Opportunities for Leadership in the Digital Games Research Association

The Digital Games Research Association (DiGRA) is currently seeking members who are passionate about contributing to the future of the organization. The self-nomination period for the 2027-2029 Executive Board is open until September 30. If you’re interested in playing a pivotal role within DiGRA, now’s the time to put your name forward.

Why Join DiGRA?

Joining DiGRA is more than just a title; it's about actively participating in a community dedicated to advancing digital game research. The association brings together academics, practitioners, and industry professionals, creating a platform where diverse perspectives shape the future of game studies. Engaging with DiGRA lets you network with key figures in the field and contribute to initiatives that drive the industry forward. If you’re working in this space, this could be your opportunity to influence how digital games are understood and studied.

Eligibility Criteria

• All current DiGRA members can vote in the General Election.
• Any current DiGRA member is eligible to run for office, except for those who have already served two consecutive terms on the Executive Board.
• Each member may only run for one position at a time.

Understanding these eligibility criteria is essential for potential candidates. While the barriers to entry seem low, the restriction on serving consecutive terms indicates that DiGRA values fresh perspectives. This rotation fosters innovation within leadership, ensuring that new voices can emerge to challenge stagnant ideas.

Available Roles

The President plays a central role in shaping DiGRA’s mission and vision. Beyond just a figurehead, this position requires a keen understanding of both the organization’s objectives and the needs of its members. With the weight of enforcing legal and ethical standards, the President must prioritize tasks based on community feedback and insist on transparency within the board. The final vote in case of ties makes this role pivotal during critical decisions.

The Vice-President is more than a backup. This role is about collaboration; the Vice-President supports the President and steps in during their absence, making it a vital position for continuity in leadership. The dynamics of this partnership can significantly affect the board's effectiveness, highlighting the importance of both individuals being aligned in vision and approach.

The Secretary fulfills an administrative but essential role in keeping the organization’s documentation organized. They maintain official records, including meeting minutes and membership data, ensuring that information is accurate and accessible. This position often goes overlooked, but it forms the backbone of DiGRA’s communication with its members. After all, efficient record-keeping facilitates smoother operations and accountability.

The Chapter Officer, serving as the link between the Executive Board and DiGRA Chapters, is integral to fostering a cohesive community. They monitor activities across various chapters, address concerns, and stimulate collaboration among different groups. Organizing chapter meetings and managing funding requests show that this role is crucial for grassroots involvement in the organization.

The Diversity Officer plays an increasingly vital role in today’s critical discourse on inclusivity. Working with the Local Organising Committee, they ensure that diversity guidelines are successfully implemented during conferences, addressing any relevant issues. By reporting these matters to the board, they can help set a standard for future events and policies, advocating for an inclusive environment.

The Sustainability Officer's responsibilities have grown in significance. As environmental concerns rise globally, this role guides the organization toward more eco-friendly practices. That might involve crafting guidelines for sustainable research and assisting conference planners in making economically viable decisions. In an age where the gaming industry faces scrutiny over its environmental impact, such efforts could be seen as a progressive step forward.

The Student Officer represents the fresh perspectives of younger members on the Executive Board. They ensure student interests are prioritized and that academic concerns are relayed effectively to the board. Candidates need to be current students, further emphasizing the association’s commitment to incorporating the voices of those actively engaged in learning.

The Industry Relations Officer acts as a liaison between DiGRA and industry partners, engaging video game companies and platforms. This role offers a unique opportunity to bridge academic research with industry practices, promoting collaboration through workshops and mentorships. Understanding industry trends ensures that DiGRA remains relevant and responsive to the broader gaming community.

There are also three open seats on the board, which offer flexibility to tackle various organizational tasks—from organizing conferences to enhancing outreach. The availability of these roles through additional elections allows for greater member involvement and input on board composition, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and diversity in expertise.

Application Process

Individuals interested in joining the DiGRA Board can submit their self-nomination through a Google Form. This is your chance to showcase your qualifications and vision—make it count. Applicants need to provide their name, the desired role, and a brief description of their qualifications and agenda for their term, limited to 250 words. Constraints like these often lead applicants to distill their ideas down to core themes, which can enhance clarity.

The self-nomination form is accessible here.

Voting Information

Once the nomination period closes, voting will commence, with ballots dispatched via email to members registered on Memberful. This method ensures that all eligible members can participate, offering a straightforward approach to engage the wider community. Dr. Olli Sotamaa has agreed to oversee the voting process to maintain impartiality and fairness, a critical facet in any democratic election.

Election Timeline

• Now - September 30: Self-nomination period is open.
• October 5 - October 20: Voting period.
• November 1: Election results will be published.
• November - December: Onboarding for the incoming board.
• January 1, 2027: The new board officially takes office.

This timeline is tight but offers clear milestones for those involved. The transition from nomination to results is swift, reflecting the urgency and enthusiasm present in the organization. It’s a chance to see who will shape the future of this field.

Implications and Future Outlook

The outcome of this election has the potential to set a new course for DiGRA, influencing not just organizational dynamics but also the broader field of digital games research. As new officers come onboard, they may usher in shifts in policies and priorities, addressing contemporary issues like diversity and sustainability in research. The influence of the elected board could extend to partnerships with industry players, which can provide a wealth of opportunities for collaborative research and community-building.

With a fresh oversight in leadership, DiGRA’s initiatives could align with emerging trends in gaming and academic research, paving the way for innovative approaches to understanding digital games. It’s an essential time to engage, as the leaders chosen in this election might just redefine the path ahead.

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