Cliff Bleszinski To Be Keynote Speaker at PAX East 2013

Game industry veteran and creator of many fantastic games, Cliff Bleszinski, will be delivering the official PAX East 2013 keynote address, an honor previously held by Jordan Mechner (creator of Prince of Persia), Jane McGonigal (writer of ‘Reality is Broken’ and general video game advocate/speaker), and Wil Wheaton, who requires little of an introduction outside of the fact that he’s done some radical stuff.

Jerry “Tycho” Holkins made the announcement on the Penny Arcade website today, and briefly detailed why Mr. Bleszinski was seen as fit for opening the first moments of one of the country’s most-attended gaming conventions.

“What was once stuffily described as a “Keynote” but is now referred to by the vastly more humane “Storytime” will be officiated by none other than Cliff Bleszinski, who has seen a lot of shit and is in a very good position to handle this format.”

Alright, so scratch that – just pretend the headline now says ‘Cliff Bleszinski to be Storytime at PAX East 2013.’ I know it doesn’t sound as fluid, but we have to be accurate… and, like, professional. Or something.

Regardless, Cliff Bleszinski is widely known in the industry for his work at Epic Games, where he helped create and craft immensely popular gaming franchises like Unreal Tournament, Gears of War, and 90’s favorite Jazz Jackrabbit. He departed from Epic Games late last year in pursuit of opportunities we’re still unaware of — but we hope they involve some combination of bounce houses and Playboy bunnies. And video games, I guess.

And if you’re not going to be at PAX East, figure out your life and make sure you ARE there. We have hugs and high-fives to give. Also, I’m sure Mr. Bleszinski will have a sweet arm-wrestling table set up for you to challenge him at after you’re done hanging out with our nervous, sweaty selves.