PAX Unplugged 2025

Comprehensive Event Analysis & Feedback Report

Event Dates: November 21-23, 2025

Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA

Report Generated: November 24, 2025

Executive Summary

PAX Unplugged 2025 concluded on November 23, 2025, marking another successful year for Philadelphia's premier tabletop gaming convention. The event welcomed tens of thousands of attendees from across the United States and internationally, featuring over 300 exhibitors ranging from industry giants to indie developers.

30,000+ Estimated Attendees
300+ Exhibitors
3 Days of Gaming
Key Takeaway: PAX Unplugged continues to be described as "the warmest tabletop show" with exceptional community inclusivity and engagement. Vendors consistently praised Philadelphia's welcoming atmosphere and the Convention Center's supportive staff.

Attendee Sentiment Analysis

Positive Feedback Themes

Inclusivity & Community

Multiple attendees and vendors praised the convention's welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, particularly for LGBTQ+ community members and diverse gaming interests.

Accessibility

Philadelphia location praised for regional accessibility and Convention Center staff noted for exceptional helpfulness.

Vendor Experience

Vendors described PAX Unplugged as "the warmest" show and appreciated direct consumer engagement opportunities.

Notable Attendee Quotes

"I used to live in Philadelphia and I came to be with my siblings, and we all love board games, so it's just a great time." — Kayla, Crestview, FL
"A great representation of how inclusive the community is." — Chris Vicari, NYC (4th-time attendee)
"It's the warmest tabletop show. It's not the biggest, but it's the warmest." — Patrick Rami, Owner of Lethal Shadows
"It's a consumer show, so you're talking directly to the community. It's one of everybody's favorite shows as a vendor." — Quentin Weir, Elderwood Academy

Event Highlights & Programming

Featured Guests & Panels

  • Isaac Childres (Co-Founder, Cephalofair Games) - Keynote Storytime
  • Matthew Mercer (Critical Role) - Multiple appearances including Daggerheart presentation and Acquisitions Inc LIVE
  • Ify Nwadiwe & Aabria Iyengar (Dropout TV) - Special guests
  • Jeremy Crawford, Spenser Starke, Rowan Hall, & Elise Rezendes - Daggerheart update panel
  • Fantasy Flight Games - Annual In-Flight Report with announcements and spoilers

Major Announcements

Daggerheart: Hope and Fear

Darrington Press announced the first expansion for their popular fantasy TTRPG, the biggest TTRPG reveal of the convention.

Exhibitor & Vendor Analysis

Major Publishers & Brands

Board Games

  • Asmodee
  • CATAN Studio
  • Cephalofair Games
  • Kosmos Games
  • 25th Century Games

RPGs & TTRPGs

  • Darrington Press
  • Modiphius (Fallout RPG)
  • R.Talsorian Games
  • Exeunt Press

Accessories & More

  • The Army Painter
  • Norse Foundry
  • Foam Brain Games
  • Elderwood Academy
  • Fantastic Knickknackery

Vendor Feedback Summary

Exhibitors consistently praised Philadelphia's unique atmosphere and the direct consumer engagement model. This was many vendors' 5th-7th year returning to PAX Unplugged, indicating strong satisfaction with the event.

Attendee Profile

Attendee Categories

Consumers & Fans

The majority of attendees were tabletop gaming enthusiasts, with many traveling from out of state. Philadelphia's exclusive hosting of the event draws regional and national audiences.

Industry Professionals

Game designers, publishers, distributors, retailers, and creative agencies formed a significant presence for networking and business development.

Content Creators & Media

The event attracted content creators and gaming media, with many participating through Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms to broadcast the experience.

Repeat Attendance

Multiple sources indicate strong repeat attendance, with interviewed attendees reporting this was their 4th-7th year attending, demonstrating high satisfaction and event loyalty.

Community Impact & Inclusivity

A consistent theme across all feedback was PAX Unplugged's exceptional inclusivity and welcoming atmosphere. The convention has established itself as a safe and celebratory space for diverse gaming communities.

LGBTQ+ Representation

Vendors like Meloria Maille specifically emphasized offering LGBTQ+ and queer pride-themed merchandise, contributing to an inclusive vendor ecosystem.

Cosplay Culture

Heavy cosplay presence noted, with attendees dressing as their favorite characters from D&D, board games, and other tabletop properties.

Local Community

Philadelphia-based companies and attendees emphasized the importance of having a major tabletop convention in the region, filling a community need.

"I feel like there's not much else locally that's available for our community." — Emily, Lancaster (6th-time attendee)

Looking Ahead: PAX Unplugged 2026

Save the Date: PAX Unplugged 2026 will return to the Pennsylvania Convention Center from Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6, 2026.

Based on the continued growth and overwhelmingly positive feedback from 2025, expectations are high for next year's event. The convention continues to establish itself as the premier East Coast tabletop gaming convention.

Sources & References