The board of directors for the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has appointed a new chair and announced several additional executive appointments
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Limpho Moeti has been named the new chair of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), succeeding Zak Whaley, whose term ended in June. Moeti's appointment marks the first time the position is held by someone from the global south.
Moeti has been active in the South African games industry for nearly ten years. She started at the indie game studio Freelives, co-founded the Playtopia gaming event in Cape Town, and later worked with Nyamakop, the developers behind the game Semblance.
Prior to her appointment, she served as a business development manager at RocketRide Games, a consulting firm.
Her involvement in the gaming community extends to organizing game jams and participating as a speaker at various events and panels. She expressed her passion for making the industry diverse and representative, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in game creation.
Alongside Moeti's appointment, the IGDA has announced several other positions: Le Cabinet du Savoir Ludique's Nazih Fares as vice chair, Women in Games ambassador coordinator Mafalda Duarte as secretary, and Tim Cullings, who is the executive director of Seattle Indies, as treasurer.
Whaley will continue to serve on the board as chair emeritus until March 2026.
The executive team of IGDA now includes a majority of women and non-binary individuals, many of whom are leaders of color. This shift represents a step towards a more inclusive future in the gaming field.
Key focuses for the organization include enhancing mentorship initiatives, forming new alliances, and increasing programs that facilitate networking and career development for game developers.
IGDA’s executive director, Dr. Jakin Vela, praised the new leaders for their commitment and innovative strategies, which are expected to bolster global connections and support developers at various career stages.
Moeti expressed her excitement at taking on her new role during a transformative period for the industry. She highlighted the significance of the IGDA in advocating for underserved groups and reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to inclusivity, sustainability, and opportunity for all game developers.