Play NYC 2021 Returns as Physical Event This Summer

New York based gaming convention Play NYC will be returning as a physical event at The Metropolitan Pavilion this year with several health measures in place to protect attendees and exhibitors.


Published: April 21, 2021 8:35 PM /

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There's good news for gamers in New York City and the surrounding area: Play NYC 2021 is coming back to Manhattan as a physical event. And yes, there will be plenty of safety measures in place.

Play NYC is a gaming convention based in New York City that's presented by Playcrafting, a gaming organization that's akin to a cooking class for game development. Playcrafting provides some in-depth courses on specific subjects such as Unity development, marketing your game, and even how to pay your taxes as a game developer, and it subsequently established the Play NYC convention in the late 2010s.

Sadly, Play NYC was one of the many, many events that ended up shifting to an online-only format in 2020 in lieu of doing a physical show. One year later, things have settled down somewhat and that comes with some very good news via a press release: Play NYC 2021 will be returning as a physical event.

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How Play NYC 2021 Protects Attendees

With a Play NYC 2021 physical show on the way, some people might be concerned about safety in light of the ongoing pandemic. There won't be much to worry about here; Play NYC is going to be complying with all state and federal guidelines for in-person events.

"We’re thrilled to bring Play NYC back as a live show for 2021! As the world begins to open back up, we’ll unite players and creators for a fun and safe weekend unlike any other in New York City." – Dan Butchko, CEO of Playcrafting

The show floor is going to be adjusted to ensure that there is adequate room for social distancing for the thousands of attendees that are expected to pass through the show over the weekend. Masks will be required and attendees will have to go through a check-in process that includes temperature checks and either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from the last 72 hours; details on all of the procedures for this year's show are being finalized and will be explained in detail at a future date.

"We look forward to bringing people back together again through their love of video games in a safe and welcoming environment," said Dan Butchko, CEO of Playcrafting. "It’s been far too long since we’ve been able to gather together in person. I think we can all use something fun and exciting to look forward to on the horizon. This summer’s 5th annual Play NYC will be a tremendous opportunity to connect and play for the first time in quite a while."

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When is Play NYC 2021?

Play NYC 2021 will take place on August 7–8, 2021, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan. Ticket prices and other details for the show are still being finalized and will be announced in the coming weeks.

For now, you can sign up to get notified about when all of these details are locked in and ticket prices are confirmed. If you're a developer, you can sign up to be an exhibitor for this year's show. You can learn more about Play NYC on its official website.

Are you looking forward to the return of in-person gaming events this year? Who is your favorite game developer from the New York area? Let us know in the comments below!`

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A photograph of TechRaptor Senior Writer Robert N. Adams.
| Senior Writer

One of my earliest memories is playing Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Entertainment System. I've had a controller in my hand since I was 4 and I… More about Robert N