PAX West 2026: Schedule and News for Friday, September 4—Events to Follow Today
PAX West 2026 opens its doors this Friday, September 4, in Seattle. For four days, the event brings together publishers, developers, players and creators at the Seattle Convention Center. The opening day will notably feature the keynote from Marc Merrill, co-founder of Riot Games, the first playable demos, a panel dedicated to BRIGANDINE ABYSS and an event focused on SILENT HILL: Townfall. Here is the detailed schedule and the main events to follow today.
PAX West 2026: What to Remember This Friday, September 4
PAX West 2026 runs from Friday, September 4, through Monday, September 7, in Seattle, in the Arch and Summit buildings of the Seattle Convention Center. The show opens to the public at 10:00 a.m. this Friday, and general activities continue until midnight. The Expo Hall is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Official PAX West source.
The official schedule includes panels, performances, tournaments, gaming sessions, concerts and community events. Two new areas are also being offered in 2026: the Creator Stage and the PAX Art Hub. Official PAX West schedule.
Key Information About PAX West 2026
Question
Answer
When does PAX West begin?
Friday, September 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Where is the show held?
Seattle Convention Center, Seattle
When does the Expo Hall close?
6:00 p.m.
When does the day end?
Midnight
Who is giving the opening keynote?
Marc Merrill, co-founder of Riot Games
What time?
11:00 a.m. PT
Where?
Main Theatre
Which panel is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.?
BRIGANDINE ABYSS
What major event is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.?
SILENT HILL: Townfall
Times and locations checked against the official PAX West pages and publishers' official pages. See the PAX West schedule.
10:00 a.m.: PAX West and the Expo Hall Open
The doors to PAX West open at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Visitors can then access the Seattle Convention Center's two main exhibition halls: the Arch Building and the Summit Building.
The Expo Hall remains open until 6:00 p.m. The official schedule states that the spaces will host numerous games, exhibitors and playable experiences throughout the day. Official source.
The official exhibitor document also provides for a media-only access period between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. on Friday morning, before the show's general opening. PAX West 2026 exhibitor manual.
For visitors, this opening period is the best time to start exploring the booths before queues become longer later in the day.
PAX Rising Showcase: Independent Games to Discover
PAX West puts a particular focus on the independent scene with the PAX Rising Showcase.
It is a selection of games chosen directly by the PAX team. The organization explains that the selected titles stand out for their gameplay, entertainment value or inventiveness, regardless of genre or platform. Official PAX Rising Showcase.
The showcase is therefore one of the areas to watch for independent productions that could make an impression during the show.
Unlike some previous editions or other events, the official name used by PAX in 2026 is indeed “PAX Rising Showcase.”
11:00 a.m.: Marc Merrill Opens PAX West 2026
The day's first major event is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. PT at the Main Theatre with the traditional Storytime Keynote.
This year, PAX is handing the stage to Marc Merrill, co-founder, co-chairman and Chief Product Officer of Riot Games. PAX's official page confirms his participation in the opening ceremony on Friday, September 4. Storytime Keynote – Marc Merrill.
Marc Merrill co-founded Riot Games in 2006 with Brandon Beck. The two entrepreneurs notably helped develop and launch League of Legends. Riot subsequently became the publisher of several major franchises and games, including VALORANT, Teamfight Tactics and Wild Rift. PAX West.
The Storytime format is designed as a career and experience narrative. It is therefore not a platform-holder presentation in the style of a Nintendo Direct or PlayStation Showcase, although Marc Merrill's statements may naturally prompt reactions and interesting information.
Silent Hill Townfall presented at PAX West 2026
What Time Can You Watch Marc Merrill's Keynote from France?
The keynote begins at 11:00 a.m. in Seattle, which is 8:00 p.m. in metropolitan France on Friday, September 4.
For French readers following the event remotely, this is therefore the first major event of the evening.
Riot Games and Riftbound Also at the Show
Riot Games' presence at PAX West is not limited to Marc Merrill.
Riftbound: League of Legends Trading Card Game is also part of the activities centered on Riot's ecosystem during the show. Visitors can discover the game and its dedicated activities directly on-site.
PAX West also features numerous activities related to competitive games, communities and creators, allowing Riot to be part of the show's overall schedule.
Games to Try from the Opening
PAX West 2026 places significant emphasis on playable demos. The official website lists a selection of games presented in the halls, while noting that the list may not be exhaustive. Official PAX West demo list.
Persona 4 Revival and STRANGER THAN HEAVEN from SEGA and ATLUS
SEGA and ATLUS are among the publishers attracting particular attention at this edition, with Persona 4 Revival and STRANGER THAN HEAVEN both on the show's schedule.
Both games are among the playable experiences highlighted as part of SEGA and ATLUS's presence at PAX West. Players attending the show can therefore get an early hands-on look at these productions.
Note: the panel specifically dedicated to Persona 4 Revival is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, not Friday. Friday is therefore primarily devoted to demos and discovering the booths for this production.
1:30 p.m.: BRIGANDINE ABYSS in the Developers' Spotlight
1:30–2:30 p.m. PT, Frog Theatre, Summit Building
The day's first major game-focused panel is Dive into the Abyss with BRIGANDINE ABYSS Producer.
NIS America confirms the appearance of producer Mr. Saito, accompanied by content creators Valkos Lunari and Veracity Trigger. The discussion is expected to cover the game's development, launch and the perspective of players and the community. NIS America – PAX West 2026.
BRIGANDINE ABYSS is also playable directly at the NIS America booth, located at booth #1923 in the Arch Expo Hall. The publisher is also announcing several other games and giveaways during the show. NIS America schedule.
Other Games Highlighted by NIS America
The NIS America booth notably features Village in the Shade and GOBBLE, in addition to BRIGANDINE ABYSS. Visitors can therefore use Friday to discover several of the publisher's productions. Official NIS America source.
4:00 p.m.: SILENT HILL: Townfall Takes Over the Main Theatre
4:00 p.m. PT – Main Theatre
Another major event on this opening day is SILENT HILL: Townfall.
Konami confirms a major presence for the SILENT HILL franchise at PAX West, including a dedicated area for Townfall and a panel bringing together developers and special guests. Konami – PAX West 2026.
SILENT HILL: Townfall is scheduled to launch on September 24, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Steam and Epic Games. The game is developed by Screen Burn and co-published by Annapurna Interactive and Konami. Konami Europe – release date.
Konami has also prepared a themed experience based on the game. The booth recreates the atmosphere of St. Amelia, the game's Scottish setting, with interactive elements and clues for visitors to discover. Konami – PAX West 2026.
The Konami booth also highlights METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol.2 and Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. Official Konami source.
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol.2 at PAX West 2026
6:00 p.m.: The Expo Hall Closes, but PAX West Continues
At 6:00 p.m., the exhibition halls close their doors. The PAX West day is not over, however.
The general schedule continues until midnight on Friday, September 4. Panels, activities, competitions, shows and other events are scheduled beyond the Expo Hall's hours. Official PAX West schedule.
This format is one of the show's distinctive features: PAX is not limited to a video game exhibition and remains active in the evening thanks to its community-focused schedule.
8:30 p.m.: Friday Night Concerts
8:30 p.m. PT – Main Theatre
The opening day continues with the concerts scheduled for the evening.
Friday night will notably feature Magic Sword and Winds5, in a musical lineup designed to extend the festivities after the Expo Hall closes.
Concerts are an integral part of PAX West's schedule, with several musical styles and performances offered each year during the show. Official PAX West features and concerts.
PAX West 2026 Schedule: Friday, September 4, Hour by Hour
Seattle Time
France Time
Event
Location
9:00–10:00 a.m.
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Media access to the Expo Hall
Arch / Summit
10:00 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
Public opening
Arch / Summit
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.–3:00 a.m.
Demos, booths and activities
Expo Hall
11:00 a.m.
8:00 p.m.
Storytime with Marc Merrill
Main Theatre
1:30–2:30 p.m.
10:30–11:30 p.m.
BRIGANDINE ABYSS Producer Panel
Frog Theatre
4:00 p.m.
1:00 a.m. Saturday
SILENT HILL: Townfall panel
Main Theatre
6:00 p.m.
3:00 a.m. Saturday
Expo Hall closes
Arch / Summit
8:30 p.m.
5:30 a.m. Saturday
Concerts
Main Theatre
12:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. Saturday
End of Friday's general activities
Seattle Convention Center
The show's opening and closing times are those published by PAX West. Panel events and times are those currently announced in the official schedule and publishers' communications. View the PAX West schedule.
The Main Games and Events to Watch Today
Several productions already stand out on this opening day:
Persona 4 Revival and STRANGER THAN HEAVEN from SEGA and ATLUS.
BRIGANDINE ABYSS, with a demo and a panel dedicated to the game.
SILENT HILL: Townfall, with a dedicated experience and a panel at the Main Theatre.
The PAX Rising Showcase, featuring a selection of independent games chosen by the PAX team.
Marc Merrill, whose Storytime Keynote is the main opening event.
This selection is obviously not exhaustive: PAX West welcomes numerous publishers and developers across its two exhibition halls. Official demos and exhibitors.
What Announcements Can We Expect Today?
PAX West Friday is not presented as a major conference bringing together several hours of exclusive announcements. The official schedule focuses more on playable demos, panels, meetings with developers, competitions and community events. Official PAX West schedule.
That does not mean no announcements will be made, however. Publishers regularly use events to present new information, trailers, dates or gameplay details.
The day is therefore worth watching closely, particularly for the various exhibitors and publishers with highly anticipated games.
Castlevania presented at Konami's PAX West 2026 booth
🔴 PAX West 2026: The Latest Announcements from Friday, September 4
6:50 p.m. in Seattle: the first day of PAX West 2026 is drawing to a close, and several major announcements have already been made.
Astonishia Story Will Launch in the West on February 11, 2027
NIS America used PAX West 2026 to announce the Western release of Astonishia Story.
Astonishia Story (official NIS America artwork)
This enhanced version of the Korean RPG will launch on February 11, 2027, for PS5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC via Steam. The title features modernized graphics and improved mechanics. A $49.99 Special Edition is also planned, including a soundtrack, cards and a keychain.
The Grimm Reapress and the Drearytale Monster Is Coming West in 2027
NIS America also unveiled the 2027 Western release of The Grimm Reapress and the Drearytale Monster for PS5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC via Steam.
The Grimm Reapress and the Drearytale Monster (official screenshot)
The game is developed by the team behind The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince and The Cruel King and the Great Hero. A new Western announcement trailer accompanies the reveal. The game tells the story of Mono, whose sister suffers from the mysterious “Paper Mortis” disease, which turns humans into picture books and books into monsters.
Double Fine Reveals Thank You Bus Driver
Double Fine Productions has just revealed Thank You Bus Driver, a completely offbeat driving game in which players take on the role of a bus driver tasked with transporting passengers while enforcing the rules.
Thank You Bus Driver (official Double Fine key art)
The title is planned for PC via Steam, GOG, Humble Store and itch.io, but no release date has been announced yet. The concept is particularly original: the bus rules change daily, passengers can be penalized, and players must also keep to their schedules to retain their “Thank Yous.”
Mayday: The Survival Island Sets Its Release Date
Another announcement was made directly at the show: Mayday: The Survival Island will launch on Steam on November 2, 2026.
Mayday: The Survival Island (Steam key art)
Pequi Studios announced the date from the PAX West show floor, where the game is playable through September 7 at indie.io's booth #316. A Steam demo is also available.
Cozy Builder Will Launch on October 14
Another announcement made from the PAX West show floor: Cozy Builder will launch on Steam on October 14, 2026.
Cozy Builder (Steam 16:9 screenshot)
Pangea Game Studios also confirmed that character creation, one of the features most requested by demo players, will be available at launch.
FreeStyle Football 2 Launches Its Prime Open Beta
JOYCITY is launching the Prime Open Beta Test today, alongside the game's presence at PAX West.
FreeStyle Football 2 (gameplay screenshot)
The title features 5v5 matches, with cross-play between PC and consoles, and has a playable demo on-site.
PAX West 2026: An Opening Day Worth Watching Closely
Friday, September 4, 2026, marks the official opening of PAX West 2026 in Seattle. The doors open at 10:00 a.m., followed by Marc Merrill's Storytime Keynote at 11:00 a.m. Visitors can then explore the two exhibition halls, discover the independent productions in the PAX Rising Showcase and try numerous demos. PAX West – Storytime.
The afternoon will notably feature the BRIGANDINE ABYSS panel at 1:30 p.m. and the panel dedicated to SILENT HILL: Townfall at 4:00 p.m. NIS America · Konami.
After PAX West, the next major international event to follow will be the complete TGS 2026 guide, with its schedule and conference times converted for France.
Last updated: Saturday, September 9, 2026.
