The International Game Developers Association and the International Game Developers Association Foundation have announced that they have named their new executive directors. The IGDA is the world’s largest nonprofit membership organization serving all individuals who create games. It is a U.S. based 501 (c)6 non-profit professional association and a global network of collaborative projects and communities of individuals from all fields of game development. IGDA’s mission is to support and empower developers around the world in achieving fulfilling and sustainable careers.

Renee Gittins – Image Provided by the IDGA

Renee Gittins, the new executive director for IGDA previously worked as a technical producer at several game studios and served on the IGDA board of directors for more than two years. Her plans for the IGDA are to better support its members and volunteer leaders and take a more active role in representing the needs and rights of the developer community.

Part of that objective includes the development of a multi-part initiative to foster the IGDA’s community through increased focus on global support for local chapters and special interest groups while working to bring these communities together online. Gittins said: “The success of the game industry and developers is the success of the IGDA. As a global organization, the IGDA is ready to take its support of developers to the next level; Having served on the IGDA board for years, I know the breadth of knowledge and experience each member brings to the table. Working together, we can continue to support and empower the lives and careers of game developers from all facets of the industry.”

Nika Nour – Image Provided by the IDGA

Nika Nour, the new executive director for IGDAF has more than a decade of experience working on the cultural and social impact in the tech space, including the Entertainment Software Association, The Internet Association and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce. Nour plans for the IGDA Foundation to empower the next generation of diverse talent while advocating for current leaders in the industry. She also wants to inspire young people to leap into game development, the IGDA will amplify the postive achievements of the industry and delivers on impact-oriented projects, foster new ideas, and collaborate on solutions.

Nour said: “Diversity and inclusion efforts are critical to ensuring the growth and success of video game developers, players and businesses. The industry can do more to support women, minorities, LGBTQ, accessibility needs and underserved communities, and the IGDA Foundation’s work would be incomplete if we didn’t focus on the whole inclusivity pipeline.”