Social Events

As excited as we are about the talks, we’re just as excited about the social program at DiGRA 2017!

Here are the events that are on over the week of DiGRA 2017. Come along and make the most of your time in Melbourne!

Saturday July 1st

Metagaming at BAR SK (1 July, 5pm, Bar SK)

Stop by BAR SK on Saturday, July 1 for a reading, exhibition, and demonstration of Metagaming by Stephanie Boluk and Patrick LeMieux. Out now this summer from University of Minnesota Press, Metagaming is a book about the games we play in, on, around, and through videogames. Beyond speedrunning, modding, virtual economies, and esports, Metagaming also features six original videogames that will be installed at BAR SK. Come out for drinks, games, and a procedurally generated book talk!

See the Facebook event page for more details.

Monday July 3rd

Boardgames & Beer (3 July 7pm, University of Melbourne)

Join the boardgames workshop for boardgames and snacks at The University of Melbourne (just up the road from the workshop venue, at RMIT University). We will supply a range of interesting and fun games, including some popular and some lesser-known titles. Light refreshments will be provided, thanks to the University of Melbourne School of Computing and Information Systems. This is a free event, but you must register here to attend. We will email you the details for getting to the venue.

Post-workshop Drinks (3 July 8pm, Bar SK)

Say “cheers!” to the first day of DiGRA 2017 at Bar SK, a laid-back gallery space for new and playful media. From 7pm, Bar SK will be displaying an exhibition of videogames by Patrick LeMieux and Stephanie Boluk (more info, also see above).

Bar SK is at 90 Smith St, Collingwood, in the heart of one of Melbourne’s nightlife and culture hotspots.

Tuesday July 4th

New-to-DiGRA Breakfast (4 July 8.30am, Swinburne AMDC)

We’re delighted to have a strong cohort of first-time DiGRA attendees this year. If you haven’t been to a DiGRA conference before, this is for you! Come to Swinburne AMDC early on the first morning of the conference (4 July) for a casual breakfast and fresh barista made coffee with other new faces, and to meet some friendly DiGRA members who can answer any questions and help make introductions.

DiGRA’s 10th Birthday Party (4 July 6pm, Swinburne)

This year marks the 10th international DiGRA conference since the series began in 2003 (becoming annual in 2013). We’re celebrating with a birthday party! This party includes dinner, drinks and fun and games for all, starting shortly after the last conference session of the day. Dress code is smart casual.

Wednesday July 5th

Gender Diversity Breakfast (5 July 9.30am, Swinburne AMDC)

DiGRA is committed to supporting diversity and inclusivity within the conference and beyond. On the second morning of the conference (5 July), we are providing breakfast and freshly barista made coffee for women, transgender and non-binary identifying delegates at the conference venue. It is our hope that this informal social event will help facilitate new networks for support and advice within the community.

Birds of a Feather Dinners (5 July 6pm, several locations)

We recognise that finding dinner groups at conferences can be confusing and intimidating, particularly if you don’t know anyone! Consequently we are organising ‘Birds of a Feather’ dinners where you can join like-minded people for dinner and conversations on a topic of interest to you, at one of Melbourne’s many marvellous restaurants. Each dinner will have a host who knows the topic, but this is no formal affair – what you talk about is up to you! Sign-up sheets will be available at the registration desk to book your spot at a dinner of your choice. Please note that the dinner is at your own expense so bring cash.

Centre City Social (5 July 8pm-11pm, ACMI X)

Wednesday night’s social function is being held at ACMI X in Melbourne’s Arts Precinct by the river, next to the National Gallery of Victoria and the famous Arts Centre Spire. There will be drinks, snacks and entertainment to fire you up for the final day of DiGRA!

The exact address is: Level 4, 2 Kavanagh St, Southbank VIC 3006. This location is just adjacent to train (Flinders Street Station) and multiple tram lines.

We will be showcasing Multibowl!, the never-to-be-released game history compilation described by Motherboard as “the first real videogame mixtape” (created by Australia’s own Bennett Foddy, along with AP Thomson). We will also run a couple of non-digital social games for people to play.

Thursday July 6th

Recovery Drinks & Dinner (6 July 5pm, Glenferrie Hotel)

Please join us after the conclusion of the conference at The Glenferrie Hotel, an excellent Australian-style pub 400m from the conference venue (324 Burwood Road, Hawthorn). There will be a function area set aside for DiGRA delegates. The Glenferrie Hotel serves terrific food, including vegetarian and gluten free options (~$20-$30 per meal).

Friday July 7th

Post-conference Drinks (7 July 7pm, Bar SK)

For those still in Melbourne the day after the conference, come on up to Bar SK in Collingwood and enjoy the Friday night buzz on one of Melbourne’s best streets for a night out.

Monday July 10th (in Sydney)

Games Research Methods Symposium

The Digital Cultures Research Unit at The University of Sydney is holding a two day symposium on Games Research Methods in Sydney, July 10-11, the week after DiGRA (more information available here). This includes a small social event at The University of Sydney on July 10 that all DiGRA attendees are welcome to attend (it is encouraged, but definitely not required, to attend the presentations during the day). Register for this free event here.