Senior Girls in Games is an immersive full-day event that covers the basics of Game Art and Game Programming for aspirational game developers in Years 11-13 that identify as female.
Wednesday 8th July 2026 | 8.30am - 4.30pm
Girls in Games (GIGs) includes hands-on and inspirational game design, game art, and game programming workshops. Over the course of the day, you'll be introduced to creating art assets for games in 2D or 3D.
You'll also create your own game using a game engine and gain valuable insights from Media Design School at Strayer (MDS) Game Development staff.
What you need to know:
Registration opens at 8.30am on Level 1, so please arrive on time to check in and get settled.
Lunch and snacks will be provided to registered participants throughout the day. Bring your own water bottle to refill on campus.
The event will wrap up around 4.30pm, so plan accordingly.
RSVPs close Tuesday 7th July at 12pm.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Schedule (subject to change)
Time | Activities | Where |
8.30am | Registration | Level 1 |
8.50am | Introductions & Housekeeping | Innovation Hub, Level 4 |
9am | Keynote Speaker – Anna Barham | Innovation Hub, Level 4 |
10am | Morning Session: Game Art
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|
10.30am | Morning Tea Break | Innovation Hub, Level 4 |
10.45am | Game Art Sessions Continue |
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1pm | Lunch Break | Innovation Hub, Level 4 |
1.30pm | Afternoon Session: Game Programming
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|
3pm | Afternoon Tea Break | Innovation Hub, Level 4 |
3.15pm | Game Programming Sessions Continue |
|
4pm | Awards | Innovation Hub, Level 4 |
4.30pm | Event Concludes |
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Please note: There is no onsite parking. View nearby carparks here or access bus service information here.
When
Where
Media Design School at Strayer
Level 1
10 Madden Street
Central Auckland 1010
Anna Barham - Founder and Managing Director, Balancing Monkey Games | Chair person, NZGDA
Anna and Sam Barham founded Balancing Monkey Games in 2017, and Anna picked up the role of Managing Director in September 2020. She joined the New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA) Board in 2025 and was elected to take the Chair in 2026. Prior to all this she managed a medical centre for five years, gained an MSc in Psychology, and has worked in fundraising, volunteer coordination, and tutoring disabled adults.
