The New York Videogame Critics Circle (NYVGCC) turns sixteen during the 2027 New York Game Awards at the SVA Theatre in Manhattan on Tuesday, January 19, 2026.
This year’s awards will be hosted by gaming and tech content creator Lara Lunardi and TV personality and former ESPN anchor Arda Ocal. In addition to the in-person event, the awards will be livestreamed on NYVGCC’s official social channels and on IGN’s website and YouTube channels.
“The New York Game Awards is our way of paying homage to our New York roots while recognizing the heart and soul of our industry by spotlighting game studios of all sizes,” said Harold Goldberg, co-founder and president, NYVGCC, in a press release. “We have a really great line-up this year, and we’re incredibly grateful to have Lara and Arda join us to host our awards show. We know their energy will bring a great dynamic to our yearly festivities.”
“It’s a real pleasure to join Harold, Ryan and the team at the New York Videogame Critics Circle for this year’s New York Game Awards,” said Lara Lunardi, 2027 New York Game Awards co-host. “The video game industry has always meant so much to me personally and professionally, and I’m honored to be part of an evening that celebrates the people and work that make games special. I’m also especially glad to support an event that helps bring classes and resources to students in New York City. I’m looking forward to celebrating alongside everyone joining us in person and tuning in from around the world.”
“Presenting at the New York Game Awards earlier this year was a highlight for me, and I’m so excited to come back to the awards this year as a co-host,” said Arda Ocal, 2027 New York Game Awards co-host. “Filling Harold and Reggie’s shoes will be a tough task. They’ve been amazing stewards of the awards and the non-profit work done with NYVGCC, and I look forward to carrying their enthusiasm into this year’s event. For the fans who know, my body is ready!”
In addition to the new co-hosts, NYVGCC co-founder and president Harold Goldberg, 2020 Andrew Yoon Legend recipient and former Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aimé and NYVGCC Executive Director Ryan O’Callaghan will still make appearances throughout the awards. Tickets for the NY Game Awards are $85 before ticketing fees and available for purchase through Humanitix. A limited number of VIP tickets are also available for $100, with preferred seating during the awards and access to the after-party presented by New Blood Interactive. More event details to come at a later date, including a surprise post-awards musical performance.
Proceeds from the New York Game Awards support NYVGCC’s Playing with Purpose writing program, which brings comprehensive classes and workshops in journalism and game narrative writing to schools and shelters across New York City. This year, they received their first National Endowment for the Arts grant to support the expansion of their classes with students at the Hudson Valley Middletown School District, along with their work at the Lab School for Finance and Technology, High School for Fashion Industries, M.S. 131, Henry Street Settlement and more to be announced.