The scene at the giant gaming convention PAX can be overwhelming: Dramatically lit booths tower over tens of thousands of people as they race to try out new games and compete in e-sports tournaments.
But there’s one place of respite. Tucked away in the ACT theater, far from the crowds and sounds of virtual warfare, you’ll find the Non Exploding Kittens room: a room of kittens up for adoption that are ready to play and snuggle.
It’s a collaboration between the developers of hit card game Exploding Kittens and Meow Cat Rescue in Kirkland, Wash., who have been hosting the room together for the past three years.
“It started as a very silly idea,” Exploding Kittens Product Manager Daisy Ritz told GeekWire at the convention. “We like doing ridiculous things that will get attention but will also be fun for everyone.”
“It’s been a respite where you can get away from the Con and relax,” Ritz said.
She said the charity element of the room is also important to the studio: visitors can donate to Meow and the hope is that the kittens who visit PAX will find new homes by the end of the day.
There’s a bit of a wait to see the kittens, but it’s well worth it to enjoy some playtime.
When I visited in the early afternoon, the cats were still full of energy and ready to chase after toys for hours. One little scamp had a few swipes at my shoelaces. Other kitties snuggled up with visitors for a quick catnap.
The Non Exploding Kittens room will be at PAX through Monday and is open to anyone looking for some kitty love, even if they aren’t attending the convention.
