Holly Longdale, globally renowned game dev and MMORPG lead brings her experience and wealth of knowledge shaping some of the gaming worlds biggest franchises over the course of her 20 year career to the PAX Aus 2026 main stage as this years Storytime Speaker.
Holly has had a key role in some of the most recognisable franchises in that time including World of Warcraft where she is currently an Executive Producer, Diablo, Overwatch and the long running Everquest series. Her work focused on building a platform for millions of players to enjoy over years not hours.
Holly started her career at Sony Online Entertainment with the Everquest franchise before lending her talents to Disney Interactive Studios as a senior producer for Cars Mater-National, Tinkerbell, Up and The Princess and the Frog. It wasn’t long before her true talents were harnessed again in the online space as Holly took on a Lead Producer role at the Walt Disney Internet Group, developing online experiences connected to TRON, Pirates of the Caribbean and Hannah Montana.
Looking forward to welcoming us all home Holly said:
“I’m honoured to be joining PAX Aus to celebrate the power of games and the communities that grow around them: places where people come together through play, creativity and connection,”
“From World of Warcraft to gaming more broadly, it’s those communities that shape what we build and I’m looking forward to sharing how we’re thinking about the future of Warcraft with the same focus on listening, creativity and deep respect for the players who make Azeroth feel like home.”
Lauren Luciani: PAX Aus Event Director
“PAX Aus is thrilled to have Holly Longdale as our 2026 Storytime speaker. Holly Longdale represents the very best of what PAX Aus celebrates; creativity, community and the power of games to bring people together,”
“Her experience in shaping MMORPGs and globally recognised franchises makes her uniquely positioned to speak to the future of interactive worlds.”
Holly Longdale’s Storytime will explore her defining career highlights and touch on the many lessons she has learnt along the way. Sharing with us all her experiences in bringing people together from all different walks of life and building amazing online communities that have stood the test of time.
In case you haven’t secured your yet, tickets are getting low for PAX Aus 2026 so get in quick, you can get them here and add it to your calendars. 9th-11th October at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
