International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) is a non-profit organization that is open to people in the industry. Anyone who considers themselves to be a game developer in any capacity is welcome to join.
David Walker, who was responsible for establishing the Computer Entertainment Developers Association (CEDA) was a driving force behind getting IGDA off the ground.
CEDA merged with the Computer Game Developers Association (CGDA) in the summer of 1994. The Association successfully attracted 1200 members to its roster in its first 15 months. In June of 2000, the Association officially changed its name to the International Game Developers Association.
The IGDA operates a number of chapters in various locations. The goal of the chapters is for local developers to meet and interact with each other. Members can participate in forums discussing the latest video games, as well as developments in the industry.
Chapters are located in a number of cities located in the United States and Canada. Members can also sign up for chapters in these international locations:
- Bangkok
- Berlin
- Brighton
- Brisbane
- Bucharest
- Denmark
- Finland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Japan
- London
- Malaysia
- Manila
- Munich
- Perth
- Shanghai
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- Sydney
- United Kingdom (Northeast/Northwest/Midlands)
- Vienna
- Vietnam
The IGDA website has information for prospective computer and video game industry workers as well. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of the Web site is the place to go to find out what you need to know about the gaming industry in general. Links to site with general sales numbers and market reports are provided. Industry news, a list of major industry events and a list of game companies are also provided.
A visitor to the IGDA site who is looking for information about how to break into the industry won’t be disappointed.
The site has links to schools offering training in web development, as well as tips for newbies.
General information about becoming a member of the IGDA is also included in the FAQ section of the site. Find out how much you will need to pay annually, as well as the benefits that joining this organization brings.
If your goal is to work as a game developer or you are already doing so, don’t discount the importance of making contacts in the industry. Joining the organization and attending functions is a great way to meet people who can help you along the way. Through your contacts, you can find video game job opportunities and keep a finger on the pulse of how the computer and video game industry is changing over time.