MESSAGES FROM ANDREW'S NYC GAMING DISCORD COMMUNITY
nycgamingdiscord.com
Me, Andrew Thomas, and Sid were my first game jam team. He encouraged me taking the lead and gave me real feedback and praise about my work, when I was still new and nervous about my lack of experience. We made a funny wacky game we were proud of. He was always a positive chill point of game dev events. And was always down to chat about game dev in a humble and caring way. - Alexia
In 2018, I met Andrew for the first time at PlayNYC showing off Roll Control, and having hardly any gamedev knowledge at the time except for what I was learning from Rob, Jose, and John, I was absolutely gobsmacked. I thought it was one of the coolest games at the convention. He had taken the Unity playcrafting course before me and was a living demonstration that even I could become a gamedev... I who had been streaming games on Twitch full time in my parent's basement and hadn't finished college... maybe I could do something cool like that. He showed me that not only was it possible, but you could actually make people happy and have fun doing it too. Andrew would later be my partner in crime for my first Global Game Jam ever (which we barely finished in time), and we'd support each other by playtesting our games, giving feedback, and even working on each others games at one point. We continued to participate in game jams with @sidwasnothere and @Alexia (they/she), and we kept getting better and better at it, each time being even more fun than the last. Andrew was an inspiration, a voice of reason, and a true friend. Recently having completed yet another game, he always kept pushing to make things better and improve, whether that was in his personal or professional life. Amongst countless conversations and memories, I can't pick out a single favorite one, but he was always there for you, pushing you to be your best self too. I'll miss him so dearly. - Andrew
The world will never be quite the same without Andrew. In addition to himself, the people and opportunities he introduced me to have shaped my life and opened doors that I know never would've been open to me any other way. His enthusiasm and creativity were infectious, and he was willing to help me even at times when I wasn't willing to help myself. I was actually just about to message him about an idea I had that we could potentially work on together once I finished grad school. I guess I was a little too late, but I hope he knew how much I respected him and how much I enjoyed his company on the occasions that we could hang out. To add to this, a phrasing I've used before: Andrew was the heart and soul of whatever group or project he was a part of. - Nvenom8
Andrew was a really kind, smart person. I appreciated his quirky sense of humor and his thoughtful way of listening and communicating. Our friendship was mostly over Discord and Zoom, but I am grateful to have known him. I wish we had more time together. - Julien
I first met Andrew at a game makers meetup when he was first testing roll control way back in the pre pandemic days. We were never super close, but he was part of our weekly accountability stand up group so I we'd talk pretty much every week. Mainly what I'll remember about Andrew is that he was one of the most friendly and open and easiest to talk to people I've met. He always had a great upbeat attitude and was quick to offer advice and encouragement on any particular problem and also had a ton of knowledge that he was always willing to share. He was a great guy and I'll miss him. - Henry
I got to know Andrew during the pandemic - I saw Andrew regularly during the weekly accountability sessions and had several 1-1 calls with him. Andrew was always positive, inspiring, and a true community leader. After knowing him for 2 years, I have been very excited to meet him in person during the Endemic 😢 Andrew will live in the memory of everyone of us who had the honor and pleasure of meeting him. - Eric
I didn't get the chance to meet him in person, but enjoyed chatting with Andrew online and in the video meetups, he was always the nicest person, really kind and super helpful, and he even sent my game to a press contact of his completely out of the blue- it was super cool of him and I really appreciated it. I was in another discord with him too and it always felt cool to have him there too, a familiar buddy in an unfamiliar space. - Laura
I remember playing Roll Control in 2019 for the fall playcrafting get together in Microsoft, he was one of the first developers in NYC that I connected with, if not the first. I remember being awed by how he had got Roll Control working. He was always a light in the room, someone to talk to, and guarantee a good conversation. Im gonna fuckin miss him. - Matthew
This news breaks my heart. I met Andrew in a Playcrafting class taught by Rob and Jose. I always enjoyed talking through weird ideas and inspirations with him, an artist through and through. He was such a mensch - easygoing and genuinely kind, curious, welcoming. Numerous times I went to socially intimidating events because I knew Andrew would be there. He'll be missed by many, including me. Wishing care and comfort for his loved ones. - Lisa
This is such sad news. I was in his playcrafting class, and it was wonderful to see the evolution of Roll Control through the years. He was such a sweet person, and I loved seeing all his accomplishments. My condolences to his family and friends. 💜 - Lafiya
I crossed paths with Andrew a number of times in the game scene and he was always so fucking friendly, patient, and fun to be around. I remember taking turns visiting each others' booths at PlayNYC when we happened to be around the corner from one another. It's devastating to know that won't happen again. One of those people I wish I had gotten to know better. - Ayla
Andrew was one of TheLaserGirls' biggest advocates. We were lucky to know him as a colleague, friend, and inspiring maker whose passion for games and community was poignant and palpable. We have so many fun memories of participating in conventions and panels with him, and all the shenanigans that come with fun con weekends with friends. Seeing everyone's notes on here is a wonderful celebration of his life and work. - TheLaserGirls
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