New York City, Mayor Mamdani to host youth game dev contest to help boost local game industry growth

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced NYC Game Jam, a two-day video game competition for young New Yorkers, aimed at introducing them to game development and strengthening the city’s games industry. The event links youth creativity with a sector the city says already contributes substantially to its economy.

Participants will create games around the theme “Get There Already”, focused on public transport and getting around a city. Entries must be suitable for all ages and exclude violence, weapons and illicit activity. Industry veterans will choose three finalists, whose teams will share prizes of $3,000, $1,500 and $500; whether generative AI is permitted has not been clarified.