LegalInternational Game Developers' Association
Bylaws of the International Game Developers’ Association
26 Feb 20197 pages~22 min full read
The IGDA is structured as a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation governed by a Board of Directors consisting of at least three elected members, up to six appointed directors, and an optional ex-officio director.
See it on page 2Voting rights are restricted exclusively to individual members in good standing, covering specific actions such as director elections, mergers, asset disposition, or organizational dissolution.
See it on page 1Directors serve three-year terms and must maintain continuous IGDA membership for at least two years prior to their election.
See it on page 2The Board of Directors holds the authority to appoint officers—including the Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer—and oversees the Executive Director, who functions as the organization's chief executive officer.
See it on page 5Membership is categorized into individual, organizational (non-voting), and honorary tiers, with the Board maintaining the authority to set all membership dues.
See it on page 1Bylaw amendments require a majority vote from either the voting membership or the Board of Directors, and the organization operates on a fiscal year aligned with the calendar year.
See it on page 7The bylaws establish the International Game Developers’ Association (IGDA) as a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation with a principal office to be determined by the Board and a registered agent in the state of incorporation. The organization’s purpose is to serve public interests within the game development community while remaining nonpartisan, as outlined in its Articles of Incorporation. Membership is divided into individuals, organizations (non‑voting), and honorary members, with dues set by the Board. Voting rights are limited to individual members in good standing and apply only to elections of directors, asset disposition, mergers, or dissolution. Annual and special meetings are governed by detailed notice, quorum, and voting procedures, including electronic participation.
The Board of Directors may consist of up to six appointed directors, at least three elected directors, and an optional ex‑officio director. Directors serve three‑year terms, must be IGDA members for two consecutive years prior to election, and are subject to removal by member vote or Board action. The Board appoints officers—Chair, Vice‑Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer—with defined terms and responsibilities. Committees, including an Executive Committee, can be formed by the Board to exercise delegated authority.
An Executive Director serves as chief executive officer under Board oversight, with compensation and terms set by the Board. The bylaws specify fiscal year alignment to the calendar year, notice procedures, and indemnification provisions for directors, officers, and employees. Amendments require a majority vote of either the voting members or the Board. The structure supports governance, accountability, and operational flexibility for a global membership engaged in game development.
