International Game Developers Association
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| Founder(s) | Ernest Adams |
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| Type | Professional association |
| Founded | 1995 (as Computer Game Developers Association) |
| Website | www.igda.org |
International Game Developers Association (IGDA) is the professional society for over 10,000 video and computer game developers worldwide. It is incorporated in the United States as a non-profit organization. Its stated mission is "To advance the careers and enhance the lives of game developers."[1] In recognition of the wide-ranging, multidisciplinary nature of interactive entertainment, there are no barriers to entry. Any person who considers him- or herself to be a game developer may join.
In December 2012, Kate Edwards was appointed executive director after Gordon Bellamy moved on from the position in July of that year. Gordon Bellamy became executive director in August 2010 replacing Joshua Caulfield. The original Executive Director of the IGDA, Jason Della Rocca, stepped down in March 2009.[2][3][4]
In March 2013 at the Game Developers Conference, YetiZen asked the IGDA to partner with them to host a GDC party for industry professionals. YetiZen hired two models to promote the event prior to the party, but the IGDA was unaware that they were also to mingle at the event. When one musical performer asked the models to dance on stage with him during the party (along with YetiZen's two co-founders), a photo was taken and distributed that gave the impression that the party had specifically hired female dancers.[5] IGDA special interest group Women In Games co-chair Brenda Romero resigned in protest. [6]
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Organization [edit]
Chapters are intended to provide an informal way to connect game developers within local communities. Chapters vary greatly in size and meeting attendance. They provide forums, for example, for discussions on current issues in the computer gaming industry and demos of the latest games. A task force has been created to consider chapter formalization, but no such formalities as official membership currently exist for IGDA chapters. Regional chapters may collaborate on events, as with the GameX Industry Summit.[7]
Special Interest Groups, better known as SIGs, are intended to spark developer interest in a specific topics or disciplines. For example, the Game Education SIG has a stated mission "To create a community resource that will strengthen the academic membership of the IGDA while enhancing the education of future and current game developers." Some SIGs sponsor events, such as the Global Game Jam.[8]
Committees are generally formed by the IGDA to conduct research into a subject, normally for a short period, leading to a single report. Some, however, are semi-permanent, and produce yearly reports. Some of these reports lead to gaming industry standards.
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ "About". IGDA. Retrieved February 2009.
- ^ "Della Rocca Quits IGDA". Edge. 2 February 2009. Retrieved 28 February 2009.
- ^ "The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) Announces Search for a New Executive Director" (Press release). IGDA. 2 February 2009. Retrieved 28 February 2009.
- ^ "GDC09: Highlights from the Game Critics Rant". Joystiq. 27 March 2009. Retrieved 26 May 2009.
- ^ "IGDA apologizes for 'inappropriate' party". GameSpot. 28 March 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
- ^ "IGDA Responds to the GDC Party Faux Pas". Forbes. 28 March 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
- ^ "GameDev.Net Partners with GameX Industry Summit in Philadelphia" (Press release). GameDev.Net / GameX. 2009-04-09. Retrieved 2009-04-24.
- ^ "IGDA Education SIG Spawns First Global Game Jam". IGDA. 23 Nov 2008. Archived from the original on 2010-08-14. Retrieved 27 August 2009.
