Details on Play NYC 2020 have been announced and it's kind of what we expected: New York City's biggest dedicated gaming convention is going to be using an online-only format, but it's not all bad news: it will also be free for anyone to attend!
Check out the official Play NYC 2020 announcement from Playcrafting CEO Dan Butchko:
If you're unfamiliar with Play NYC, this convention is pretty young when compared to long-running shows like PAX or E3. It was started up as a production of Playcrafting a few years back with the specific purpose of giving New York City a dedicated gaming convention. Now, they've made the announcement that they're going online-only for 2020's show.
"Playcrafting founded Play NYC in 2017 to give New York a game convention of its own,” Playcrafting CEO and Play NYC Producer Dan Butchkoin a press release. "Each year, we welcome over 5,000 people and 150 games for two days, unlike any other. Last fall, we announced the 4th Play NYC. A lot of games were already confirmed for the show. It was shaping up to be our biggest yet. Then COVID-19 changed life as we know it."
"New York has been on pause. Our community has struggled through this pandemic. Yet despite trying times and ongoing tensions, we've seen so much hope in how folks have risen up to face the challenges of our reality. This is the greatest city in the world with the strongest people in the world. And games have the power to unite, inspire, educate, and heal. Especially now. That's why I'm excited to re-announce Play NYC 2020. For the first time, this year's show will be online, free to join, and a full week-long."
Play NYC also happens to have a strong indie focus, especially in relation to the New York City and New England gaming scene. It's a great opportunity to see many up and coming games in development, whether you're into video games or tabletop games.
How Can I Watch the Online Play NYC 2020?
If you're keen on checking out the latest in indie gaming, you're not gonna want to miss out on this online-only event. How can you attend it, and when is it happening?
You'll be able to attend this virtual event from August 10–16, 2020; more details on the exact schedule will be announced in the near future. As for applying, you can reserve a ticket for this digital experience at play-nyc.com. Exhibitors and speakers can apply through the same page.
Read more about how the COVID-19 novel coronavirus is affecting the gaming world at our Coronavirus Gaming Convention Cancellations and Game Delays Hub.
What do you think of Play NYC 2020 being an online-only event? Do you think we'll see a return to normal for 2021's convention season? Let us know in the comments below!
