An event centered on gaming in the heart of Manhattan could never work, could it? August was already my favorite month since my birthday is August tenth but now it looks like there’s going to be two more days I’ll have to put on my calendar. August 19-20th are the dates for New York City’s first convention based purely on gaming. I have to say it’s about damn time that the New Jersey-New York (I’m from Jersey, Jersey goes first) gets their moment in the gaming spotlight. Boston, LA, Seattle and now the Big Apple gets a taste!
Play NYC is a two-day event that is for developers, gamers, and everyone in-between. The only requirement to get into this party is that you like to game and you’re in! By the looks of the PR material, Playcrafting is expecting this convention to get a lot of people to show up at Terminal 5, where the event is being held. This isn’t just a show of love to play games; there will also be talks and panels for attendees to pick the brains of experienced minds. It goes from 10Am to 6Pm each day so make sure to bring money to get lunch! This has a Pax East vibe to it and New Yorkers won’t have to travel to Bean Town to attend. It being in the summer is also a smart idea since there won’t be any snow to contend with.
The industry is changing and said industry needs to change or it will go the way of the dinosaurs. If they don’t show more willingness to adapt and grow with the public, then there is nowhere to go but failure. What I mean by this is look at E3, they know that they need to change and allow some of the public into the show or there won’t be a convention anymore to keep the public out of. I’m looking forward to Play NYC as it shows there are still people in the business that have the drive for new ideas and take a chance! Good luck to you, Play NYC!