The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) is a non-profit organization designed to promote, and strengthen the video game industry, and have computer games recognised as an art form. As part of promoting the industry, the IGDA presents the Game Developers Choice Awards annually at the Game Developers Conference.

The organization was formed as the Computer Game Developers Association in the summer of 1994 by Ernest W. Adams and used the CGDA name until June 26, 2000.

Chapters

Chapters are a way to connect game developers in local communities. Each holds regularly scheduled meetings, with discussions on current issues in the computer gaming industry and demos of the latest games.

Special Interest Groups

Special Interest Groups, better known as SIGs, get developers interested in a specific topic or discipline together. They currently include:

• Artificial Intelligence SIG
• Game Accessibility SIG
• Human Resources SIG
• Indie SIG
• Mobile SIG
• Online Games SIG
• Women in Game Development SIG
• Writing SIG

Committees

Committees are formed by the IGDA to conduct research into a subject, normally for a short period, leading to a single report. Some however are semi-permanent, with yearly reports. Some of these reports then lead to standards for gaming industry to follow.

• Business
• Credit Standards
• IP Rights
• Quality of Life

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is composted of seven members, five of which are elected and the other two are appointed. They control every aspect of the IGDA for the two years they are in power.

IGDA has been chaired by:

• Ernest W. Adams (1995–1997)
• Noah Falstein (1997–1999)
• Alex Jarett (1999–2000)
• Matt Toschlog (2000–2002)
• Graeme Devine (2002–2003)
• Kathy Schoback (2003–2004)
• Jesse Schell (2004–present)

External links

• IGDA
• IGDA Forums
• IGDA Chapter Index