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What is a DiGRA Chapter?

A DiGRA Chapter is a local or regional network of researchers, students, practitioners, and others interested in digital games research. Chapters exist to build community, support scholarly exchange, and create regular points of contact beyond DiGRA’s annual conference cycle. Chapters may represent a region, country, language community, or multi-country area, depending on local research cultures and practicalities.

Chapters typically organise activities such as:

• talks, seminars, reading groups, and workshops
• writing groups, mentoring, and networking sessions
• local symposia or small conferences
• collaborations with universities, cultural organisations, and industry partners

Relationship to DiGRA International

DiGRA Chapters are part of the wider DiGRA community. They extend DiGRA’s mission locally by creating ongoing, accessible, and inclusive spaces for games research and exchange.

DiGRA International does not micromanage chapters, but chapters are expected to operate in ways that align with DiGRA’s purpose and standards.

• DiGRA International provides recognition, basic expectations, and (where available) limited support such as chapter grants.
• Chapters are locally led and locally organised.
  
• DiGRA International does not manage day-to-day chapter activity or direct local programming.
  

Core Requirements for Chapters

1) DiGRA International membership

Chapters exist to organise and communicate with DiGRA members locally and to provide a clear route for future members to join the association.

Requirement: Chapter leadership and voting members must be current DiGRA International members.

Chapters may welcome non-members to open events, mailing lists, or public activities, but they should be clear about: which activities are open to everyone and which chapter decisions and formal roles require DiGRA membership.

2) Named leadership and contact point

Each chapter must have:

• at least two named officers (recommended: Chair/Co-Chairs plus Secretary/Treasurer or Communications)
  
• a stable contact email
  
• a clear statement of who is responsible for administration and communications
  

3) A basic governance statement

Chapters must maintain a short, accessible description of:

• the chapter’s purpose and region
  
• how leadership is chosen and for how long
  
• how decisions are made (even if informal)
  
• how members can get involved and raise concerns
  

4) Alignment with DiGRA standards

Chapters are expected to uphold standards consistent with DiGRA International, including:

• professional and respectful conduct at events and in online spaces
  
• inclusive practice and non-discrimination
  
• transparent handling of chapter funds (if applicable)
  

• responsible management of personal data (see below)

What DiGRA International Expects from Chapters

Maintain regular activity
Chapters should aim for a baseline of activity each year (for example, a small number of events, communications, or collaborative initiatives) although the size of events may vary dependent on chapter size and capacity.
Communicate clearly with members
Chapters should maintain at least one communication channel (e.g., mailing list, website page, or social media) that provides accurate event information, states who the chapter is for and how to join, and signposts DiGRA International membership and benefits

Use funds responsibly (where relevant)

If a chapter receives DiGRA funding (e.g., a Chapter Grant), it must:
use funds only for the approved purpose

• follow the required claims and receipts process
• keep basic records for accountability

Chapter ‘good standing’

A chapter is considered in good standing with DiGRA International when it meets the minimum expectations below:

1. Membership requirement is met: The chapter’s officers/committee (and any voting members) are current DiGRA International members and have no pending financial matters with DiGRA International.
   
2. Current leadership and contact details: The chapter has named officers and a working contact email, and DiGRA International is notified of leadership changes within a reasonable time.
   
3. Baseline activity and communication: The chapter shows evidence of ongoing activity (events, meetings, communications, or collaborations) and maintains at least one active communication channel for members and prospective members.
   
4. Alignment with DiGRA standards: Chapter activities uphold professional conduct and inclusive practice consistent with DiGRA’s official code of conduct [link].
   
5. Basic accountability for any DiGRA funds received: If the chapter receives DiGRA funding, it complies with the relevant grant conditions (approved purpose, receipts/claims process, and basic record-keeping).

What Chapters Can Expect from DiGRA International

DiGRA International aims to support chapters by:

• recognising chapters as part of DiGRA’s international network
  
• listing chapters on the DiGRA website
  
• sharing chapter news through DiGRA channels when possible
  
• offering limited funding opportunities when available (e.g., Chapter Grants)
  
• providing a point of contact on the Executive Board for chapter matters

Membership and Public Participation

While formal chapter roles and membership require DiGRA membership, public events should be open to anyone interested but may signpost membership of the chapter and DiGRA International as a way to create more engagement.

Branding and Representation

Chapters may describe themselves as ‘DiGRA [Region]’ or ‘DiGRA [Country/Area]’ and may use DiGRA branding in line with DiGRA guidance.

Chapters should always use the official DiGRA International Logo regardless of whether they are also using an additional chapter logo, unless local restrictions prevent this. Any chapter logo should incorporate the official DiGRA International logo.

Chapters must not:

• present themselves as speaking on behalf of DiGRA International on policy or governance matters
  
• imply endorsement of external organisations, products, or political positions by DiGRA International
  

Data protection and mailing lists

Chapters should follow the relevant legal framework in their region and handle personal data appropriately.

What to do if a chapter becomes inactive

Chapters sometimes pause due to workload, funding, or leadership transitions. If activity stops, chapters should:

• communicate clearly with members
  
• inform DiGRA International if leadership changes or the chapter becomes dormant
  
• DiGRA International may periodically review dormant listings to keep the public directory accurate.

Proposing New Chapters

New local Chapter proposals are both welcome and encouraged. Proposals will be discussed at the DiGRA Board meeting directly following the date of receipt, and the Association’s comments and decision will be communicated to the applicants as soon as possible thereafter. Applicants should complete the overleaf form (Appendix A) and email it to the DiGRA International Chapter Officer Iris Kleinecke-Bates (i.kleinecke-bates@hull.ac.uk)

Apply for Chapter Grant

DiGRA encourages local Chapters to organise their own research events, such as conferences, workshops and symposia. The purpose of this grant is to provide small, fast support for chapter-run events that grow DiGRA’s community, including workshops, symposia, public talks, game jams, mentorship sessions, reading groups with invited speakers, and similar. (additional info on the chapter policy: DiGRA Chapter Policy – DiGRA). For additional guidance, please contact the DiGRA International Chapter Officer (i.kleinecke-bates@hull.ac.uk). 

Who can apply:

• Recognised DiGRA chapters in good standing (current officers listed, basic activity, CoC compliance).
• One application per chapter per round. Co-applications between neighbouring chapters are welcome (note lead chapter).

What we fund (examples):

• Venue/AV hire, hybrid/streaming, accessibility (captions, live transcription, BSL/IS/interpretation), catering, speaker travel/honoraria, printing costs, marketing costs, small prizes.

What we do not fund:

• Purchase of durable equipment, salaries, alcohol-centred receptions, individual travel bursaries, recurring operational costs, events closed to the public without justification.

Award size: Maximum: EUR1,000. Total annual pot announced at the AGM.

How decisions are made: Applications are reviewed by the executive board and decisions are made by assessing applications against the rubrics below. The Board reserves the right to prioritize applications fitting the goals of the Board. Conflicts of interest are managed by recusal. Decisions will be communicated by the DiGRA Chapter Officer or another representative of the executive board.

Decisions: Fund / Fund with modifications / Decline with short feedback.

• Relevance to DiGRA mission: Clear contribution to games research community, aligns with chapter aims.
•  Inclusion & student/ECR benefit: Concrete access measures, credible plan to involve/benefit students/ECRs, affordability.
• Geographic/linguistic reach or under-served community: Strengthens participation beyond usual centres, supports new or smaller communities, language access where relevant.
• Feasibility & value for money: A realistic programme and attendance estimate, a clear and proportionate budget, and a convincing explanation of what this grant will fund. Where other funding is available (institutional, partner, registration income, etc.), applications should show what DiGRA funds will cover and why DiGRA support is necessary (e.g., to ring-fence travel support for students/ECRs, accessibility costs, or participation from under-resourced regions).
• Knowledge-sharing potential: Commitment to publish slides/recordings/ summary.

Payment: Reimbursement by invoice/receipts within 45 days. Chapters must be able to receive bank transfers.

Code of Conduct: Events must adopt and signpost the DiGRA code of conduct (Code of Conduct, Harassment, & Discrimination Policy – DiGRA).

Acknowledgement & branding: Use the DiGRA logo on publicity and include: This event is supported by a DiGRA Chapter Grant.

Reporting: A brief 1-page report is due 30 days after the event (template below). Non-submission makes the chapter ineligible for the following year.

Transparency: We publish a list of funded events (chapter, title, region, amount, 50-word summary) annually and name successful chapter events at the AGM

Questions: Contact: Iris Kleinecke-Bates (i.kleinecke-bates@hull.ac.uk)

Appendix A: New Chapter Proposals

Rationale for Chapter Status

• How would a Chapter be of benefit to your membership?
• Who will be the members?  Are these academics or practitioners or a mixture?

Geographical area

• Please indicate the geographical area the chapter will serve.

 Outline of the chapter aims, objectives and activities

• Will you organize an activity to initiate the chapter?
• Will you organize regular meetings, what frequency? Where?
• Does the chapter plan to organise a local DIGRA conference or workshop in the next 2 years?

Planned organisational structure

• Will the chapter be a formal legal entity and if so, in what country?
• How will the organisational committee be constituted and elected?
• What means of communication and dissemination will be put in place?
  • with all members
  • within the organising committee

Please note that DiGRA can set up a mailing list for you.

Initial organisation committee

• Who are the proposed members of the organisation committee?
• Please include a short biography (no more than 50 words) and a brief outline of the roles each member will take.

Financial plan and required resources

• Please make a short financial plan and indicate the required resources. At the moment DiGRA is only able to financially support local chapters in organizing a local DIGRA event, such as a conference, seminar or workshop.  If you would like to apply for this please contact the DiGRA International Chapter Officer Iris Kleinecke-Bates (i.kleinecke-bates@hull.ac.uk) for more information.