The International Game Developers Association Foundation (IGDA-F) has appointed former Microsoft exec Shannon Loftis as the new chair of its board of directors.

She replaces another fellow Microsoft alumni Ed Fries, who is stepping down after a successful 2 years leading the organization and will remain on the board.

After more than 30 years of experience in game development at Microsoft and beyond, Loftis retired from her job running the Age of Empires studio at Microsoft in 2022. With her commitment to inclusion in the gaming and technology spaces, Loftis will be an invaluable addition to the IGDA Foundation’s mission, the IGDA Foundation said.

After graduating with computer science and mathematics degrees from Duke University, Loftis joined Microsoft’s Games group in 1995, where she contributed to over 70 games across PC, Xbox, and Xbox 360. Some of her contributions include early online card games, the Madness series (Motocross Madness, Monster Truck Madness, and Midtown Madness), Project Gotham Racing, the Fable series, the Viva Piñata series, and Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts.

Transitioning to leadership roles at Microsoft, Loftis managed teams worldwide that were responsible for many of Microsoft’s recent successes. She built the Good Science studio, which laid the groundwork and shipped the Kinect system and many of its titles.

She later guided Microsoft’s First Party Global Publishing team, which delivered bestselling titles like ReCore, Ori, Microsoft Casual Suite, and Flight Simulator. Before retiring from Microsoft, she founded World’s Edge, which is dedicated to the award-winning Age of Empires series. Since leaving Microsoft, Shannon has remained active in the industry as a board member, advisor, consultant, and mentor.

Loftis’ long-standing commitment to inclusion and connection stems from her experiences as the youngest in a large, close family. She is fascinated by and passionate about the ways technology and entertainment can build community, which has driven her career with a passion to forge connections.

“I’m thrilled and honored to lead this board, and to work closely with the foundation and with the IGDA,” said Loftis, in a statement. “The IGDA Foundation is one of the most inclusive, intersectional, globally-relevant and effective organizations in game development and I believe our mission is more crucial today than ever before.”

Loftis has served on the IGDA Foundation and AIAS’ board of directors and co-founded the Microsoft’s Women in Gaming SIG with Bonnie Ross and Laura Fryer, which is still active today as part of Games 4 Everyone (G4E).

“I have worked alongside Shannon since our days at Microsoft; she’s an excellent leader whose background and experience in the industry make her a perfect fit to take on the role of Chair,” said Ed Fries, who is now founder . “I am confident that the IGDA Foundation will stay true to its values under her guidance.”

To learn more about the IGDA Foundation and to stay updated on the latest initiatives, visit the official website at http://igdafoundation.org and follow @IGDAFoundation on social media.  

In a message to GamesBeat, Loftis said, “Now, more than ever, I believe it’s crucial for all voices to have a place in the games industry. Growth and recovery will require vibrant and healthy creativity across the globe. I’m passionate about the mission and the people that the IGDA Foundation empowers and could not be more thrilled for the next chapter.”

The International Game Developers Association Foundation (IGDA-F) is dedicated to advancing inclusivity and diversity in the gaming industry by providing opportunities, education, and support for individuals from underrepresented communities.

The IGDA-F is sponsored by a generous group of industry companies, including Double Fine Productions, Stride PR, and Premack Rogers. Since 2008, the IGDA-F has supported more than 1,000 alumni who now develop games at both AAA and indie studios. For more information, visit https://igdafoundation.org.

As part of an IGDA Foundation award, Karen Lawson, the daughter of game industry pioneer Gerald Lawson, gave Muriel Tramis The Gerald Lawson Award for Achievement in Game Development at our GamesBeat Crossfire event during the Game Developers Conference. And GamesBeat exec Gina Joseph is also on the board of directors of the IGDA Foundation.