After almost 5 years of service Kate Edwards is stepping down from the role of executive director for the International Game Developers Association, group that advocates for the gaming industry across the world. In a blog post that outlined her resignation Edwards stated that she had set three goals for herself to accomplish during her time at the association. And now having completed these goals in her words “with varying degrees of success” she is now leaving her position as executive director. These goals she set were to reinvigorate the IGDA’s relevance, reinstate the IGDA’s key role as an advocacy organization, and reemphasize the international aspect of the IGDA’s mission.
During a news release the IDGA highlighted a few of Edwards achievements. Some of which included establishing chapters of the organization in Egypt, Estonia, Tunisia, Egypt, and Georgia. Trent Oster, who is the CEO of Beamdog and also a member of the IGDA Board of Directors will fill in for Edwards for the time being until a more permanent replacement is found. Edwards also stood ground on many social issues and advocated for the international game developer community during the travel ban that was issued by the president.
Oster commented on Kate’s role and importance to the organization in a statement. “Kate has been an important industry leader for the IGDA in this role, doing heroic work as an advocate for developers of all backgrounds.” When speaking to VentureBeat Edwards stated that she had planned to only stay with the organization for no more than three to five years. She also added that she doesn’t have another position lined up at the moment but is thinking about a number of different options she could take.