About Our Community

The international game development community is strongest when its members work together and speak with one voice. Through the IGDA, game developers can learn and share knowledge, build relationships, and learn new skills, while helping to shape the future of the global game industry. Our goal is for this community to be a valuable resource for anyone passionate about game development, from an indie designer sketching level designs on a napkin to a triple-A team on their third sequel. The IGDA provides several ways for both individuals and organizations to get involved:

Chapters

IGDA chapters connect game developers in their local communities. Professional and Academic Chapters hold guest speaker lectures, social gatherings, planning meetings, game jams, and other events in over 100 cities around the world. Our chapters are one of the easiest ways for IGDA members to meet others to learn, teach, or collaborate close to home. Don't see a chapter in your area? Learn how to start one!

Special Interest Groups

The IGDA special interest groups (SIGs) will help you connect with others who are interested in a particular topic or specialists in a specific discipline. SIG members work together to teach and learn from each other, promote their specialties, identify new technical or aesthetic challenges, and advance the art and industry of game design.

Scholars

IGDA Scholars are the most promising students studying game development and related fields. and are selected via a rigorous application process. Scholars benefit from the guidance of industry professionals, and receive free access to industry events, such as the Game Developer's Conference. IGDA Scholarships are an opportunity for talented students to get a head start in the competitive world of professional game development.

Crowdfunding

Many of our members, affiliates and partners rely on several popular crowdfunding platforms to build their communities and financially support their work. As a service to the IGDA developer community, we keep a list of projects on Kickstarter and Indiegogo. IGDA members are able to submit their projects for consideration to be included.

MVP Awards

So much of the IGDA's success and progress is due to the support and involvement of countless volunteers from the community. Each year, we hold a special VIP Luncheon during the Game Developer's Conference (GDC) to recognize and thank our volunteers. In 2005, we introduced the Most Valuable Person (MVP) Awards as a means to recognize the extraordinary contributions of our most valuable volunteers. On occasion, we also present Lifetime Achievement Awards to key individuals for their long-term service to the IGDA.

Studio Affiliates

As a Studio Affiliate, your organization receives an individual IGDA membership for each of your employees, which includes full access to membership benefits, and the ability to participate in IGDA community. In addition, IGDA takes every opportunity to recognize our Studio Affiliates for their support in the broader gaming community. To see our current Studio Affiliates or learn more about the program, click here.

Partners