PAX West 2021 will require people to prove they have been vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19 after all.
On July 27, the PAX West organizers announced that those who wish to attend the gaming event in person would need proof that they are safe to be around people.
PAX West 2021 New Requirements for Attendees
In June, PAX West organizers said that this year's event would push through in September, and the mandatory requirement was to wear face masks and follow social distancing rules.
The organizers also initially said that attendees do not need to get tested for COVID nor get vaccinated to enter the event, according to The Verge.
Kyle Marsden-Kish, the global gaming event director for PAX West, shared the latest news regarding the gaming event in a health and safety update posted on PAX West's official site.
Marsden-Kish said that the reason why they decided to change the policies is because of the recommendations of state and local public health authorities that people must present a vaccination card or a negative COVID-19 test result whenever they enter an establishment.
The new policies will take effect on Sept. 3, when the PAX West event starts, according to PCGamer.
The statement also clarified that everyone in the event must present proof that they've completed their COVID-19 vaccination or that they've tested negative of COVID-19 through an antigen test or PCR test. For further verification, attendees also need to prevent a government-issued ID.
Although the changes were added due to authorities' recommendations, the organizers said that they would continue to make changes and review policies based on the feedback that they will get from the community, according to GeekWire.
The gaming community did not respond to the initial plan of attending without proof of vaccination or doing a COVID-19 test, as most of the community was not planning on attending in person anyway.
Most of the events this year are still happening online, though those that happen in person usually require attendees to show proof of vaccination.
For example, the fans who attended England's European Championship games at Wembley Stadium were required to show their vaccination cards or a negative COVID-19 test result before they were granted entry.
PAX West organizers did not mention anything about a refund on their official statement, but they did say that if you've purchased badges and have questions or concerns regarding the changes, you can contact them via email at PAX_Questions@PAXsite.com.
First In-Person Gaming Event in 2021
PAX West 2021 is predicted to attract thousands of gamers and fans as it will be the first major in-person gaming event since the pandemic began.
PAX began in 2004 and quickly became a place for gamers to gather and share their love for tabletop and video games. Developers also attend the event to showcase their latest games, and esports players compete against each other.
There are four events held annually: PAX East in Boston, Massachusetts, PAX South in San Antonio, Texas, PAX Australia in Melbourne, and PAX West in Seattle, Washington.
PAX West 2021 be held at the Washington State Convention Center from Sep. 3 to 6.
The badges went on sale in June, and they are still available for those interested in attending. The four-day passes cost $230, while a one-day pass cost $60.
Related Article: Amazon Gets Approval from the FDA to Use their Own At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits for Employees
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Sophie Webster
