SACRAMENTO – Sep 16, 2025 – The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has appointed Limpho Moeti as Chair, succeeding Zak Whaley, whose term concluded in June. The IGDA also announced Nazih Fares as Vice Chair, Mafalda Duarte as Secretary, and Tim Cullings continuing as Treasurer. Whaley will remain on the Board as Chair Emeritus until March 2026.

Moeti is a business developer with nine years in the games industry, having worked with South Africa’s Free Lives (Gorn, Broforce) and Nyamakop (Semblance), served as business development manager at RocketRide Games, and co-created the indie festival Playtopia. She is a frequent speaker on representation, inclusivity, business development, and reducing crunch. 

Fares is an award-winning industry veteran with 17 years’ experience in localization, marketing, esports, and communications, contributing to 90+ titles with publishers such as Blizzard and EA. They now lead Le Cabinet du Savoir Ludique, a consultancy supporting inclusive development and underrepresented creators. 

Duarte, former Studio Director of Telescope Game Studios and current Women in Games Ambassador Coordinator, co-founded Game Dev Lisbon and has led initiatives like the Spotlight Awards and Game Dev Camp Lisbon. She is active in mentoring, teaching, and speaking on leadership and diversity. 

Cullings, a Seattle-based veteran and IGDA MVP Award winner (2021), is Executive Director of Seattle Indies, with prior roles at Global Game Jam and Oculus. He is widely recognized for his leadership in community building and climate advocacy.

The IGDA’s executive leadership team brings together a majority of women and non-binary developers alongside a majority of leaders of color, marking a powerful reflection of a more inclusive future in the games industry. Moeti also becomes IGDA’s first Chair from the Global South.

“Limpho, Nazih, Mafalda, and Tim bring passion and unique approaches to supporting the organization,” said Dr. Jakin Vela, IGDA Executive Director. “Their leadership and expertise will strengthen IGDA’s global connections, expand mentorship offerings, and create lasting partnerships that empower game developers at every stage of their careers.” 

With its new executive team alongside new additions to the staff including a new Community Director and Director of Business Development and Strategic Funding, the IGDA’s current initiatives build upon its 31 years of ensuring that game development is a sustainable, inclusive, and rewarding career path worldwide. 

The IGDA remains committed to expanding support for developers across the globe. “I’m humbled to step into this role at such a pivotal moment for our industry,” said Limpho Moeti, IGDA Chair. “The IGDA is especially vital for those historically underserved, and we will continue to champion inclusivity, sustainability, and opportunities for all game creators.” 

Current priorities include growing the IGDA’s mentorship programs, forging new partnerships with both endemic and non-endemic organizations, and expanding programming designed to help developers connect, collaborate, and find work. 

About the IGDA:

The International Game Developers Association is the largest nonprofit membership organization serving game developers worldwide. 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, please visit www.igda.org.

Media Contacts

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press@igda.org