IGDA executive director departs

Change is afoot at the International Game Developers Association. The game-industry representative body announced today that long-standing executive director Jason Della Rocca will vacate his seat as of March 31, having assumed the role in September 2000. Della Rocca plans to continue advising the IGDA as it searches for a new executive director.

"I am humbled and honored to have been a steward of the IGDA's mission," said Della Rocca in a statement. "Each day was a race to keep up with the passion and energy of members and volunteers in their drive to advance games. I am forever grateful for the enriching experience and look forward to assisting the Board on a smooth transition."

As noted by the IGDA, Della Rocca's time atop the organization was marked by expansive growth. In the nine years that Della Rocca held the office, the IGDA grew its membership from 500 to 15,000 members, expanded its chapter base to more than 70 locations worldwide, and established the Studio Affiliation program, which helps connect and organize developers from more than 120 development houses.