IGDA Appoints Limpho Moeti as First Chair from the Global South

• The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has selected Limpho Moeti as its new chair, replacing Zak Whaley
• Limpho becomes the first chair from the global south in the history of the organisation
• She has close to a decade of experience working in the South African games industry

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has named Limpho Moeti as its new chair, taking over from Zak Whaley whose tenure expired last June. Limpho is the first global south chair in the history of the organisation.

Limpho has close to a decade's worth of experience in the South African gaming industry. She started off at indie studio Freelives, went on to co-create and run game event Playtopia in Cape Town, and continued onward to join Semblance developer Nyamakop.

She has recently been working as a business development manager for South African consultancy RocketRide Games.

In addition to her full-time job, Limpho has been engaged in the South African gaming scene by organizing and running game jams, attending events and panels.

In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, she said there was a need to help create a sustainable proper and inclusive games industry that actually reflects the diversity of the player population.

The IGDA also made other leadership hires: Le Cabinet du Savoir Ludique's Nazih Fares as vice chair, Women in Games ambassador coordinator Mafalda Duarte as secretary, and Seattle Indies executive director Tim Cullings as treasurer.

Zak will stay on the board in the role of chair emeritus until March 2026.

The new executive board according to the IGDA consists of a majority of women and non-binary developers and also a majority of leaders of color, emphasizing its dedication to inclusivity.

The organization’s immediate focus remains on strengthening mentorship programs, developing new partnerships, and linking developers to connections, partnerships and career opportunities.

Dr. Jakin Vela, the executive director of IGDA said that the new leadership team will reinforce partnerships around the world, develop new mentorship opportunities and build sustainable partnerships that will have long-term quality.

Limpho stated she was honored to take on this role and continued, “We will keep advocating for inclusivity and sustainability and for the best opportunities for game developers globally."