Take This has announced it will be introducing the “Away from the Keyboard” (AFK) at Pax Australia 2015.
The AFK Room will be a quiet area for people looking to relax and take a break from the busy PAX floor. The room will be staffed with volunteers and clinicians who can answer question and offer support for those taking a break from the show floor.
Take This is a US-based not-for-profit organisation, which has teamed up with PAX to bring this joint initiative down under. The AFK Room was introduced at PAX East in 2014, and has since accommodated up to 500 attendees each day during events. The AFK Room has been a permanent feature of every US PAX show, and PAX Australia is happy to replicate this feature.
“We are thrilled to bring the AFK Room and Take This’s message of healing and hope for those dealing with mental health issues to PAX Australia,” said Take this Executive Director, Russ Pitts. “Over the past year, as attendees of US-based PAX events and other shows have become more aware of the mental health issues in our community, we’ve seen a growing demand for spaces like the AFK Room and education and awareness like Take This provides. To be working with PAX to ensure that the Enforcers and attendees at PAX Aus have support for dealing with these issues is a wonderful privilege.”
“After seeing the benefits at PAX East 2014, it’s always been Russ and my goal to get AFK rooms to not only all PAXes but to all gaming events across the globe. Take This is an organization that helps gamers, period,” said Penny Arcade President Robert Khoo.
PAX Australia will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 30 to November 1. Single day passes and 3 days international passes are still available online here. It was also previously revealed Warren Spector would be appearing at the event, and ESL will be hosting an eSports Arena at the event.
