Published on March 1st, 2022 | by Adrian Gunning
Code Breakers: Women in Games arrives at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum is thrilled to present Code Breakers: Women in Games, an ACMI touring exhibition celebrating the achievements of women working in the games industry, from Saturday 5 March to Sunday 15 May 2022.
This free exhibition transforms Yarra Ranges Regional Museum into an immersive and interactive game zone. Visitors can play an array of video games – from indie to commercial hits and new releases – all made by Australian and New Zealand women working in different capacities: as directors, programmers, developers, digital artists, writers, producers and designers.
Alongside the fun, Code Breakers seeks to shatter stereotypes and ponder important questions: What does a more inclusive games industry look like? How do we encourage this diversity? How might video games contribute to social change?
“We are excited to host Code Breakers at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum,” says Yarra Ranges Deputy Mayor Cr Johanna Skelton. “The exhibition offers a brilliant opportunity to bring focus to the achievements of women in creative technologies, as well as exploring the positive social impacts of gaming and its narrative, educational and artistic potentials.”
To celebrate the exhibition’s launch, the Museum will host an online conversation “On Gaming and Social Change” on International Women’s Day on Tuesday 8 March from 12 pm to 1 pm AEDT. The event will feature some of the industry’s top female game makers and thinkers, exploring how video games and interactive technologies are shaping our future. The event is free and guests can register here.
The game makers featured in the exhibition include Lisy Kane, Producer at League of Geeks, co-founder of Girl Geek Academy and one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in the games category; Katharine Neil, independent Game Developer and director of the hugely controversial and influential game Escape From Woomera; Maru Nihoniho, Founder and Managing Director of Media Interactive and recipient of a New Zealand Order of Merit for her service to the gaming industry; and Siobhan Reddy, Co-Founder and Studio Director of Media Molecule, named in Fortune’s 10 most powerful women in gaming.
Deliver pizzas and crush bullies in Ninja Pizza Girl, join an animal clan in Armello or race souped-up cars in Need For Speed: No Limits. From platformers and role-playing strategy digital board games through to graphical adventure and racing games, Code Breakers offers something for everyone at every skill level.
Additionally, the Museum has several other public programs available, including:
- An online event featuring award-winning writer and narrative designer Brooke Maggs;
- School holiday workshops;
- Quiet Hour sessions for a low-sensory exhibition experience;
- Savvy Seniors supported sessions;
- School groups can also book exclusive visits and ACMI-led digital education programs in the classroom.
Code Breakers: Women in Games will show at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum from 5 March to 15 May 2022. Entry to the exhibition is free.
For more information: Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Website
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum: 35-37 Castella Street, Lilydale
Code Breakers: Women in Games is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.