THE PUBLIC OPTION FOR A CAREER IN DIGITAL GAMES

Mayoral Announcement

On May 16 2022, the individuals and organizations who made the Gaming Pathways Program possible joined together with NYC Mayor Eric Adams to announce CCNY’s addition of a degree in Digital Game Design.

“Gaming is the great equalizer.” —Eric Adams, Mayor of NYC

The conference included members of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, Urban Arts and students of their School of Interactive Arts, Hostos Community College, NYXL’s Excelsior Team, and CCNY personnel. Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer served as MC, and the Mayor was joined by CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez, Urban Arts CEO Philip Courtney. President of the CCNY Esports Club, Matthew Lopez, introduced the Mayor. NYXL was represented by CEO James Frey, and COO Farzam Kamel.

“Our new industry council will inform future economic development and inclusion efforts, while our partnership with CUNY will provide NYC students a strategic pathway to a career in these fields. This is a milestone moment in this city’s mission to drive inclusive growth and write the next chapter of New York City’s tech sector.” —Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor of Economic and Workforce Development

Dr. Stan Altman, President of SAENY D/B/A Harlem Gallery of Science, was appointed to Mayor Adams’ Digital Industry Advisory Council.

Students compete in a gaming competition during the press conference.
The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment is making a $2 million investment in the Gaming Pathways Program, an initiative to reach students from marginalized communities and equip them with the tools to succeed in the workforce. Leveraging students’ interest in gaming to engage them in STEM education will not only aid students, but the economy; the goal is to build upon local talent and potential to stimulate NYC’s game design industry.

“Gaming can spur the next generation of economic revitalization. The Digital Gaming Pathways Project opens up the industry to an untapped resource of talented students in underrepresented communities, providing an entry way into the $180 billion global market and contributing to New York City becoming a principal hub for digital gaming development.” —Dr. Stephon Alexander, Executive Director of the Harlem Gallery of Science