie horror, there is something for everyone.

As a veteran con goer, I prepare ahead of time and do some homework on which indie studios I wish to check out. I was pleased to see the number of indie titles showcased in the horror, weird, fantasy, and sci-fi genres. So it shouldn't be surprising that I prioritized checking out the DreadXP booth to see the latest monster they had created in their lab. DreadXP is an indie game publisher specializing in horror. They are behind titles such as Sucker for Love: First Date, Amanda the Adventurer, and the massive hit The Mortuary Assistant, along with many other projects. Sadly, I couldn't play their latest game, White Knuckle. For those who are unfamiliar, it is a first-person speed climbing game where your sharp reflexes and smart resource management will be key to escaping imminent danger. I’m sure I’ll play it soon on my Twitch channel—(Username: ChemicalBoyX) hint, hint. 

You would think the con being 4 days was enough to play demos, buy things you don’t need, attend panels, resurrect the dead, and be part of social activities, but nope! The downside was that there was too much to do and insufficient time. It felt like being a ghoul on Halloween—there were too many humans to terrorize and houses to haunt. My personal goal was to obtain all the cool pins. Mission was successful, of course. I received exclusive pins from PAX East: DreadXP, Toxic Avengers, Cult of the Lamb, and Dead by Daylight.

Speaking of Dead by Daylight, I had the honor of meeting one of my horror icons, Mathieu Cote, the game director. I enjoyed discussing his guest appearance on the horror-themed drag competition Dragula, the significance of inclusivity in the gaming industry, and the July 8 release date of the Dead by Daylight X Boulet Brothers collaboration. Both hosts of Dragula, the Boulet Brothers, and the reigning monster, Asia Consent, will be featured in the game. What a slay tbh. 

When I was not busy chatting with horror icons and making new ghoul friends, I tried my best to visit booths with some cool games. Sadly, I was unable to play-test all the titles, so I want to highlight some indie horror/alternative games that caught my attention: God Save Birmingham, Love Eternal, Tunnels, Demonschool, Section 13, Goblintown: Really Hard Driving Game, and Toxic Crusaders. Yes, I know I played Toxic Crusaders on my Twitch channel recently, but that’s more of the reason you should play it, too. That game was fun as hell.

I'm already looking forward to PAX East 2026, hoping for double the horror content. Also, a big shoutout to Twitch for featuring me on the big screen throughout the night at their after-party. It would be fantastic to have a horror-themed after-party next time, with some horror content creators as hosts. The possibilities are endless as the convention can only grow larger and more frightening from here! So to prepare, have your candles out, wait for a full moon, raise your game controller to the night sky, and say “Long live indie horror games!”