The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has announced the addition of three new directors to its board in May 2025. The move introduces a fresh wave of leadership focused on global collaboration and sustainable industry growth. Tiziano Giardini, Jennifer Estaris, and Pedro Zambon are now officially part of the IGDA’s guiding team, each bringing unique expertise and a drive for change. Their appointments come as several longstanding directors complete their service, marking both a shift and a continuation of IGDA’s mission to empower developers worldwide.
This leadership change is significant as the IGDA continues to expand its international chapter presence and address both the opportunities and challenges facing game developers everywhere. The organization remains dedicated to creating a more inclusive, connected, and innovative environment for its global members.
Who Are the New IGDA Board Members?
IGDA’s new board members hail from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the association’s ongoing mission to support developers around the world. Tiziano Giardini, Jennifer Estaris, and Pedro Zambon were selected for the board after a competitive search for professionals passionate about innovation, community building, and responsible development.
Each new director brings a history of meaningful work in both industry and advocacy. Giardini is known for his efforts in strengthening local game development communities and facilitating knowledge exchange. Estaris has led globally recognized game projects while championing climate awareness. Zambon has built a reputation for bridging research, policy, and entrepreneurship, especially in developing regions.
This trio replaces outgoing directors who have reached the end of their terms, ensuring that IGDA remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of today’s developers. Their international experiences mirror IGDA’s own evolution into a truly global organization.
The new appointments are expected to have an immediate and far-reaching impact on the direction of the IGDA, from regional outreach to the advancement of industry best practices.
Tiziano Giardini’s Role and Experience
Tiziano Giardini is recognized as a game ecosystem strategist and community builder. Based in Italy, he co-founded IGDA Italy and cultivated the chapter into a thriving network with monthly events and significant local partnerships. His work has helped make the Italian game development scene more visible and connected on an international scale.
At 34BigThings, one of Italy’s leading studios, Giardini splits his expertise between production and business development. He is also the leader of Quickload, a studio accelerator intended to support early-stage game teams. His leadership there has created opportunities for emerging talent to bridge the gap between concept and commercial viability.
Beyond his studio and chapter involvement, Giardini is active in special interest groups, especially those focused on incubation and acceleration. His involvement helps facilitate ongoing exchange of industry knowledge between local initiatives and larger international networks.
On the IGDA board, Giardini is expected to bring a systems-level approach to building robust infrastructures and promoting opportunities for developers. He is keen on streamlining collaboration and knowledge sharing across borders, strengthening the support ecosystem for new and experienced game makers alike.
Giardini’s contributions are marked by a commitment to sustainable growth and a broad vision for the future of the game industry in both established and emerging markets.
Jennifer Estaris and Her Advocacy for Climate-Conscious Game Development
Jennifer Estaris stands out for her leadership in both acclaimed games and environmental advocacy. As a game director on projects like Monument Valley 3, Monument Valley 2’s “The Lost Forest,” and even Subway Surfers, Estaris has demonstrated how creative vision can intersect with larger social goals.
Estaris volunteers actively with the IGDA Climate Special Interest Group and with Playing for the Planet. Her dedication extends to the advisory council, where she co-chairs storytelling efforts that focus on the gaming industry’s environmental impact. She pushes for projects that educate as well as entertain, using narrative and design as powerful tools for change.
Her role on the IGDA board brings a passionate and practical focus on making the global games industry more climate-conscious. The ambition is to encourage studios everywhere to consider sustainability not only as a buzzword but as an integrated part of the production process.
Through her volunteer and advocacy roles, Estaris has become a mentor and reference point for developers seeking to engage more meaningfully with the environmental and social dimensions of game development. Her presence on the board is seen as a step toward deeper industry accountability.
Pedro Zambon’s Impact on Emerging Game Markets
Pedro Zambon is dedicated to empowering local communities and fostering sustainable growth in Latin America and beyond. As co-founder and vice chair of the IGDA Incubation & Acceleration SIG, Zambon has advocated for better policies and grassroots capacity-building throughout his career.
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Zambon leads Savegame.dev, an initiative to help design effective policies and strengthen incubation strategies tailored to the realities of emerging game markets. His academic work as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at Utrecht University includes projects like TeamMeUp, which helps game creators network and form teams.
Zambon’s expertise is rooted in connecting public funding with community-driven innovation. He is committed to research-based decision making, always looking for new ways to connect international best practices with local needs.
Bringing this background to the IGDA board, Pedro Zambon is expected to offer fresh insights on international collaboration and the challenges facing game developers outside the industry’s primary hubs. His leadership should expand IGDA’s ability to support sustainable growth across regions with very different landscapes.
By championing emerging markets, Zambon aims to help game development ecosystems grow, ultimately benefiting both creators and audiences around the world.
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IGDA’s Commitment to Global Inclusion and Equity
The IGDA has long presented itself as a leading advocate for equity and inclusion in the global gaming industry. With the addition of Giardini, Estaris, and Zambon, the association reinforces its dedication to broad representation and access to opportunities for all game developers, regardless of region.
The new board embodies IGDA’s ambitious vision of removing barriers and leveling the playing field across different markets. Initiatives being advanced prioritize building mentorship networks, developing stronger educational resources, and expanding local chapters so that all game creators can thrive.
IGDA emphasizes collaboration with other organizations and partners, such as Playing for the Planet, to create meaningful change within the community. Its ongoing projects signal a clear intent to address industry issues that range from gender and cultural representation to fair work environments and sustainability.
The updated leadership signals a preparedness to address new challenges, as well as the evolving needs and expectations of a rapidly changing industry. IGDA’s strategic direction now puts even greater focus on making lasting, inclusive improvements in game development worldwide.
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The Departing Board Members and Their Contributions
With the arrival of new leadership, IGDA also bids farewell to several impactful directors: Margaret Krohn, Natasha Skult, Rami Ismail, and Guy Blomberg. Each outgoing member contributed to making the organization more accessible and connected during their tenure.
Krohn’s work centered on outreach and expanding support for global initiatives. Skult helped grow mentorship networks, while Ismail was a well-known advocate for independent developers. Blomberg advanced IGDA’s presence at high-profile events and increased its exposure to new communities.
The collective influence of these directors is still felt in programs that:
- Support developer mentorship
- Foster global partnerships
- Create more frequent events for IGDA members
The conclusion of their terms is seen as a celebration of their achievements and a handoff to a new generation of leaders eager to build on their success.
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The Importance of Board Member Transitions for IGDA
Board member transitions at IGDA are designed to balance stability with fresh perspectives. The cycle of welcoming new directors while honoring outgoing ones helps ensure organizational continuity alongside innovation.
Regular board updates help IGDA:
- Maintain relevance in the rapidly changing gaming landscape
- Invite new voices to address current and emerging challenges
- Encourage cross-generational knowledge transfer
This deliberate approach is vital for an association representing thousands worldwide. It keeps discussions fresh without losing sight of core values and ongoing priorities.
IGDA’s commitment to a transparent transition process also strengthens trust among its members and offers clear paths for future leadership opportunities within the organization.
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How the New Board Influences IGDA’s Strategic Direction
With new directors on board, IGDA’s immediate strategic focus is expected to shift towards amplifying global collaboration, emphasizing sustainable development, and expanding mentorship. Giardini, Estaris, and Zambon each bring a network of international relationships and a strong desire for industry-wide improvements.
Key areas identified for renewed attention include:
- Broadening programs that support diversity and equity
- Implementation of climate-conscious initiatives
- Supporting indie studios and early-stage developers in less established markets
- Encouraging knowledge exchange between established and upcoming regions
The expertise of the new board is expected to directly influence how IGDA sets its goals, partners with other organizations, and adapts member services. The changes should create more opportunities for developers to connect across regions, disciplines, and special interest groups.
Overall, this new direction aligns IGDA more closely with its stated beliefs of accessibility, diversity, and forward-thinking leadership in the games industry.
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Future Opportunities for Game Developers Worldwide
As IGDA evolves under new leadership, the future looks promising for developers seeking global networks, advanced mentorship, and new opportunities. The association has invested in robust support systems, regular knowledge-sharing events, and online forums – all critical resources for independent creators, students, and established professionals alike.
Key initiatives on the horizon include:
- Increased focus on regional and virtual events
- Expanded mentorship and internship programs
- More resources dedicated to sustainability and responsible development
- Enhanced platforms for cross-border team collaboration
The presence of Giardini, Estaris, and Zambon is likely to bring more projects and partnerships that serve underrepresented markets and emerging game ecosystems.
Game developers looking to connect, learn, and push boundaries will find new possibilities with IGDA’s evolving approach. As a trusted advocate for international game professionals, the association is poised to further advance the art, business, and impact of games worldwide.
