Live From New York, It’s Aftermath Hours Live!
Summary
Hosted by Nathan Grayson, this live episode of Aftermath Hours features Gita Jackson, Sam Barlow, Chris Person, and Naomi Clark discussing New York’s unique position in the video game industry. The guests explore why the city lacks major AAA studios despite its rich cultural history, attributing this to high costs and a preference for indie development. They reflect on the evolution of local game scenes, the impact of gentrification on creative spaces, and the distinct "scrappy" punk energy that defines New York’s gaming community compared to hubs like Seattle or Austin.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest introductions
The state of game development in New York vs other cities
Personal histories and moving to New York for games
Challenges of starting a career in games in NYC
New York as a 'poison goods' city and DIY scene
Ecosystem gaps and the lack of AAA studios
Tangents: Movies, Unity AI, and apartment mold
Why big studios don't move to New York
Funding models and the difficulty of hiring talent
Tangents: American chestnuts and Harry Potter wands
Recent indie successes and the art world intersection
Community spaces, remote work, and personal games
Collaboration, mentorship, and IGF awards
Kojima, Zora Mamdani, and the 'gamer mayor' debate
City support for games under different administrations
Tax incentives, Australian funding, and arts grants
Discussion on 'Dressmaker' and games as art
Budget scales, AAA vs Indie, and viral marketing
Audience Q&A: Space Corridor and international funding
Audience Q&A: GTA, motion capture, and Eric Adams
Final thoughts on budgets, creative control, and legacy
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