About us
The Christchurch Game Developers Association frequently offers events in person or digitally to create conversations and share stories, encourage community growth, connection-building and the sharing of knowledge and expertise.
A typical meetup includes:
- A Guest Speaker or Panel presenting on a core topic
- An opportunity for Q&A with our Guest Speakers
- Games Industry News and Events from around New Zealand
- Screen & Games Industry Job Opportunities
- Casual networking over pizza
Originally founded in 2015, the Christchurch Game Developers Association (CGDA) is an organisation dedicated to supporting the local Ōtautahi Christchurch Game Development Community.
CGDA works with local sponsors and tertiary institutes to provide monthly Meetup Events, featuring a wide variety of Talks from local and international guest speakers. We also facilitate Canterbury sites for Game Jams (weekend-long collaborative game creation events) and Playtest Exhibitions, with the goal of showcasing local talent and illuminating pathways into the Game Development Industry.
Check us out on:
Web: https://chch.gamedev.co.nz
Discord: https://discord.gg/68YqqFZ
Facebook: fb.me/CHCHGameDev
Twitter: @CHCHGameDev
Help us grow on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CHCHGameDev
Upcoming events
1
November Game Playtest Event
Turanga (Central Library), 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch, al, NZWelcome to the November 2026 Game Playtest Event!
Come play-test some amazing games (digital and table top) that are being developed right here in Christchurch at this casual, free public event!
Event Location:
Auahatanga | Creativity, Level 4, Tūranga - Computer Labs
2 PM - Doors Open
4 PM - Event EndsFor developers:
- You can submit your game via the official form here:
https://forms.gle/Gxt9h326JMeVRx6a6 - Submissions close November 7th!
- Please arrive 30 mins early to ensure your game is set up properly.
For play-testers:
- Feel free to show up and have fun playing some games, and be prepared to give feedback to the game creators!
- You can confirm your interest by RSVP-ing here on Meetup.com!
- Bring some friends!
Big, BIG thanks to our Patreon supporters for making our meetups possible!
Our Corporate Supporters:
Yoobee
Check out their Diploma in Game Art and Development: https://www.yoobee.ac.nz/courses/game-art-development/diploma-in-game-art-developmentCerebralFix
Christchurch-based game development studio specializing in work for hire from some amazing companies.
https://cerebralfix.com/Screen Canterbury NZ
Canterbury-based film office helping creatives get their projects delivered to the screens of their choice, providing fantastic resource-sharing & advocacy for our screen production industry.
https://www.christchurchnz.com/screen-canterburynzAnd our Patreon Supporters:
Matt Barton
Leigh Beattie
Leith Caldwell
Samantha Cook
Robert Oram
Nik Scarr
Ian Shephard
Alexander Swords
Carl de Visser
Y'all are amazing!18 attendees- You can submit your game via the official form here:
Past events
178
