GNY EP.178 | feat. Nathan Grant from RetroGameCon
Welcome back to Good News York! In this episode, host Noah Chrysler sits down with Nathan Grant, Event Coordinator at Retro Game Con, to talk all about the exciting growth of Retro Game Con Spring Edition — now a two-day event for the first time ever! Nathan shares the history behind the Spring Edition, how it evolved from its early roots at the Museum of Science and Technology, and what makes it distinct from the flagship fall convention.
This year’s Spring Edition is packed with incredible special guests, including Alycia Glidewell (Portal, Metroid, Sly Cooper, F.E.A.R.), Kevin Miller (voice of Sly Cooper), Kenny James (voice of Bowser from the Mario series), and Daisuke Tsuji (Jin from Ghost of Tsushima, Scorpion in Mortal Kombat 1). Nathan talks about what it’s like to bring these talented artists to Syracuse and how the convention creates once-in-a-lifetime fan experiences — from signed games to Q&A panels where you learn behind-the-scenes stories straight from the people who made these iconic titles.
We also dive into the magic of the Free Play area, where generations of families come together over retro hardware lovingly maintained and modernized by the con’s dedicated staff. From Sega Bass Fishing with a fishing controller to fighting games always drawing a crowd, there’s something for every kind of gamer. Beyond the games, Nathan highlights the vendor hall featuring games, art, and crafts for all tastes, as well as the charity element — 100% of raffle and donation proceeds go to Extra Life, supporting Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital right here in Syracuse.
Nathan also reflects on what 13+ years of running Retro Game Con has taught the team: how to scale an event, create variety year over year, and build a community that sticks around all weekend — and all year long on Discord. Whether you’re a lifelong collector, a casual gamer, or a family looking for a fun weekend activity, Retro Game Con Spring Edition has something for you.
Don’t miss it — May 16th & 17th at the On-center in Syracuse, NY. Get your tickets (while Sunday is still available!) at retrogamecon.com.
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🎮 Retro Game Con: retrogamecon.com
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This episode is sponsored by Ads on the Go — helping businesses grow with smart, effective advertising solutions. Learn more at www.getadsonthego.com.
Chapters:
0:00 – Introduction & Welcome
0:13 – Meet Nathan Grant & Retro Game Con Spring Edition
2:00 – Spring Edition History: From Museum Nights to a Two-Day Con
5:50 – Tickets, Dates & Where to Find Info
8:40 – What Makes Spring Edition Different from the Fall Con
15:51 – The Free Play Experience & Bridging Generations
15:56 – Vendor Hall & What to Expect
16:38 – Charity Spotlight: Extra Life & Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital
18:25 – What the Team Has Learned Over 13+ Years
23:35 – Rapid Fire: Nathan’s Best Game & Gaming Nostalgia
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