NY Interactive Fest began in 2021 as a small gathering of passionate indie game developers in a rented Brooklyn warehouse. Founded by former game developer Alex Chen and esports organizer Maya Rodriguez, the first event attracted just 500 visitors but created an immediate buzz in the New York gaming community.
What started as a weekend showcase quickly evolved when industry veterans took notice of the festival's unique focus on connecting creators directly with players. By 2023, NY Interactive Fest had moved to Manhattan and tripled in size, featuring showcases from both indie studios and major publishers.
The turning point came in 2024 when we secured partnerships with three major console manufacturers, allowing attendees to experience pre-release hardware and exclusive game demos. That year, attendance jumped to 12,000, and the festival expanded to include competitive gaming tournaments with substantial prize pools.
Today, NY Interactive Fest occupies the entire Jacob K. Javits Convention Center for one weekend each year, welcoming over 25,000 attendees from around the world. We've remained true to our founding principle: creating meaningful connections between the people who make games and those who play them.
Our Journey
2021
First event in Brooklyn with 500 attendees
2022
Expanded to include VR showcase and industry panels
2023
Moved to Manhattan with 5,000+ attendees
2024
Secured major hardware partnerships and added esports tournaments
2025
Expanded to Javits Center with 25,000+ attendees
