But the exhibition is also about having fun! There are 15 stations – computers, consoles and tablets - where visitors can play games. Deliver pizzas 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 board games to adventure and simulation games, Code Breakers offers many different digital experiences that are friendly to all skill levels.
Maru Nihoniho first became interested in games while playing the arcade classic Space Invaders at her local fish and chip shop. In 2003 she founded her own game design company, Metia Interactive, which has a focus on Māori storytelling.
“So that we can tell our own stories with that authentic voice as well, and it’s important for other people who may not be Māori or indigenous to learn those stories too,” she says.
“It’s a really great platform for storytelling because you’re in control of the experience as you’re playing through.”
Code Breakers: Women in Games was developed by ACMI in Melbourne and is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
From May 1, Te Manawa will be open from Tuesday to Sunday. Plan your visit at temanawa.nz.