1UpState 2025

1UpState: A Celebration of Games and the People Who Make Them

1UpState is a new Game Developer Expo coming to Albany, NY in support of the Game Development industry in NY’s Tech Valley Region

Crosstalk Media and the Tech Valley Game Space are pleased to announce the return of 1UpState! The Expo will be hosted at the Albany Capital Center on October 4, 2025.

About the Event:

New York’s Tech Valley is home to a video game development cluster, ranging from small, independent studios to internationally recognized names. 1UpState is a Game Developer Expo coming to the Albany Capital Center on October 4th. Join us for a day of panels and speakers, networking opportunities, exhibitors, and, of course, games made right here in the Tech Valley Region!

1UpState returns as a single day event. The event layout will consist of three main areas: The Main Hall for Exhibitors, a breakout room for panel discussions and speakers, and a meeting room for additional value-added activities. The exhibitors in the main hall will range from student teams enrolled in RPI’s GSAS program to independent developers from the Tech Valley region. Additionally, attendees will be able to meet and network with local creatives who also support the games industry.

1UpState Goals:

Ultimately, 1 UpState has three goals:

Goal 1: Full Workforce Development Lifecycle Representation

As gaming grows as a hobby, more high schools are embracing its growth by supporting student clubs and events. The support for gaming continues with more colleges supporting Esports teams and offering Game Development curriculums. Once they graduate from college, they will be ready to work for one of the globally recognized studios right here in the Tech Valley Region. From public schools, through college, and into the local workforce, the full workforce development lifecycle will be represented at the same event.

Goal 2: Supporting the Creative Economy

There is no denying the robust and vibrant creative and technical community in the Tech Valley Region. 1UpState will promote these creative efforts by soliciting exhibitors which are all focused on either Game Development or Gaming Culture. These will include Game Development studios, independent creators, service providers, local creatives, and crafters. It takes more than just writing code to bring a game to life, and we intend to promote all the creative efforts required to do so.

Goal 3: Reduce the Barrier to Entry into the Games Industry

The third goal is for this event to make it easier for gaming enthusiasts and hobbyists to enter the game development industry. Current events serve one of two purposes: Events for consumers of the gaming culture and events that serve as professional networking and development for those already in the industry. Exhibitors and presentation selections will be curated to serve those who are looking to transition their interest into a career.

The Core Team:

Crosstalk Media was formed in 2022 for the explicit purpose of organizing 1UpState, a new Game Developer Expo for New York’s Tech Valley Region. Teaming up with the Tech Valley Game Space, Grifkuba Game Services, Crosstalk Media has taken the lead for organizing and executing a new Game Developer Expo for the Tech Valley Region and beyond.

Contact

For more information, please visit 1upstate.com.

Host or Publisher Crosstalk Media, LLC