When we were unable to secure a booth at PAX Unplugged 2024 (we did make the waitlist), we were disheartened but not discouraged. Company founder Christoff Visscher decided to attend the convention anyway to learn, connect, and soak in the experience. Here’s a recap of what he discovered on the trip.
Philly: The City of Boardgame Love
PAX shone brightly in Philadelphia, often called the City of Brotherly Love—though I’d argue it should be dubbed the City of Boardgame Love during PAX. For such a dense and picturesque city, it was incredible to see the brightly costumed nerds and cosplayers mingling with the blues and greys of office workers. Despite the frigid temperatures, it was clear I was stepping into a weekend that would be red hot!
Looking for a way to bring this same magic into your game nights? Explore our immersive gaming candle collection and set the perfect mood.
First Stop: The Expo Hall
As a businessman first and a boardgame lover second, my primary objective was to see which brands were making an appearance, how they designed their booths, and what exciting new products were hitting the market.
One of my first stops was at Snowbright Studio, an LGBTQ game studio creating video games, TTRPGs, and boardgames designed for everyone. They also publish The Cozy Companion, described as a portal to all things warm and inviting in tabletop gaming. Having done an interview with them earlier this year, I was thrilled to grab a copy of The Cozy Companion in person! Their booth was highlighted by a magnificently lit Christmas tree that towered over its neighbors.
The Expo Hall featured an exciting array of games, including the Divinity: Original Sin boxed set, the Valheim board game (available for late backing), and a hilariously clever debate game called Change My Mind.
Highlights from the Hall
I also stopped by Mythic Grove Productions, which hosted convention attendees at their Y2K-themed lounge, complete with cozy couches and the opportunity to write on their walls. We haven’t worked with Mythic Grove (yet), but their Session Zero System caught my attention. It’s an immersive and collaborative storytelling tool that enhances any TTRPG, guiding players and GMs alike through crafting a rich Session Zero. Naturally, we left our mark on their wall before moving on.
Vaporwave, 80s vibes, and general nostalgia were popular design trends this year, perfectly executed by booths like 1985 Games and Turbo Dork. It’s always fascinating to see brands stay true to retro aesthetics without feeling “old guard” or out of touch. Meanwhile, Dispel Dice flipped this vintage style on its head with an ultra-chic, modern backdrop. No surprises there—they consistently deliver on elegance and sophistication.
In my opinion, the most stunning booth belonged to Fable’s End by Dragon Leaf. Their charming, autumnal forest-themed booth, hand-painted with foliage, was a visual masterpiece. Inside, attendees could demo the game in an immersive setting. This was my first exposure to Dragon Leaf, but I’m thoroughly impressed by their artistic direction and wish them immense success.
Finally, we couldn’t leave without visiting our friends at Pawlymorph Pet Toys. Their booth was a delightful blend of whimsy and utility, featuring beautifully illustrated shelving and adorable TTRPG-themed toys for pets. It was exciting to preview some of their upcoming products available for presale.
Reflections and Aspirations
The days were packed with shopping, gameplay, and laughter, while the nights were filled with drinks and networking. It was a joy to experience PAX Unplugged, and I deeply hope that Cantrip Candles will have the opportunity to proudly showcase our wares at next year’s event. For now, we’re thrilled to celebrate the success of our friends and fellow creators in the community.
Want to bring the spirit of PAX into your own home? Check out our Long Rest candle or Library Scriptorium candle—perfect for enhancing your next boardgame night.