The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs has announced that the 6th Annual Latinx Games Festival will be held in collaboration with the City of Albuquerque at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC). The event aims to foster connections, facilitate learning, and advocate for Latinx game developers by providing them a global platform to explore opportunities in the video game industry.
Since its establishment in 2019, the Latinx Games Festival has emerged as a significant event for Latinx game development. It has attracted sponsorships from major companies such as Nintendo, Xbox, and Valve. According to a press release by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, the festival is scheduled for September and will feature award-winning panelists, breakout sessions, an e-sports tournament, and a rare display of the Atari 2600 game "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" from 1982.
Quintero, NHCC Executive Director, expressed his enthusiasm about the festival in a statement released by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. He said: "Given our Center’s focus on promoting, preserving, and advancing Hispanic arts and culture, it’s hard to imagine a better fit than this festival. This is an opportunity to connect with Latinx game developers and industry leaders from around the world, allowing us to build connections in one of the fastest-growing sectors of our economy in the country."
According to information provided on the Latinx Games Festival webpage, attendees can expect engaging panels that stimulate thoughtful discussions and provide opportunities for career advancement. The event also includes a showcase of playable video games crafted by Latino developers along with the debut of the Latino Games Exhibition and presentation of the Latinx Game Awards.
NHCC's mission focuses on preserving and promoting Hispanic culture, arts, and humanities. As stated on their About webpage, through exhibitions, lectures, book readings, performing arts programs and educational initiatives they provide meaningful experiences to their local community. Furthermore, NHCC serves as a platform for Hispanic, Chicano, and Latinx artists, allowing them to showcase their work on both local and national levels.
