About

Welcome to POWER Up! Game Jam

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN’S ECONOMIC RISE = POWER!

POWER Up! is a unique game jam event for women in the United States and New Zealand to collaborate in creating new gaming experiences.

It is supported by the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand – through the Providing Opportunities for Women’s Economic Rise initiative (hence POWER Up!), the New Zealand Game Developers Association, and game design businesses in both New Zealand and the United States.

Addressing Key Issues…

Gender Disparity in Employment: Creating more opportunities for women in the male-dominated gaming industry, especially in technical and leadership roles.

Networking Opportunities: Providing mentorships and partnerships to promote career advancements for women.

Access to Resources: Sharing resources and insights tailored to the unique challenges faced by women in digital and gaming sectors.

Barriers for Women Entrepreneurs: Advocating for a conducive business environment to lower barriers-to-entry for women entrepreneurs in gaming.

Ways to Get Involved…

Game Jammer

Join as a game designer, developer, musician, artist, or narrative writer. Form new teams, join with pre-formed teams, or go solo. POWER Up! is open to all experience levels and provides support for skill growth.

Industry Mentor

Mentors of any gender can contribute their expertise during the jam. Provide feedback, solve problems, or help with specific skills like audio production. Share your skills and aid in developing new industry professionals.

Webinar Leader

Create short webinars to support participants, covering topics like game design methods, audio production, animation, and narrative writing. Share your expertise and help participants expand their knowledge.

Sponsor

Support the event, provide mentors or webinar leaders, sponsor game development, or promote POWER Up! across your channels. Help create opportunities for women in the gaming industry.

Media Partner

Cover the event, share participant stories, and promote women in creative industries. Collaborate with us to create engaging content and spread the word about POWER Up!

Streamers / YouTubers / Influencers / Journalists

Share the POWER Up! story with your audience. Join a game jam team to cover their journey throughout the event. Create content that activates and supports women in creative industries. Interview gaming sector leaders and participants.

Interested in spreading the word? Let's collaborate on a content strategy that aligns with our shared values.

Learn more and get press kit information here.

Ready to POWER Up?

Sign up now for a 48-hour online adventure in game design. Collaborate, create, and make a positive change through the power of perspective

Schedule

Registration opens, media campaign

August 7

Community and social activities, webinars

All September

Theme announced and Game Jam weekend

September 28/29

Showcase, industry engagement

October

Event Partners

In partnership with the US Embassy in New Zealand

US Embassy logo

POWER connects the U.S. private sector with U.S. overseas missions to help women business leaders in the U.S. and abroad develop partnerships in emerging markets that help them explore new opportunities and implement competitive strategies in key sectors.

In 2019, the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs launched a new State Department initiative to promote women’s economic empowerment called POWER.  The initiative leverages diplomatic resources to promote women in business and works with the private sector to establish professional networks and business environments focused on promoting women’s economic empowerment in a global context. To partner or learn more, please contact us at POWER@state.gov.

How POWER promotes women’s economic empowerment to advance U.S. economic interests: