IndieCade is the first and only stand-alone festival for independent games in the US; it was originally part of E3 before becoming it's own thing. And as a result, it has become known as the video game industry's equivalent to Sundance.
Though IndieCade is also been primarily a west coast affair; it's original home was LA, again as part of E3, before heading up north to Washington State and heading back to California, in Culver City. There is currently a UK spin off, IndieCade Europe, which is part of Gamecity, but that's about it.
But given how much indie game development has exploded in the New York City area in recent years, it was only a matter of time in which something IndieCade-like happened on the east cast. And that's exactly what's happening this weekend, with the debut of IndieCade East.
The very first installment will take place this Friday through Sunday, Feb. 15 – 17, and at The Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, New York. It offers attendees of all ages to try out 27 titles from the top indie developers, participate in panels, workshops, and tournaments, plus the chance to also test drive the Occulus Rift.
Attendees will even be able witness games being created firsthand, including one workshop that's geared towards children ages 8 and up entitled “The Game-Making Game”.
Special guests include Kris Piotrowski of CAPY Games fame (Critter Crunch, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP, and the upcoming Super Time Force) and Doug Wilson (Johann Sebastien Joust, which was recently part of the SPORTSFRIENDS Kickstarter).
Another highlight is Spacewar! Video Games Blast Off, an exhibition that commemorates the 50th anniversary of video games, will be on view through March 3.
To purchase tickets, simply head on over to The Museum of the Moving Image's homepage.
