Based in Manhattan, the New York Videogame Critics Circle is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit multicultural organization comprised of 40 of the finest videogame critics, writers, reporters, and bloggers in the nation.
Members of the NYVGCC give back to their communities by providing scholarships, mentoring, after-school classes, and community outreach to NYC school students.
The New York Videogame Critics Circle (NYVGCC) recognized the best games, actors, journalists and more during a special 15th anniversary celebration at the 2026 New York Game Awards. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 came away with the coveted Game of the Year Award, People Make Games received the prestigious Knickerbocker Award for Best Games Journalism, Ball x Pit took home the inaugural Excelsior Award for Best NY Game and The Pokémon Company was honored as the recipient of the 2026 Andrew Yoon Legend Award.
The 15th Annual New York Game Awards Winners:
- Big Apple Award for Best Game of the Year: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Off Broadway Award for Best Indie Game: Blue Prince
- Herman Melville Award for Best Writing in a Game: Blippo+
- Statue of Liberty Award for Best World: Hades II
- Tin Pan Alley Award for Best Music in a Game: South of Midnight
- Great White Way Award for Best Acting in a Game: Jennifer English as Maelle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Excelsior Award for Best NY Game: Ball x Pit
- Coney Island Dreamland Award for Best AR/VR Game: Lumines Arise
- Central Park Children’s Zoo Award for Best Kids Game: Donkey Kong Bananza
- A-Train Award for Best Mobile Game: Is This Seat Taken?
- High Line Award for Best Remake: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
- Chumley’s Speakeasy Award for Best Hidden Gem: News Tower
- NYC GWB Award for Best DLC: Lies of P: Overture
- Knickerbocker Award for Best Games Journalism: People Make Games
- Andrew Yoon Legend Award Recipient: The Pokémon Company
In addition to the game awards, NYVGCC was honored with a proclamation from the New York City Council and received special remarks from Nintendo of America President and COO Devon Pritchard and former Andrew Yoon Legend winner and Head of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer, in honor of its 15th anniversary.