PAX 2009

For Immediate Release

SEATTLE - March 9, 2009 - The organizers of the PAX gaming festival today announced that this year's "The PAX 10" independent games showcase is officially open for submissions. From now until May 9, independent developers seeking to participate can submit their original game creations for consideration at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/57264.

A panel of 50 industry experts, including Penny Arcade's own Gabe and Tycho, will select the ten best submissions in terms of gameplay and overall "fun factor" for inclusion in The PAX 10. Winners will be announced in July and invited to show off their hard work in the PAX 2009 Exhibition Hall Sept. 4-6 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.

"We were absolutely amazed by the quality and diversity of games submitted in 2008," said Robert Khoo of Penny Arcade. "I'm excited to see what the community of indie game devs have in store for us this year. Good luck to everyone!"

Microsoft, EA, Ubisoft, Bioware and over 20 other exhibitors are already signed for this year's Exhibition Hall; industry professionals interested in reserving booth space should write to paxsales@paxsite.com for further information. First details of PAX 2009 programming will be revealed later this month, but badges are already selling three times faster than in 2008. As a reminder, attendee badges are limited this year and will sell via pre-registration at www.paxsite.com, closing on Aug. 15 (to be shipped to attendees) or when sold out.

About PAX: PAX is a three-day celebration of games and gamer culture. The festival includes an exhibition floor filled with playable builds of upcoming tabletop, console, and computer games; a conference program of game industry speakers; music concerts; freeplay areas; industry parties; game tournaments and more. Since its inception in 2004 the show has doubled in size year-over-year, growing from 4,500 attendees to 58,500 in 2008, making it the largest gaming festival in North America. For more information, visit www.paxsite.com.

About Penny Arcade: Equal parts online comic and commentary, Penny Arcade ( www.penny-arcade.com) keeps its finger on the pulse of the gaming industry, prompting conversation and controversy alike from community members and industry experts. What started as a hobby in 1998 for Jerry "Tycho" Holkins and Mike "Gabe" Krahulik has grown into an online phenomenon serving over 70 million page views a month to millions of readers worldwide. In addition to the comic strip and PAX, Penny Arcade has expanded its reach to include a growing line of merchandise, a video game and management of Child's Play ( www.childsplaycharity.org), a gamer-driven charity for children that spans the globe.

###

Media Contacts

For further information regarding Penny Arcade, PAX, The PAX 10 or the Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness game series

Carolyn Carnes

Flash Fire Communications

866-205-5670 x500

carolyn@flash-fire.com

For PAX 2009 media registration

PAX Media Liaison

206-351-9161

pax_media@penny-arcade.com

For other inquiries

Amber Fechko

PAX Program Manager

206-388-3531

amberf@penny-arcade.com