The First International DiGRA Mexico Conference was held in Mexico City on October 16–17, 2023.
The conference was organized by DiGRA Mexico in collaboration with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic-UCC), and Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM).
The primary objective of this inaugural edition was to establish the DiGRA Mexico chapter and bring together scholars, researchers, and professionals interested in game studies, while fostering new collaborations between Mexico and the international research community.
The conference sought to provide a broad overview of the interests, projects, and research lines shaping game studies in Mexico. After more than a decade of sustained scholarly activity, game research in Mexico had reached a level of maturity that called for a dedicated space for regular academic exchange and collaboration.
Venues
October 16, 2023
Auditorio Pablo González Casanova Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Circuito Mario de la Cueva S/N Ciudad Universitaria Coyoacán, Mexico City
October 17, 2023
Auditorio K-001 Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Azcapotzalco Av. San Pablo Xalpa 180 San Martín Xochinahuac Azcapotzalco, Mexico City
Conference Topics
- Games and Society
- Esports
- Serious Games
- Games and Education
- Ludonarratives
- Game Design
- Analog Games
- Industry Relations
- History and Archaeology of Games
- Play Cultures
- Research with Social Impact
- Games and Technology
- Gamification
Keynote Speakers
Dr. José P. Zagal University of Utah, USA
«Videogames are Gimmicks”
Dr. Souvik Mukherjee Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, India
“Provincializing Game Studies: The Global, Local, Regional and Transcultural in Researching Video Games”
Dr. Nelson Zagalo Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal
“Engagement Design: Cognitive Player Profiles”
Program
The conference combined online and in-person activities over two days, including paper presentations, keynote lectures, workshops, and academic discussions.
The program featured contributions from researchers across a wide range of topics, including game design, serious games, gamification, esports, transmedia storytelling, cultural studies, artificial intelligence, digital heritage, education, ethics, labor practices, and social impact.
Workshops
Laws, Contracts, and Pixels: Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship in the Video Game Industry
Patricio González Granados
This workshop provided an overview of key legal considerations for video game developers and entrepreneurs, including intellectual property, contracts, regulatory compliance, business models, and funding opportunities.
Ethics and Labor Practices
David Zuratzi
This workshop explored ethical labor practices within the video game industry and presented tools and strategies for promoting healthier and more inclusive working environments.
Designing Gamification and Serious Game Strategies for Smart Cities
Dr. Víctor Manuel Larios Rosillo
The workshop examined the application of gamification and serious games to Smart Cities, focusing on citizen engagement, sustainability, innovation, and behavioral change in urban environments.
Closing Session
Conference closing remarks were delivered by:
Dr. Ruth Contreras Espinosa
Dr. Blanca Estela López
Streaming
Online sessions were broadcast through the Facebook channel of the Departamento de Investigación y Conocimiento de la UAM Azcapotzalco.