The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has appointed three new members to its Board of Directors: Tiziano Giardini, Jennifer Estaris, and Dr. Pedro Zambon. The new appointees are set to bring diverse backgrounds and experiences spanning game development, research, ecosystem building, and environmental advocacy, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to supporting developers worldwide.
Tiziano Giardini joins the board with extensive experience as a games ecosystem strategist and the co-founder of IGDA Italy. His work at 34BigThings, one of Italy’s leading game studios, includes production and business development roles, alongside leadership of Quickload, the studio’s accelerator for early-stage teams. Furthermore, Giardini’s systems-level perspective will focus on strengthening global connections and infrastructure for developers.

Jennifer Estaris brings creative leadership credentials as game director for acclaimed titles including Monument Valley 3, Monument Valley 2’s The Lost Forest, and Subway Surfers. Additionally, Estaris is a dedicated climate advocate who volunteers with the IGDA Climate Special Interest Group and serves on the Playing for the Planet Advisory Council, where she co-chairs the Storytelling Committee.

Dr. Pedro Zambon contributes expertise in game development ecosystems across Latin America and the Global South. As co-founder of the IGDA Incubation & Acceleration Special Interest Group and founder of Savegame.dev, Zambon specializes in policy design and empowering local game communities. In addition, his academic background includes postdoctoral research at Utrecht University, where he leads projects on collaborative practices in game development.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tiziano, Jennifer, and Pedro to the IGDA Board,” said Jakin Vela, Executive Director of the IGDA. “Each of them brings an inspiring commitment to equity, innovation, and global collaboration. Their combined expertise will help us build a stronger, more inclusive future for game developers worldwide.”
The appointments coincide with the departure of outgoing board members Margaret Krohn, Natasha Skult, Rami Ismail, and Guy Blomberg, who have completed their terms after contributing significantly to IGDA’s global support initiatives, mentorship experiences, and event presence.