IGDA executive director Kate Edwards steps down

The International Game Developers Association’s executive director Kate Edwards is stepping down after almost five years in the post. In the mean time, chair of the board of directors and Beamdog CEO Trent Oster will serve as an interim executive director until a replacement is found.

During Edwards’ five year tenure, the IGDA has expanded into a number of new regions, including Bangladesh, Egypt, Estonia, Georgia and Tunisia, and Edwards has signed more than 300 peer advisory letters of recommendation for game developers trying to get work visas in the US.

She’s also been a key figure on social issues in the games industry, and was one of the first to speak out against GamerGate and the practice of ‘crunch time’.

Trent Oster commented: Kate has been an important industry leader for the IGDA in this role, doing heroic work as an advocate for developers of all backgrounds. Her accomplishments have carried the IGDA through tough times and helped countless developers on their journeys. We look forward to seeing what Kate accomplishes in what is certain to continue to be a bright career.”

Edwards added: "It’s been a great honor to help game developers from all walks of life, all over the world, succeed in our industry,” says Edwards. I want to thank the IGDA board, staff and all its members whose advocacy has made a difference for our community, and I look forward to following the association’s continued success.”