IGDA names Kate Edwards as executive director

The International Game Developers Association has named industry veteran Kate Edwards as its new executive director.

Edwards has more than 16 years’ experience in the game industry, serving as geopolitical strategist at Microsoft and working as a consultant for her consulting firm Englobe, which helps to identify geopolitical and cultural risks and opportunities in digital content.

Her game credits include titles such as Halo, Dragon Age, Modern Warfare 3, Fallout 3 and Mass Effect.

Edwards replaces former executive director Gordon Bellamy, who left the organisation in July to join mobile giant Tencent as director of business development and industry relations. ZeeGee games CEO and IGDA chairman Dustin Clingman had served as exec director during the interim period.

As executive director, Edwards will work with the IGDA board of directors to help “empower game developers to advance their careers” and “enhance their quality of life”.

"Kate’s knowledge of the global game industry and local cultures make her ideal to lead the IGDA," said IGDA chair Dustin Clingman.

"Her long service to our organisation and commitment to the global development community will lay a foundation for on-going international growth."

Edwards added: "Game development is an artistic endeavour with mass appeal. Developers and fans alike are increasingly aware of the diversity of those who both create and play games.

"Today, we’re engaged in creating great games for a global audience, and the IGDA remains the relevant focal point for supporting developers in the broadest sense of the definition. I’m thrilled to be given the privilege to lead and nurture this awesome community."

Edwards has been a member of the IGDA since 2004, and founded its localisation specialist interest group.