In this issue:

What’s on | Highlights of upcoming events.

Chapter Events | Meetups, talks, and other events we’re hosting.

#NYMakesGames News | Game launches and other updates from local creators.

Around Town | A community calendar of events from across the city.

Jobs & Opportunities | The latest posts from our notice boards.

IGDA Resources | Discounts and other benefits for IGDA members.

Chapter Resources | Where to go for more info.

What’s On This Month

Play NYC will be at Anime NYC Aug 23rd to 25th! Now taking advantage of an 80,000 sq ft gaming hall, longer hall hours, more press, access to the main hall and panels, and 188% more foot traffic than past Play NYCs!

• Attendee Badges allow access to all Anime NYC halls and of course, Play NYC!

• Apply as Press

Check out the list of just some of the amazing studios and devs HERE!

Join us to discuss important topics such as the current state of the industry, pathways toward worker empowerment such as unionization and worker organizing, and how to engage with the global developer community to effect positive change within the industry.

The goal of the jam is to create game content (not necessarily a full game) focused on envisioning positive, sustainable futures. No previous knowledge on sustainability is necessary! This time, there are 5 award titles up for grabs for entries, from Cutest Critters to Most Thought-Provoking. Game content can be concept art, a paper prototype, an explorable 3D environment, or anything in-between.

The Jam will run from September 1-15, 2024 in the IGDA Climate SIG Discord server.

To qualify for the opportunity:

• The game must have generated at least $10,000 per month over the last 6 months; and
• The team must consist of underrepresented developers (e.g., diversity across race, gender, sexuality, disability, or other factors).

You may apply for this opportunity here. We simply need a few details about your game, your team, and your capacity to finish the port by the end of the year.

It would be great to support games from the IGDA community, so please consider applying today!

Monday Afternoon Co-Working on Discord

IGDA NYC Discord

Every Monday, 1pm – 4pm

Come join us at our new regular co-working hours on our Discord channel!

We’ll be working camera optional/mic off on the Events Voice Channel. But our new Lounge Channel will be right next door for anyone who wants to show off what they’re working on, ask some questions, or just hang out.

Taco Tuesday with Coexist!

*RSVP Required*
Coexist Gamehouse

Tue, Aug 27th @ 6:00pm

Join us at the Coexist Gamehouse for a casual social with Tacos, games, drinks and music!

RSVP required for free entry!

Share your NY game news here or tweet #NYMakesGames.
Section Editor: Mattia Sicuro

Making Waves

• Francisco Gonzalez explains SAG-AFTRA’s low budget agreements, and why he’s happy to agree to their AI provisions in this article with IGN ahead of Rosewaters launch! And while you’re at it, queue up his discussion with Tech Talk with Daniel Albu!

• Games for Change and Verizon are launching the Verizon Innovative Learning Esports League! This is a FREE esports league for high school students focusing on well-being & social-emotional learning with games.

• Local browser-based game studio Arkadium announced that it is launching a publishing service to third-party game developers!

• Ready to relive the excitement of the Games for Change 2024 Festival? A collection of main stage sessions are now available on their YouTube Channel!

• Games for Change has announced a brand new FREE games and learning resource hub on Verizon Innovative Learning HQ! Designed for educators, school leaders, and district leaders, this hub showcases the power of game design, esports, and gaming in the classroom.

• Independent narrative designer (and the first editor of this very newsletter) Jess Haskins interviewed Cyan co-founder and CEO Rand Miller at the recent Adventure Game Fan Fair! Catch the replay here.

• Taking a break from the city? Check out this list of upcoming game events happening around NY state, provided by community member Grifkuba!

• The Crush House Creative Director, Nicole He joined the Devolver Digital Forkcast to discuss the recently released reality TV simulator!

• Check out another preview from Gamesradar for the upcoming psychedelic underworld grinding Skate Story!

• Join the August New York Video Game Critics Circle Back To School Fundraiser! All proceeds help fund journalism and narrative games writing classes, scholarships, and internships for students in underserved communities.

Crowdfund

• Bitter Silver – Play as bounty hunter Lucia Lopez in this choice-driven, space western visual novel as you track down bounties with your misfit crew. [Campaign launching Sept 3rd]

• Tournament Arc – Duke it out and collaboratively build a story with friends in this comedic, sports anime-inspired party card game!

Launched

• OUROS by Michael Kamm is a calming puzzle game about forming beautiful curves in a serene space. Now available on IOS and Android!

• Shoulders of Giants: Ultimate by Moving Pieces Interactive is an explosively colorful sci-fi roguelike. Play alone, with a friend, or as part of a four-person team, cutting through waves of enemies on a quest to rescue the galaxy from the forces of Entropy!

• The Crush House by Nerial – Select a crush-worthy cast, satisfy voracious audiences and keep the show on air to uncover the sinister secrets behind this darkly comic thirst-person shooter.

• Stolen Hearts: Wolf Knight by Mr Moo is a new kind of platformer where you have to jump, dash, climb, and teleport you way through each level to collect all of the hearts that were stolen by the Evil Dango

Pre-Order/Wishlist

• Old Skies by Wadjet Eye Games Is a point-and-click, time travel adventure where your job is to keep close watch on seven travelers who have the desire to sightsee in the past.

• CapitalismCraft by Most Dangerous Games Is a 2D clicker where you play a savvy entrepreneur, and use your business-acumen to hire lowly desk workers to make you tons and tons of money!

• SPELLHACK!! by Computer Dream is a fast-paced survival roguelike deckbuilder where you collect and upgrade Technospells during the day, then defend against relentless waves of Summoned Beasts at night!

• Murder at the Birch Tree Theater by Crucible Juice Games is a 2D point & click mystery where you gather clues by investigating the sets, casts and backstage crews of 10 theatrical productions, using their stories to piece together each deadly crime.

Playtest

• Paws and Prizes by Dishcan Games is a silly little game about winning some sneakers for your lovely girlfriend through a selection of nostalgic arcade games!

Ongoing Initiatives

• Applications to join GUMBO are open! GUMBO is a non-profit collective of indie game creators located in Dumbo, Brooklyn formed to inspire and motivate each other, stay current in the indie game makers community, and expand an already amazing skill-sharing network.

• In support of Wonderville, consider becoming a member on WithFriends to help to keep the arcades working and pay for parts and maintenance!

• ANNY Exchange is a Talent Connect Initiative for Animation Nights New York. Want to participate and be added to the database of Animation Talent from all around the world? More info here

• Animation Nights New York (ANNY) is always accepting submissions for Animated Short Films, AR Animation Experiences, VR animation Experiences, and Interactive Media (including Video Games). More info here

• Coexist Gaming is a subscription-based gaming lifestyle company that provides an inclusive ecosystem for community, culture, connection and opportunity. Including a gaming lounge, optimized networking experiences and accessible resources for Devs, find out more and become a member here!

• Support the Game Devs of Color Expo’s mission to uplift marginalized voices in game development by signing up for their monthly Ko-fi subscription! Your support ensures ongoing grants, events, and community programs.

• Support GUMBO on Patreon for exclusive digital content, free event access, and more!

• The New York State Digital Game Development Program is designed to accelerate and attract economic development by offsetting some production costs associated with producing digital games in New York State.

• Urban Arts teaches digital game design as a pathway to college and career by offering after-school programs, career prep, school partnerships and more. Learn about their various programs for students and teachers here!

Unless otherwise noted, events are (probably!) free to attend. Follow @GameDevNYC for event alerts. Contact nyc@igda.org to add your org’s events.

Friday, August 16th

Diversion Happy Hour + Tech Demo – Learn more about a new version control system designed specifically for game dev with GUMBO!

Saturday, August 17th

Build a Board Game in Under 2 Hours – Learn the art of rapid prototyping and hone your game design skills with the workshop group!

The Blerd Spot – TheBlerdSpot is hosting a gaming and mingling event at Wonderville with a comic/manga swap, video games/tabletop games, and so much more!

Sunday, August 18th

Saison Zero at Wonderville – Saison Zero is a monthly tabletop role play game meetup dedicated to introducing folks to games other than just D&D. Light on rules, rich in flavor. This month with open tables for CY_BORG and World Wide Wrestling.

Tuesday, August 20th

Animation Nights New York at the Gutter Spare Room – Animation Nights New York is a monthly screening event and annual festival showcasing the very best animated short films, virtual reality animation experiences, and interactive games from all around the world.

Wednesday, August 21st

Save The Games: A Digital Preservation Symposium (Rochester) – This symposium held at The Strong, in Rochester, New York, is meant to advance the field of video game preservation with information sessions, networking opportunities, and tours of museum collections,

Building and Using VR in Education – A meetup to connect educators and others in the VR space!

Fixer’s Collective Manhattan Fixing Session – Come bring your broken items in need of some TLC to Hack Manhattan for this month’s session! All are welcome, whether you have something to fix or just want to observe and watch.

Long Island Game Dev Virtual Meetup – Network with other Game Devs based in and around Long Island!

Unreal Engine Virtual Workshop with Gamecamp – Join Skillcamp and tackle essential game design discussions, then transition into hands-on project creation using Unreal Engine!

Thursday, August 22nd

NYU Game Center Summer Playtest Thursday – If you’re making a game, you need to playtest! Bring your work-in-progress game and get feedback from fellow game makers!

NYC Indie Dev Night with Playcrafting – Indie devs, gamers, publishers, industry vets and students – this is the place to come meet others in the community, network and talk shop – and check out what games NYC is cookin’ up!

Brooklyn Experimental Electronic Music August Showcase – Join the local electronic music community for our showcase featuring an eclectic mix of New York City artists working in a variety of styles.

Friday, August 23rd

Play NYC at Anime NYC – New York City’s game convention – is back in its 9th year! This year teaming up with Anime NYC to offer over 80,000 sq ft of playable games from studios large and small, and from creators old and new for three days!

Sunday, August 25th

Animation Nights New York Virtual Events – Watch a curated program of animated short films from all around the world!

Virtual Sundays with Hacker Hours – Free office hours for coding help—any programming language, all levels of experience!

Tuesday, August 27th

Wonderville’s last Tuesday of the month PLAYTEST – Come to Wonderville to playtest in production games! If you’re a developer, bring your game! No signups required.

Wednesday, September 4th

NYC Indie Games Social – The NYC Indie Games social is a monthly gathering for indie game devs of all stripes to mix and mingle in a casual, relaxed setting.

Thursday, September 12th

NYVR September Meetup – Join other VR enthusuasts in exploring the business, social, and medical applications of VR!

Brooklyn Experimental Electronic Music Meetup – Join the local electronic music community for our showcase featuring an eclectic mix of New York City artists working in a variety of styles.

Saturday, September 14th

Monthly 2 Hour Game Jam at Wonderville – This month join Wonderville in using files and folders on your computer to make a game in under 2 hours!

Wednesday, September 18th

Building and Using VR in Education – A meetup to connect educators and others in the VR space!

Long Island Game Dev Virtual Meetup – Network with other Game Devs based in and around Long Island!

Thursday, September 19th

Pictoplasma NYC – The leading character design conference from Berlin returns to New York for its tenth anniversary US edition, presenting 10 hand picked key lectures by the world’s most influential artists and upcoming talents.

View or submit a listing for free.

Jobs

• Technical Producer (Free to Play) at Computer Lunch

• Senior UX/UI Designer, Games at New York Times

• Game Center Incubator Administrator & Industry Liaison at NYU

• Part-Time Faculty, Games and Emerging Media at Marist

• Assistant Professor, Game Programming at SUNY Morrisville
  

• Senior/Mid Environment Art, Tech Art and Design Roles at Roar Games

• Open Faculty Position – Visual Design & Art Direction at NYU

Exhibit/Speak/Publish

• Submissions for Super FESTival in Toronto are open! Including for Illustrators, Game Showcases, Panels, Workshops and Alt Control Submissions! And if you missed last year’s Super FESTival? Don’t worry, you can check it out here!

• Registration is open for the Indie Game Business Conference, as well as submissions for speakers!

• BXStart is a platform dedicated to fostering the intersection of game development and entrepreneurship in the Bronx community. Sign up to showcase your game at their Indie Game Night held every third Friday of the month! Apply here

Volunteer

• If you’re interested in helping make Black In Gaming a supportive and inclusive community for black game creators to thrive, consider joining the Community Team to help drive online engagement and initiatives!

Funding/Programs/Contests

• The Diverse Voices, New Stories Challenge with Google Play is seeking diverse & unique games that share untold stories. Win $15K, mentorship, guidance to port existing games to Android, and more! Apply Now. [Deadline September 6th, 2024]

• Verizon Innovative Learning Esports League, a FREE program for high schools nationwide. This league combines gaming with well-being and social-emotional learning in a safe environment. Students will compete in Rocket League in teams of 3. Trained coaches from Vanta Esports will support educators and students throughout the September to December season. The program offers educator training, student growth opportunities, and career mentorship in esports and technology.

• Dive deeper into game-based instruction with Game Plan! Led by expert game designers and learning specialists, this program empowers educators to harness the power of games for meaningful youth engagement. Join a national cohort of cross-sector educators and become an expert in using games for good in your unique setting. Ready to level up your teaching through the magic of game design? Apply Today [Deadline August 30th, 2024]

• Paramount has partnered with MediaMKRS for the Content for Change Academy, a talent program that aims to remove barriers to entry for new storytellers, build equity, and invest in the industry’s next generation of leaders from nontraditional pathways, including individuals from community colleges and certification programs, who have been historically marginalized from entry into the entertainment industry.

• Applications are open for the Draknek New Voices Puzzle Grant 2024. The grant will award $15,000 to 6 thinky puzzle game developers from all over the world, and a year’s mentorship with genre veterans. [Deadline: Oct 7th, 2024]

• Games for Change partnered with Google Play to develop the Diverse Voices, New Stories Challenge. Now in its third year, the newest of the program will not only focus on elevating underrepresented creators and content, but will also support the porting of games from various platforms to Android. Three winners will each be awarded a $15,000 cash prize, guidance to port their existing games to Android – and marketing opportunities through Games for Change and their global network.

Benefits for IGDA members.

Join here. Log in for all member discount codes and details.

• Event discounts: IGDA Members save 10% on tickets to GI Live: Online – visit the Discounts page for details!

• Education discounts: 10% off all General Assembly classes and workshops. Browse NYC classes.

• Software discounts: 20% off Buildbox. Details.

• IGDA Career Center: Job listings open to all; early access for members. Careers.igda.org

• IGDA Crowdfunding Collection: Member projects featured on Kickstarter. Submit.

Follow us for updates:

• @IGDANYC on Twitter
• Facebook page

Connect with the community:

• Discord server
• Facebook group
• Meetup group
• LinkedIn group

Visit our Jobs and Opportunities board to view or post listings for free.

Want to help us do things?

Learn about volunteering with the chapter.

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