Lauren Saker

Lauren is the event and community & education manager at CODE NZ.

She is an absolute powerhouse at organising events, seminars, workshops and people. If CODE are involved, it's because Lauren has kicked arse.

Lauren organised and ran the Festival of Interactive Narrative & Storytelling in Dunedin starting from scratch, attracting speakers and delegates from inside and outside NZ.

Nathania Sum
Space Rock Games, Wireframe, exPBP, GDC

Nat has been a consistent volunteer for Auckland game dev meetups, Play by Play and NZGDC as well as facilitating Wireframe - a FREE conference that started in 2024. Wireframe hosted talent from across many facets of game development, with seniors to intermediate developers sharing their knowledge.

Outside of volunteering at conferences and facilitating Wireframe, her regular upkeep of Auckland game dev meetups caters for many students, hobbyists and indies to share their work, get feedback and have a space where they feel welcome and can attend free of cost. Her consistent volunteering creates opportunities for everyone in game development as without volunteers for these large scale conferences - there would be no conferences!

Abiotic Factor by Deep Field Games

Abiotic Factor is a survival crafting experience for 1-6 players set in the depths of an underground research facility. Caught between paranormal containment failure, a military crusade, and chaos from a dozen realms, the world’s greatest minds must survive against the universe’s biggest threats.

Silly Qs by Silly Play Co.

A game where families connect while being (very) silly! Both adults and children will laugh uproariously as they learn funny things about each other and do silly tasks alongside the game?s lovable, quirky characters ? the Silly Qrew. The Qrew?s characters were dreamt up by well-known Kiwi artist Kyla K who hand drew each colour-filled illustration in the game. Developed in consultation with child development and family wellbeing experts, Silly Qs was created for 5-10-year-olds and their families. We know that supportive caregiver-child interactions develop confidence and resilience. Silly Qs makes those interactions easy and fun for the whole family!

Tales of the Shire by Wētā Workshop Game Studio

Welcome home, Hobbit! Live the cosy life of a Hobbit in the wonderfully serene landscape of the Shire. Discover, decorate, & share in this idyllic corner of Middle-earth. Join friendly Hobbits & familiar faces awaiting your arrival in Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings™ Game.

Abiotic Factor by Deep Field Games

Abiotic Factor is a survival crafting experience for 1-6 players set in the depths of an underground research facility. Caught between paranormal containment failure, a military crusade, and chaos from a dozen realms, the world’s greatest minds must survive against the universe’s biggest threats.

Cryptmaster by Paul Hart & Lee Williams

SAY ANYTHING in this bizarre dungeon adventure where words control everything. Fill in the blanks with text or voice to uncover lost abilities, embark on strange quests, and solve mindbending riddles. Can you conquer the crypt and uncover the mystery at the heart of CRYPTMASTER?

Night Bus by Liquid Static Studio

Night Bus is a thrilling public transit simulator that puts you on the edge of the bus driver's seat! It's your first night on the job: Pick up passengers, take their fares, enjoy the beautiful countryside, and please ignore That Which Has No Eyes.

Cryptmaster by Paul Hart & Lee Williams

SAY ANYTHING in this bizarre dungeon adventure where words control everything. Fill in the blanks with text or voice to uncover lost abilities, embark on strange quests, and solve mindbending riddles. Can you conquer the crypt and uncover the mystery at the heart of CRYPTMASTER?

Storm Raiders by Arkus Games

Race, raid and salvage across Atlantis to become the greatest Storm Raider in this new 1-4 player game designed by Shem Phillips.

Conscript by Jordan Mochi

During the First World War, a lone French soldier must navigate twisted trenches, scavenge for limited supplies and solve complex puzzles - all whilst fighting for survival in the midst of mankind’s most brutal and horrifying conflict. CONSCRIPT is a new take on classic survival horror.

Bento Blocks by Sometimes

Bento Blocks is a puzzle game that combines culinary creativity with brain-teasing challenges. Slice, arrange, and perfect your bento-making skills as you craft delicious lunch boxes at your own pace.