About/FAQ
Playful NYC A Creative Technology Hackathon at Parsons School of Design
A collaboration between the Creative Technology Club and the Innovation Center XR Lab.
Introduction
Playful NYC is a two-track hack focused on building games and alternative controllers inspired by New York City. Participants will explore how play can emerge from urban spaces, movement, sound, density, and everyday systems — through digital games, physical interfaces, or hybrids of both. The goal is experimentation, creative risk-taking, and learning by making. No prior hackathon experience is required.
About the Challenge
New York City is chaotic, dense, loud, playful, and full of unexpected interactions. This hack challenges you to reinterpret the city as a space for play.
You might turn a familiar NYC experience into a game mechanic, translate physical city behaviors into alternative inputs, or build a digital or physical system that captures the rhythm of the city. Literal and abstract interpretations are both welcome.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: Monday, March 2
- Applications Close: Friday, March 20
- Acceptance Notifications: Sunday, March 20
- Hackathon Weekend: April 3–5
- Final Showcase + Judging: Sunday, April 5
How to Get Started
- Apply — Submit the interest form (link coming soon). Applications help us ensure a balanced, collaborative event with sufficient resources for all participants.
- Get accepted — Accepted participants will receive event details, onboarding resources, and team-forming information.
- Form your team — Teams may form before or during the event. Cross-track collaboration is encouraged.
- Show up — Kickoff sessions will cover tools, expectations, and safety. Come ready to make something.
What to Build
Projects must fall into one of two tracks — or combine both.
Track 1: Software Build a game inspired by Playful NYC. Any genre, any style, any platform — if it’s playable and digital, it qualifies.
- PC or VR games
- Websites or apps
- Single-player or multiplayer
- Any genre or style welcome
Track 2: Hardware Design a non-traditional way to play. The controller, interface, or input system is the project.
- Custom controllers or physical interfaces
- Sensor-based, body-based, or environmental inputs
- May connect to a custom game, a modified existing game, or any playful interactive system
Projects that combine an original game with an alternative controller are welcome and encouraged.
Eligibility
- Open to all — beginners are welcome
- Teams of 3–4 people
- No prior experience with game development, hardware, or XR required
Attending Creative Technology Club workshops ahead of the event is recommended but not required.
Project & Submission Requirements
- All work must be created during the hack
- Work must be original or properly credited
- Submissions must align with the Playful NYC theme
- Teams must adhere to The New School’s safety and conduct guidelines
Incomplete or non-themed submissions may not be eligible for the showcase or awards.
