PAX is set to launch a new tabletop event in Texas, the heart of the gaming community.

For the first time in nearly six years, PAX is making its way to the southern U.S. with an exciting new event. PAX Unplugged Houston, the latest edition of the tabletop gaming convention from Penny Arcade, co-organized with ReedPop, will kick off at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston from June 25–27, 2027.

Penny Arcade was founded in 1998 by Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik, who created a webcomic inspired by their love for video games and the gaming industry. In 2004, they recognized the need for a convention solely focused on gaming, leading to the birth of the Penny Arcade Expo, now known as PAX.

“I remember the very first PAX, when we had about 1,300 attendees,” Krahulik recalled in a video interview. “A guy approached us and said, ‘I didn’t have a very good time.’ Jerry and I felt terrible. We still feel that way. We shouldn’t feel personally responsible for the event anymore, but if I see someone not enjoying themselves, I still feel bad. It’s important to have that sense of responsibility to ensure everyone has a good time.”

This commitment to community and enjoyment has been a driving force behind PAX’s growth to five annual events. Holkins and Krahulik have stayed true to their roots for over two decades, which has contributed to the convention’s lasting success.

PAX Unplugged, in particular, has a unique vibe. “I always leave feeling so energized that I want to do it all over again,” Holkins shared.

Krahulik added, “This is the part of the country where we don’t have a PAX yet. It’s a gap we need to fill for maximum impact.”

Houston was selected for its robust infrastructure, large airport, ample hotel options, and a young, tech-savvy demographic. “We believe there’s a significant gaming community in Houston,” Krahulik noted.

This isn’t PAX’s first venture into the South; PAX South took place in San Antonio from 2015 to 2020 before being canceled in 2021. The organizers feel that now is the perfect time for a revival and a second annual Unplugged event, especially as the tabletop industry is booming and thriving creatively.

“We’ve always used PAX to introduce video gamers to tabletop gaming,” Holkins explained. “As tabletop has evolved and become more engaging, PAX Unplugged represents the best of what we can offer. At PAX East, for instance, a third of the show floor is dedicated to tabletop games. There’s always been a hidden tabletop convention within PAX events.”

Krahulik added, “From the beginning, we wanted to show attendees that what they enjoy isn’t limited to video games. It’s about cool systems and interesting mechanics, which can be found in various formats. I hadn’t played Dungeons & Dragons before Acquisitions Incorporated; we aimed to demonstrate to video game fans that tabletop games are equally exciting.”

Acquisitions Incorporated, affectionately known as Acq. Inc. by fans, was a trailblazer in the D&D actual play scene. It began in 2008 as a podcast in collaboration with Wizards of the Coast and has since evolved into live performances at PAX conventions, several pre-recorded miniseries, and even an official sourcebook for D&D 5th edition.

At PAX Unplugged 2025, it was announced that after nearly two decades with D&D, Acquisitions Incorporated would transition to Daggerheart, a TTRPG developed by Critical Role. This news surprised many in the tabletop community.

“We’re just as puzzled by the lack of excitement around this change,” Holkins joked. “We started this journey long ago, aiming to show how much fun these games can be with friends. As a kid, I got into trouble for playing D&D and couldn’t have those books at home, which led me to explore other RPGs. Each system has its strengths and offers different perspectives. D&D is versatile, but Daggerheart emphasizes the interaction between the storyteller and players, creating resource pools that the Game Master can use to influence the game.”

Holkins shared an example from the first live Daggerheart game, where Critical Role’s Matt Mercer introduced a new NPC using one of his character’s abilities. “This is a formalization of house rules that many D&D players have used for years, but now it’s mechanically recognized and tracked,” he explained. “Daggerheart really captures the essence of indie RPGs.”

With Acquisitions Incorporated now on Beacon, Critical Role’s official streaming service, new opportunities for exciting projects are on the horizon. “We’ve had some fascinating discussions with Critical Role,” Holkins said. “I’d love to create a more formal series to tell a deeper story, but my dream is to contribute to the world and mechanics.”

With a new PAX Unplugged and a fresh game system for Acq. Inc., there’s a lot happening at Penny Arcade. Yet, some things will always remain constant. “No matter where the show is or how big it gets, it will always feel like home,” Holkins stated.

Krahulik added, “We strive to make it an inclusive event for everyone. We remember being two guys in an apartment creating JPEGs back in 1998. That’s who we are, and we’ll always be those people.”

Badges for PAX Unplugged Houston will be available for purchase later this year.