Dear Australia, I am very sorry but I will not be at your PAX this year. You might remember that I had to cut my trip short last year due to my anxiety. I wrote a big post about it at the time and apologized for the inconvenience. You can still read it right here and it’s all still very true.
I am very fortunate to have the job I do. Traveling has always been the most difficult aspect of it for me though and as much as I love PAX, I am much happier away from big crowds. The flight to Aus and the reality of being so GD far from home...as my friend Amy would say, "it's a lot."
Just like every other time I’ve talked about anxiety on this page I have no doubt that you all will be very understanding. I’ve spent the last twenty years meeting gamers from all over the world and I have to say, being shy and worried all the time is pretty common for our people. There is a very good chance that I will be "appearing" at the show via the magic of technology. I know it's not the same but as being there in person but this way I can answer your questions and not wear pants.
Honestly, I feel very badly that I can’t be there in person. I can tell you that my family is itching to visit Australia and having them with me would be a huge comfort. Next time I am down there I’ll have the entire Krahulik crew with me. Trust me, you would much rather meet happy/chill Mike instead of nervous/diarrhea Mike.
-Gabe out
