Devolver Digital’s booth has long been a staple of PAX East. For as long as I can remember, whenever the publisher shows up, it also shows out. Arguably the largest booth on the floor, it is adorned with warm light bulbs, carpeted demo stations, and television screens big enough for bystanders to enjoy the spectacle without waiting in line. 

The company is showing off three upcoming games at this year’s show: Mycopunk (a co-op shooter in which players fight against a fungal infestation), Monster Train 2 (the sequel to a deck builder we love), and Botsu (a physics-based multiplayer sports game). The adjacent merch store features a skate deck, which I think every publisher should sell. 

Limited Run Games

Limited Run Games is helmed by a group of road dogs, and the physical game-focused merchandiser always impresses when it appears at events. While sometimes a bit cramped, the booth interior maximizes its space, featuring several rows of exclusive wares, bright LED-lit product displays, and demo stations galore. Seeing big box versions of classics like Star Wars: Dark Forces is always a treat. Plus, the booth staff are friendly and patient with window shoppers. 

Goblintown

Goblintown is a racing game that looks like someone pulled the concept from a relish-stained sketchbook of car doodles. It is gross, in a good way, I think. The booth has prime placement, situated a few steps away from the showfloor entrance, and catches the attention of passersby with its rust-belt signage and graffiti-covered truck that looks like it was pulled from a local junkyard. Televisions adorn the vehicle’s exterior, while an interior seat enables players to experience the demo inside the back of the truck. 

Dune: Awakening

Shout-out to my guy, Shai-Hulud. He caused a ruckus all weekend. Everyone loved him. 

Gudnak

Originally a Kickstarter success story, Gudnak is an expandable deck-builder suitable for two to four players. Vittoria Pompolani’s beautiful art style, featuring her signature proportions and chunky lines, defines the card game’s premium look. As of this writing, a copy of Gudnak is sitting in my shopping cart. There is also an expansion available, which is dangerous for me. 

Yaniir

Disclaimer: Yaniir is a good friend and a former coworker. Before leaving Game Informer to run her artisan dice-making business full-time, Jen designed our magazine issues for nearly six years. Her booth features handmade resin dice sets and jewelry, which are increasingly popular among modern tabletop audiences. If you visit the Yaniir booth at future shows, ask to see Jen’s special art piece, which depicts Dungeons and Dragons’ Fall of Elturel inside of a large D20. 

Storyteller Squad

Storyteller Squad is a narrative-driven actual play podcast centering on cryptid tales. While I haven’t listened to the show yet, I was impressed by the crew’s booth when I stumbled upon it at PAX East. While the hosts sell various sticker sets, play mats, and postcards based on events in their show, their booth served as a cozy photo opportunity surrounded by wild vegetation, tree stumps, a cozy campfire, and an audio station to preview podcast episodes.