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The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has lost its executive director just one year into his tenure, as the group reorganises to spread management into committees and divisions.
Joshua Caulfield will leave in August, in a move that appears to come as a surprise to IGDA as it now begins its search for a replacement.
Caulfield’s predecessor, Jason Della Rocca, served as executive director for nine years.
IGDA insists, however, that Caulfield will not be leaving the organisation under a cloud.
“It’s absolutely an amicable parting,” said board chairman Gordon Bellamy, “and we appreciate all the hard work and dedication Joshua has poured into being our executive director over the last year.”
Caulfield, who is set to join architecture students’ association, said “it’s just time for the next step in my career.”
He added: “I think the IGDA is headed in a great direction, and I look forward to helping to make this a smooth transition.”
The departure comes as IGDA’s authority has spread into various committees – as part of a reorganisation of the association.
The new committee system, touted as something that will “better focus on the primary needs of the organisation", sees board members chair meetings on a range of development issues.
IGDA committees will cover issues such as membership, policy, events and sponsorship, technology, marketing and communications, as well as special interest groups and chapters.
According to the association, this committee system will allow for “a broader base of game developers, and an opportunity to drive organisation-wide efforts in these areas”.
Bellamy remained positive despite the disruption. He insisted the group is “going to come through this a stronger, better organisation and we’re making our volunteers an integral part of the change.”
