The IGDA has named three individuals to its board of directors

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has announced the addition of three professionals to its board of directors. The new members are Tiziano Giardini from 34BigThings, Jennifer Estaris of Ustwo Games, and Dr. Pedro Zambon associated with Utrecht University.

Giardini is known for his role as a producer at the Italian game development company 34BigThings. He also holds the position of program director at the Quickload gaming accelerator and played a pivotal role in establishing IGDA Italy in Turin. Additionally, Giardini contributes to the IGDA Incubator & Accelerator Special Interest Group.

Estaris serves as a game director at Ustwo Games, where she directed the development of Monument Valley 3, as well as contributing to Monument Valley 2's The Lost Forest and Subway Surfers. Her involvement extends to the IGDA Climate Special Interest Group, where she volunteers, and she is active on the advisory board of Playing for the Planet, co-chairing its storytelling committee.

Renowned for his advocacy in fostering sustainable growth in game development across Latin America and the Global South, Zambon is a researcher and industry consultant. He currently holds a position as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral fellow at Utrecht University’s Collaborative Technologies Lab and founded Savegame.dev. He is also a key figure in the IGDA Incubation & Acceleration Special Interest Group, serving as its co-founder and vice chair.

"We're thrilled to welcome Tiziano, Jennifer, and Pedro to the IGDA Board," stated Jakin Vela, IGDA's executive director, emphasizing the new members' dedication to equity, innovation, and international collaboration. "Their expertise will aid in building a more inclusive future for game developers globally."

As these new members assume their roles, four board members are departing, including Margaret Krohn, Natasha Skult, Rami Ismail, and Guy Blomberg.

Earlier in April, the International Game Developers Foundation (IGDA-F) appointed Shannon Loftis as the chair of its board of directors. Loftis took over from Ed Fries, who stepped down but retained a position on the board. IGDA-F, associated with the IGDA, is dedicated to supporting underrepresented and marginalized game developers through various development programs, mentorship opportunities, scholarships, and game jams.