Lara Lunardi 和 Arda Ocal 是纽约游戏奖 16 周年庆典的新主持人

Lara Lunardi and Arda Ocal are the New Hosts of the 16th Anniversary Celebration of the New York Game Awards

On Tuesday, January 19, at the esteemed SVA Theater in Manhattan, the New York Videogame Critics Circle (NYVGCC) will celebrate turning sixteen at the 2027 New York Game Awards. Lara Lunardi, a developer of gaming and tech content, and Arda Ocal, a TV personality and former ESPN anchor, will emcee this year’s awards, adding a playful element to the ceremony. The awards will be broadcast live on the NYVGCC’s official social channels, as well as on IGN’s website and YouTube channels, in addition to the live event.

Lara Lunardi, gaming and tech content creator

Harold Goldberg, co-founder and president, NYVGCC, stated, “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. We have a really great lineup 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.”

Lara Lunardi, 2027 New York Game Awards co-host, said, “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. 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.”

Arda Ocal, 2027 New York Game Awards co-host, stated, “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. 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!”

NYVGCC Executive Director Ryan O’Callaghan, 2020 Andrew Yoon Legend recipient and former Nintendo CEO Reggie Fils-Aimé, and NYVGCC co-founder and president Harold Goldberg will continue to present during the awards ceremony in addition to the new co-hosts. Tickets for the NY Game Awards can be purchased through Humanitix and cost $85 before ticketing costs. There are also a few VIP tickets available for $100, which include entry to the after-party organized by New Blood Interactive and premium seats during the awards ceremony. There will be more information about the occasion later on, including an unexpected musical performance following the awards.

Highlights of the 2026 New York Game Awards:

The NYVGCC’s Playing with Purpose writing program, which provides thorough classes and workshops in journalism and game story writing to schools and shelters throughout New York City, is supported by the proceeds from the New York Game Awards. In addition to their work at the Lab School for Finance and Technology, High School for Fashion Industries, M.S. 131, Henry Street Settlement, and other locations to be announced, they received their first National Endowment for the Arts grant this year to support the expansion of their classes with students at the Hudson Valley Middletown School District.

About the New York Videogame Critics Circle

Forty of the best videogame critics, writers, reporters, and bloggers in the country make up the Manhattan-based New York Videogame Critics Circle, a 501(c)3 non-profit multicultural organization. By offering scholarships, community outreach, and mentorship to kids in NYC schools, members of the NYVGCC give back to their communities. The New York Videogame Critics Circle believes that standing out for the underprivileged is very beneficial.

For more information, visit the official website.

Galit Gordon

I'm a published author and proud US Army veteran who happens to be a gamer, so I decided to combine the two and love every minute of it! Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments and I'll be sure to get back to you.