Note: This post was edited on 9 June 2025 to acknowledge Dr. Alison Harvey’s work done on the original Code of Conduct. Her name was omitted in error and the author of this post (Ashley Guajardo) apologizes for omission.
The DiGRA Executive Board is pleased to announce a new Code of Conduct, effective 2 June 2025, which can be read here.
As an international association for academics and professionals who research digital games and associated phenomena, DiGRA is committed to advancing game scholarship by ensuring all voices and researchers are welcome to participate at our in-person and online events. The Code of Conduct supports DiGRA’s mission by encouraging appropriate behavior and addressing inappropriate behavior with a clear process for reporting, investigation, and resolution.
It is important to recognize that DiGRA is an international professional association and is not authorized to adjudicate or enforce the law. However, DiGRA believes in the importance of taking action in good faith and in the best interest and protection of members and attendees.
Alongside the new Code of Conduct, the Executive Board has taken a multi-layered approach to offer members additional support during DiGRA 2025 in Valletta, Malta. The Board is currently training Designated Responders to help members navigate the new Code of Conduct violation reporting process in-person and online. Additionally, with the help of Dr. Daniel Vella and the Malta Local Organizing Committee, we are providing wellbeing support services through the Richmond Foundation at no cost to attendees. From 9:00 to 18:00 there will be mental health professionals on-site for in-person walk-in appointments, and online via real-time chat service each day of the conference. In addition to in-person services, the Board has also paid for a 24/7 crisis phone line.
While of course we do not anticipate any misconduct or unprofessionalism at the conference, the Board has taken these precautionary measures to proactively support the wellbeing and safety of our membership.
The Code of Conduct revisions are reflective of a genuine wish to see our games research community thrive, and would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of many generous and talented people. Thanks goes: to the Code of Conduct subcommittee: Dr. Cody Mejeur, Dr. Iris Kleinecke-Bates, and Dr. Ashley Guajardo for their report and recommendations; to Ross A. Hersemann, J.D., who provided legal review; to previous board members Dr. Cody Mejeur, Dr. Darshana Jayemanne, Dr. Allison Harvey and Dr. Mahli-Ann Butt who wrote the original Code of Conduct; and to all members of the DiGRA 2025-7 Executive Board for drafting and revising the document.
We welcome member feedback, comments, questions or concerns about the new Code of Conduct via email at digrainternational@gmail.com or via the DiGRA website ‘contact us’ form.