The Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) Australia will be held in Melbourne in 2013 and 2014, it has been confirmed this morning.
The Melbourne location was first reported last month, but event organisers refused to comment until they confirmed it today.
As expected, PAX Australia will run from July 19-21 at the Melbourne Showgrounds and is managed by PAX and ReedPOP.
"This is the first time the event has been held outside the United States and attracting PAX Australia to Melbourne was a major coup for Victoria," said Victorian Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher. "It is a great opportunity to showcase games culture in Australia to the rest of the world, and the exposure around the region and the world that Melbourne’s games industry will gain from the event, and the number of international and domestic visitors that will be drawn to Melbourne, cannot be underestimated."
Penny Arcade President Robert Khoo jointly made the announcement, and explained why Melbourne was the first city chosen outside of the US.
"Melbourne has a long history of supporting the games scene, through showcasing cultural game exhibits to supporting world renowned game developers. Holding PAX Australia in Melbourne is the perfect fit for our show," said Mr Khoo.
You can buy passes online now, starting at $45 for one day, and $115 for a three-day pass.
By Ben Salter