PAX Aus 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, with a spectacular lineup of special guests from the gaming, cosplay, and entertainment industries. This year’s guest list features creative giants, award-winning designers, international cosplay champions, and some of the most influential names in gaming.
Check out our previous article on PAX Aus 2024 here.
Tales of the Shire and The Lord of the Rings
Kicking off the guest announcements, the custodians of The Lord of the Rings are bringing Hobbit lore to Tales of the Shire! Join Wētā Workshop’s Game Studio for two panels during PAX Aus. Celebrating 20 years at Wētā Workshop, Art Director Stephen Lambert will share insights into constructing Bywater in a one-hour Fireside chat on Friday. On Saturday, hear from Lead Game Producer Calliope Ryder, Game Designer Catherine Booth, Art Director Stephen Lambert, and Game Studio Director Tony Lawrence as they delve into the development of the highly anticipated cozy sim, Tales of the Shire.
Final Fantasy XIV Design Legends
Joining the lineup from Square Enix are Natsuka Ishikawa, Senior Story Designer for Final Fantasy XIV, and Saki Takayanagi, Teams Quest and NPC Designer for FFXIV. Both have been integral to the game’s development since A Realm Reborn, contributing to the critically acclaimed storylines in Shadowbringers and Endwalker.
Big Names in Gaming
BAFTA-nominated actor Abubakar Salim, known for his roles as Bayek of Siwa in Assassin’s Creed Origins and Alyn of Hull in HBO’s House of the Dragon, will be in attendance. Salim, founder and CEO of Surgent Studios, is also an avid RPG player and has appeared in Critical Role’s Downfall Special and The Glass Cannon Network.
Rich Lambert, Game Director on The Elder Scrolls Online, is excited to connect with fans at PAX Melbourne. Lambert, who has worked on titles like Oblivion and Fallout 3 at Bethesda Game Studios, brings years of experience to the event.
Music and Sound Design Excellence
Sonia Coronado, a Senior Music Designer at PlayStation Studios Creative Arts, will be sharing her expertise. Coronado’s credits include God of War Ragnarök, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Ghost of Tsushima, and The Last of Us Part II. Her work has garnered industry recognition, including MPSE awards and nominations at The Game Awards, BAFTA’s Games Awards, and more.
Adding to the music talent is James Landino, an internationally recognized video game/anime composer and DJ based in Tokyo. Known for his work on Omega Strikers and other projects like No Straight Roads and Fortnite, Landino’s influence bridges gaming, anime, and electronic music.
International Cosplay Champion and Esports Stars
Sameer Bundela, also known as Sameer Tikka Masala, is a pioneering cosplayer from India and a four-time Cosplay Champion of India. Bundela has been cosplaying for over 13 years and is recognized as India’s first professional cosplayer.
Australia’s esports pride, FlyQuest, will also be at PAX Aus. Known for their CounterStrike 2 team, affectionately called “The Boys,” FlyQuest represents Australia on the global esports stage. The team, originally under the “Grayhound Gaming” banner, includes Christopher “dexter” Nong, Jay “Liazz” Tregillgas, Joshua “INS” Potter, Alistair ‘aliStair” Johnston, and Declan “Vexite” Portelli, and is coached by Erdenetsogt “erksSt’ Gantulga.
Industry Veterans and More
Josh Weier, a veteran game developer with over 20 years of experience at Valve, will be at PAX Aus. Known for his work on Half-Life 2 and Portal 2, Weier now calls Melbourne home and brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the event.
These guests join previously announced talents like Julian Wilton (Creative Director of Massive Monster, creator of Cult of the Lamb), Mark Meer (voice of Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect series), and John Robertson (The Dark Room, Comedian), making PAX Aus 2024 a must-attend event for gaming enthusiasts.
Don’t Miss Out!
With three-day badges sold out and Saturday badges 95% sold out, get your tickets now to hear from this incredible lineup of talent. PAX Aus 2024 takes place from October 11-13 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
For more information and to purchase badges, visit the official PAX Aus website and follow PAX Aus 2024 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Discord, and TikTok.
