MT. ROYAL, NJ – Dec. 27 2012 – The International Game Developers Association (IGDA), the world’s largest organization serving individuals who create games, has named Kate Edwards Executive Director. Edwards brings more than 16 years’ experience in the game industry as a culturalization strategist to the position.

Edwards has applied her expertise to many game titles, including Halo, Age of Empires, Fable, Dragon Age, Mass Effect, Fallout 3, Modern Warfare 3 and Dance Central. As Microsoft’s geopolitical strategist in the internal team she created (’92 - ’05) and as a consultant in her company Englobe (’05 – present), she pioneered the field of "culturalization" to identify geopolitical and cultural risks and opportunities in digital content.

"Kate's knowledge of the global game industry and local cultures make her ideal to lead the IGDA," said Dustin Clingman, Chair, IGDA. "Her long service to our organization and commitment to the global development community will lay a foundation for ongoing international growth."

In her new role, Edwards will work closely with the elected board of directors to further the IGDA’s goals -- empowering game developers to advance their careers and, in turn, enhance their quality of life.

"Game development is an artistic endeavor with mass appeal," Edwards said. "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, founding and chairing its Localization Special Interest Group, which led to her co-organizing Game Developer Conference’s Localization Summit.

Beyond games, Edwards has handled a broad range of issues regarding global-facing content, from online mapping and government relations to marketing and distribution in local markets.

Edwards will remain based in Seattle.

About the International Game Developers Association (IGDA)

The International Game Developers Association is the largest non-profit membership organization serving individuals who create digital games. The IGDA is committed to advancing the careers and enhancing the lives of game developers by connecting members with their peers, promoting professional development, and advocating on issues that affect the developer community. For more information on the IGDA, please visit www.igda.org.

CONTACT

The Bohle Company for the IGDA

Attn: Robert Brown

Robert at bohle dot com

Tel: +1 310 785 0515 x231