It’s been about two weeks since my return from PAX East 2025, and with all the articles, interviews, diaries, and exclusives, I reflect on how much fun and how hard the team worked! I am proud to call each and every one a friend, and it means a lot. Now, I know the title of this banter may seem odd, but let me explain.
While at PAX East, I saw a lot of open space on the floor and couldn’t figure out why. I found out that some developers from around the world pulled out at the last minute due to the things that are going on in the U.S. I won’t focus on specifics, but I felt sadness.
This may sound selfish of me, but I would love to play more games and see new ideas introduced with a lot of developers from around the world. Furthermore, I would love to speak to them and have a genuine and exciting discussion about their game, influences, go-to snack, and overall give support to them and their team.

I felt I was robbed of that opportunity, but I respect the decision and understand why it was made. I believe it’s better for them not to risk anything and avoid any negative experiences. After all was said and done, I just felt some undeserved sadness, a feeling I don’t have often. I think it stems from thinking of what could have been.
What brings me happiness is seeing a developer share their culture, influence, and passions with readers, listeners, viewers, or gamers. I love this because you can share a special moment of playing or talking with those developers at conventions like PAX East. You realize it’s not just a job but an eye opener to what video games can explore, issues they can tackle, music you can find new to you, and what passion means from person to person.
I hope to make it to PAX West 2025 this year and see more developers at the show to meet, interview, and play their games. I want them to be recognized, supported, and have that moment to shine, whether it’s a debut game, a follow-up, or a new IP. I just don’t want to be sad because of the political nature of this country. Nobody wants an underserved sadness.
Have you ever had a undeserved sadness? Let us know in the comments or on out Discord.
Featured Image: Telltale Games (via Gamesrader)
Nintendo Pow Block – A Nintendo Podcast by Boss Rush
Nintendo Pow Block is a weekly Nintendo podcast hosted by Edward Varnell, Corey Dirrig, and their friends from around the internet. Each week, they dive into the latest Nintendo news and rumors for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, new and upcoming releases, updates to Nintendo Switch Online and the Nintendo Music app, and discuss what they’ve been playing in the Playing with Power segment.
Nintendo Pow Block Podcast – Now your Podcasting with Power!
Summer Game Fest, Xbox Game Showcase, & the Nintendo Direct – Nintendo Pow Block Podcast – Now Your Podcasting with Power!
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