IGDA-F Reinforces Its Pledge to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with New Leadership

The International Game Developers Association Foundation (IGDA-F) has appointed Shannon Loftis as the new chair of its board of directors, succeeding Ed Fries who served for two years and will remain a board member. With over 30 years of experience in game development and a strong commitment to inclusion from her time at Microsoft, Loftis is poised to advance the Foundation's mission of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among developers worldwide. Loftis expressed her enthusiasm for leading the board and working closely with the foundation and the IGDA, stating that the organization's mission is more vital now than ever. Former chair Ed Fries, who has worked with Loftis since their time at Microsoft, praised her as an exceptional leader with the ideal background and experience for the role, expressing confidence in her ability to uphold the IGDA Foundation's values. As a separate entity from the IGDA and a charitable organization, the IGDA-F supports underrepresented and marginalized game developers globally through various programs, including professional development, mentorships, scholarships, and game jams. In a notable move last year, the International Game Developers Association challenged a new requirement by the United States Patent and Trademark Office that mandated the inclusion of home addresses in trademark registrations.