A Letter from Jen MacLean

Dear Members and friends,

The end of my term as the Chair of the IGDA Board is approaching, and as I reflect on the past year, I can't help but be excited about what we've accomplished and what we're going to do in the future.

You'll see us carry over into 2009 (and beyond) many of our most important initiatives, like advocacy for game developers on important issues like credits and quality of life, launching a new web portal with enhanced chapter/SIG support and better tools to help connect developers everywhere, and continuing to increase the benefits of membership in the IGDA through additional services, discounts, and partnerships.

Fundamentally, these projects are building blocks for our larger strategic goals: establish the IGDA as the credible, essential, #1 organization for game developers worldwide. Our mission is to improve the lives of game developers everywhere, and we want to be a force to be reckoned with, not only within our industry but on a larger, global stage. These are lofty goals, and they can't be accomplished without the involvement of our membership.

Your participation, whether it's as simple as posting to a forum or SIG mailing list, or as deep as leading a chapter or IGDA committee, is crucial to the success of our mission. I personally will remain deeply involved with the IGDA as I transition to the role of Chair Emeritus and continue to serve on the Board, and I'm looking forward to contributing to our advocacy and international efforts.

I encourage you to find your passion within the IGDA, and to volunteer with whatever time you can. If your experience is anything like mine, you'll meet wonderful people and have the chance to contribute to the success of a group whose most important success is to make a unique, tangible difference in the lives of game developers everywhere.

- Jen MacLean
Chairperson, IGDA
SVP, Business Development, 38 Studios