Jen MacLean named as interim executive director of IGDA

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has named a new interim executive director. Jen MacLean, who has been with IGDA as a member for 17 years, will be holding the position until the board of directors finds a full-time replacement.

MacLean succeeds previous executive director Kate Edwards who left earlier this year. With over two decades of experience in the industry managing games divisions, including AOL and Comcast Interactive Media, MacLean will hope to make one particular issue of game development a focus for her tenure in the role.

“With hundreds of higher education institutions around the world offering game development courses, online resources enabling enthusiasts to teach themselves, and an explosion of independent studios, it is now easier to become a game developer than at any point in the history of our craft,” said MacLean.

“At the same time, with the massive amount of content released on PC, mobile devices, and even consoles, it has never been more difficult for game developers to succeed in their chosen pursuit. The IGDA must take a leadership position in empowering developers to succeed through connecting them to peers, resources, and opportunities in their local communities and around the world.”

“Jen’s experiences in game development, managing the IGDA Foundation, and serving as a member of the IGDA Board of Directors make her uniquely suited to lead the association into a new era,” added the chair of the IGDA board of directors and Epic Games business development manager, David Stelzer. “Her understanding of our industry and commitment to our craft will be invaluable for expanding the value of the IGDA for individual game developers, studio affiliates, and partners.”

IGDA are continuing their search for a permanent replacement and hope to name one in Q2 2018.