PAX plans to introduce 'Diversity Lounges' next year

The Penny Arcade Expo plans to introduce a special area at future expos, that it hopes will act as a safe and welcoming environment for diversity, according to new documents. The documents, as seen on Indie Statik, talk about "a place where people can come to find out about all the different diversity related things happening in and around PAX." The idea will be that these "Diversity Hub and Lounges" will both act as a place for people to better understand diversity in the games industry, and also as a "safe place" for attendees to meet up. And activities, including developer meet and greets and product promotions, will be available from these areas. "Our goal was to highlight diverse groups (and organizations that represent diverse groups) in the industry that might not necessarily get exposure otherwise", Penny Arcade's Robert Khoo told Kotaku. "We have a limited number of slots, and the booths are free. In addition, since all of our content is spread out at the show rather than 'tracked', the hub will also be a resource for people to find the diverse sessions, events, and exhibitors." This follows the uproar caused earlier this year, when the convention organizers made numerous statements about transgender people. Some developers decided to pull out of the show and skip future shows as a result, including Gone Home studio The Fullbright Company.