Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
A panel discussion between local gaming organization leaders about how we can elevate the NYC game development scene, produced by Tim Rattray, Nicole Papadopoulos, & PolyMedia Productions.
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.
A panel discussion between local gaming organization leaders about how we can elevate the NYC game development scene, produced by Tim Rattray, Nicole Papadopoulos, & PolyMedia Productions.
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.
