The 2nd Annual NYC Video Game Festival (NYCVGF) unfolded on May 9, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of 2,000 New Yorkers eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of gaming and digital entertainment. Hosted by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), the festival showcased a diverse array of activities, from esports competitions to indie game demonstrations, drone soccer, and nostalgic arcade classics. A comprehensive list of competitors, partners, developers, and event activations is available in the festival program.
Celebrating Student Achievements
Among the highlights of the day was the Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs Esports Finals (BOTB), a collaborative effort with NYC Public Schools. MOME Commissioner Rafael Espinal and NYC Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels were present to honor the achievements of the NYC gaming community. The defending champions in the Elementary division, team Hyper Pigmentation from Brooklyn’s PS 889, successfully claimed first place once again. In the Middle School division, New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math (NEST+) from Manhattan emerged victorious, while Staten Island’s Tottenville took the top spot in the High School division.
The NYC Collegiate Esports Circuit Finals (NYCCEC), organized in partnership with Video Game Amateurs (VGA), crowned The City College of NY (CCNY) as the champion of the League of LegendsⓇ competition, while Pace University triumphed in the ValorantⓇ competition. This year marked a significant milestone as collegiate finalists shared in a ,000 prize pool, made possible by Red Bull™ and proceeds from festival ticket sales.
Engaging the Next Generation
These competitions reflect the City of New York’s commitment to engaging students from kindergarten through college, providing them with opportunities to explore potential careers in the digital games industry. Through hands-on experiences, students gain insights into various fields, including video game design, coding, and city planning.
Since its inception, the BOTB competition has reached over 15,000 NYC Public School students. The 2026 event set a new participation record, with 3,395 students from schools across all five boroughs, a significant increase from the 1,200 participants in its inaugural year in 2021. Notably, high school submissions surged by 44%, with 178 schools participating for the first time. These remarkable achievements underscore the dedication and enthusiasm of educators, students, and school communities, making BOTB a celebrated occasion of creativity, learning, and innovation.
The festival also featured a screening of Polygon’s new documentary about the Battle of the Boroughs, further enriching the experience for attendees.
