Nerdy hobbies like anime watching and video gaming used to be solitary pursuits enjoyed at home, often in your parents’ mildewy basement. The Internet helped put an end to such isolation, as did Penny Arcade, the Web comic created by locals Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik. To help foster a healthy community of gamers, they established the PAX Prime convention in 2004, which has grown to become the largest such gathering in North America. That means panels and discussions, gaming tournaments, music (including a concert from The Video Game Orchestra), and lounges to play handheld and console games. Tournaments include Local Area Network play, where multiple gamers hook up to one console to play together—with extra twists and obstacles added by the audience and commentators. And be sure to catch today’s Q&A with Penny Arcade‘s Gabe and Tycho—aka Krahulik and Holkins, Friday at 11:30 a.m. ALLISON THOMASSEAU

Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2012