Microsoft Has Some Big Plans For PAX West

Microsoft isn't resting on its laurels as it enters into the first big holiday season for its Xbox One X hardware. The company has announced that it will be hosting a variety of panels at the forthcoming PAX West event this weekend, and will also give fans the opportunity to mix things up at its gaming booth and with its specialized Mixer booth.

First, let's talk panels. There are a number that will be taking place this weekend, including the following:

The Evolution of the Gaming Industry: Fresh Voices in Gaming

Friday, September 1

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Sandworm Theater (Sheraton, Level 2)

The gaming industry has evolved a lot over the years as new and emerging voices are calling for change and the industry is beginning to listen. Join Xbox's Gaming for Everyone team as they host a discussion with industry influencers who are working to make gaming fun for everyone.

Helping Others Level Up: How Gaming Supports Healthcare

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Video games and virtual reality have incredible therapeutic potential within the hospital environment. In this panel, including Aaron Greenberg, you'll learn how games can be used to support the healing process, and how YOU can make a difference at your local hospital.

Streaming 101: Starting Your Quest

Saturday, September 2

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Hydra Theater (Grand Hyatt, Level 1)

Every streamer has to start somewhere. Seasoned streamers share the tools you need to begin your journey into the world of livestreaming. Join Mixer as we go over how to set up your channel, choose the right moderators, and go live with style.

Major Nelson Radio

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Wyvern Theater (Westin, Level 4)

We've been here since the beginning of PAX in the mid 2000's. Over a decade later we're still being allowed in. Quick, come see this live show before someone figures our scam out! Join Larry Hryb, Xbox LIVE's Major Nelson, lollip0p, and JEF United as we record an episode of the award winning officially unofficial Xbox-centric podcast Major Nelson Radio LIVE in front of you, our studio audience. It will be an hour of awkward audience participation, Xbox prizes, guests, and maybe some fun. Maybe.

Git Gud Ally: Beyond 101

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Hippogriff Theater (Grand Hyatt, Level 1)

Design, development, and community folks across Xbox, Mixer, and Gaming for Everyone go beyond Inclusive 101 and share the exciting projects and initiatives they're working on. The panel will discuss what their work means for you and what kind of dialog needs to continue to create the best inclusive experiences for gamers. This is a moderated panel with a focus on Gaming for Everyone followed by audience Q&A.

On top of that, the company will have a fully loaded Xbox booth with a number of games, including Forza Motorsport 7, Assassin's Creed Origins, Sea of Thieves, Dragon Ball FighterZ, Playerunknown's Battlegrounds and Super Lucky's Tale among others, open all four days. Players will also be able to earn the opportunity to win some special Xbox Design Lab controllers – as well as some lucky fans at home. More details on this contest can be found here.

Finally, the company will also have a Mixer booth where fans can interact with their favorite streamers, and can also catch the action with developer interviews, exclusive gameplay and more!

PAX West takes place from September 1st through the 4th in Seattle, Washington.