PAX West 2025 is set to open with a major highlight for MMORPG fans, as co-organizers ReedPop and Penny Arcade have announced that Naoki “Yoshi-P” Yoshida, director and producer of FINAL FANTASY XIV, will deliver this year’s Storytime keynote. The event takes place over Labor Day Weekend, from Friday 29 August 2025 to Monday 1 September 2025.
Yoshi-P, is a veteran of Japan’s gaming industry for more than three decades, and has been instrumental in the evolution of Square Enix’s major franchises, including Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Fantasian. He is perhaps best known for his ongoing work on Final Fantasy XIV starting with its A Realm Reborn relaunch more than a decade ago, which not only saved a numbered instalment in the series from obscurity, but delivered one of the major MMORPGs of this generation. Yoshi-P will share stories and insights from his influential career during the keynote session.
He will also be joined by a special guest for a fireside chat titled “A Game Design Group Chat Featuring Seasoned Game Creators,” where they’ll discuss experiences and lessons from years spent shaping the world of video games. Further details, including the date, time, and guest for this panel, will be announced soon.
The PAX West 2025 schedule is packed with additional programming, including a special panel for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 featuring panel host Ben Starr (Verso), voice actors Jennifer English (Maelle) and Shala Nyx (Sciel), and motion capture talents Maxene Cazorla, Charlotte Hoepffner, and Estelle Darnault. This panel takes place Saturday 30 August 2025 at 12:00 PM PT.
Fans of Marvel Rivals can also meet voice actors Mara Junot (Storm), Erik Braa (Moon Knight), and Jordan Reynolds (Adam Warlock) during meet-and-greets and autograph sessions throughout the four-day event.
Further panel, tournament, and event details will be released later this month as the convention approaches.
