The State of NYC Indie: Developing a Better Games Community

New York City has become a hotbed for pioneering independent game developers whose unique artistic expression rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. We can change this by finding new ways to work together, creating a more cohesive and inclusive community in the process.

Our panel of four community leaders are passionate about this goal. Each has long-standing roots in the NYC game development scene yet brings a diverse set of perspectives that cover both the professional and academic realms. This meeting of the minds will discuss why NYC is a great place to make games, the ways we can better support NYC game developers, and how we can mend community fractures.

Our Panelists:

Yiyi Zhang (GUMBO)

Kyra Wills-Umdenstock (EGD Collective)

Jess Haskins (NYC Indie Games Social)

Mattia Sicuro (IGDA NYC)

The panel is moderated by Tim Rattray, a games journalist leading production on a documentary project about the NYC game development scene. A sneak peek from his team’s ongoing work will be shown here.

We thank the NYU Game Center for graciously hosting this independently run event. Come early to check out their Playtest Thursday event!

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, October 9th, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Place: NYU Game Center Theater — Lecture Hall 202 (370 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY)

Price: $10

After paying off the expenses for running this event independently, the remaining profits will be split among the organizations of our panelists represent (25%/per).

Following the panel, we’ll move nearby offsite to socialize and network at Sound + Fury Brewery and Kitchen.

For any questions and inquiries, email Tim Rattray ([email protected]).

Also, a huge thank you to Krysti Pryde (Playcrafting) for creating the poster and banner art!

Our Partners:

NYU Game Center

Playcrafting

Game Devs of Color Expo

Produced By:

Tim Rattray, Nicole Papadopoulos, & PolyMedia Productions

Host or Publisher Tim Rattray