Dear IGDA Community,

December is upon us, and that means many of us are working tirelessly to close out any loose ends before the new year. 

While you’re finalizing projects and pinning things for 2024, I hope you’ll keep a few of these announcements in mind.

Firstly, the IGDA Worker Empowerment and Unionization in Games panel is on Tuesday, December 12th beginning at 12 pm Central Standard Time / 6pm UTC. Please register today!

This year has been particularly volatile and I’ve seen a trend in discussion on topics related to worker empowerment initiatives and how they may support a more stable and sustainable industry. This panel is to explore those possibilities and help build awareness among game developers around the world about these important issues. Following the hour long panel, there will be an hour long organizer workshop. Registration will close soon, so be sure to register.

Additionally, I want to remind you of the Stronger Together in Games campaign. The IGDA is teaming up with the IGDA Foundation, Women in Games International (WIGI), Global Game Jam, Take This, and Game to Grow on a fundraising and awareness campaign called Stronger Together in Games. The campaign launched last week on Giving Tuesday, and we’re looking to you and the rest of the IGDA community to help amplify our cause! If you can, please donate today. You can even create a campaign of your own on behalf of Stronger Together In Games if you wish to fundraise within your company or organization! 

This Friday, December 8th, I invite you to tune into the 24-hour live stream we’re hosting on Global Game Jam’s Twitch channel. The live stream event will feature industry speakers and spotlight developer resources that you don’t want to miss! As a coalition of games industry nonprofits, we aim to support developers and players alike during this difficult time in our industry. You can find more information about the campaign here. Donate today if you can!

Another way you can support those affected by layoffs and economic challenges is by sponsoring or gifting an IGDA membership. We’re running our New Year, New Developer sponsored-membership drive again where we provide free IGDA membership to those in need thanks to our generous sponsors supporting our capacity to do so. To sponsor the IGDA membership drive, please complete this sponsorship form.

Lastly, it’s the time of year when we start thinking about the future of the IGDA. As a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, we are governed by our IGDA Board of Directors who help set the strategic vision and mission for the organization. If you’d like to contribute to the organization in this capacity, please consider nominating yourself for one of our two open Board of Director positions. Nominations will be open through December but don’t delay! Submit your nomination today and help lead the industry to a brighter future through the work we do at the IGDA.

This will be my last letter for the year, so with that…I hope you all have a wonderful rest of December. The IGDA office will be closed from the 22nd of December through the 2nd of January. I hope you have a chance to spend time with loved ones and reconnect with any passions you’ve had to set aside to get through the busy year. 

Remember to spread kindness and good vibes to those around you!

See you in 2024!

With gratitude, 

Dr. Jakin Vela

Executive Director, IGDA