After 8 years building my 2.5D farming RPG Cornucopia in Unity, I finally brought it to PAX East 2025.
This was my second PAX (I showed at West in 2024), but my first time with a proper booth setup. I had four demo stations, banners, business cards, a 65" TV playing the trailer, and free Cornucopia tattoos.
Here’s a breakdown of what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d do differently if you’re ever planning to bring your Unity game to an event like this.
Setup & Tech
Save files matter. I created files that dropped players straight into active gameplay—tools in hand, crops growing, pets following. No menus, no tutorials. Just play. This removed friction and let people get a real feel instantly. Still, kids constantly saved over them.
Visibility is everything. I made the mistake of blocking part of my booth with a standee. Once I moved it and adjusted the screens for better sightlines, foot traffic improved fast.
Decks helped. I ran 2 laptops and 2 Steam Decks. The Decks got a surprising amount of attention. One was docked below the TV, the other was in a side area with its own stand. People naturally picked them up and jumped in. They also ran the game well—60fps, no overheating—though one had stiff top bumpers.
Audio + video draw people. I looped a gameplay trailer on a big screen and played the soundtrack through a Bluetooth speaker. Once I started charging the speaker overnight, it worked great. It gave the booth energy.
Bring backups. Duct tape, chargers, cables, Velcro ties, adapters. Just do it.
Observing Players
Watching real people play my game taught me more than any analytic report ever could. I saw:
Where they paused
What they ignored
Where they got confused
What made them laugh
I identified a major controller bug just by watching people interact with one mechanic. I’m fixing it now.
Booth Presence
I didn’t pitch the game. I didn’t chase people. I just stood calmly and made eye contact. When someone looked interested, I’d offer help or ask simple questions:
“What kind of games do you usually play?”
“Are you from Boston?”
That’s what started real conversations. Being calm and grounded helped more than any pitch could.
Feedback and Comparison
A lot of people compared Cornucopia to Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon, or Paper Mario. I didn’t argue. I just listened. It gave me insight into how people framed the game.
Next time I’ll put up a short sign listing some of the features that make Cornucopia unique—just as a quiet guide.
Streamers & Devs
I gave out a few Steam keys and did a few casual interviews. Some streamers recognized the game from months ago and told me their favorite memories. That felt good.
Next time I’ll come with printed key cards and a better way to track who I gave them to.
General Tips
Write things down. Your brain is toast by Day 2.
Bring food and water. I used Costco protein packs and bottled water under the table.
Comfortable shoes and clean clothes. It sounds obvious, but it matters.
Get there early. Traffic was rough.
Bring more cards than you think you’ll need. I ran out.
Final Thoughts
PAX East reminded me that players are real people. You see their reactions. You hear their laughter. You watch their confusion and joy in real time.
That does something to you.
It made the game feel real again—not just something I’ve been chipping away at alone. It was one of the best things I’ve done in a long time.
If you’re building something and ever get the chance to show it in person, I highly recommend it.
Thanks to everyone who came by.
— David
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