Mark DeLoura assumes role of executive director for innovation and growth in GDC
The Game Developers Conference (GDC), a sibling organization under parent company Informa Festivals, has appointed Mark DeLoura as its new Executive Director of Innovation and Growth. DeLoura, a longtime GDC advisor and recognized video game advocate, brings extensive expertise to the role.
In his new position, DeLoura will ensure that GDC’s strategy remains future-focused and closely aligned with the evolving needs of the games industry it serves. His background as an industry luminary positions him to drive innovation and growth initiatives that support the GDC’s mission to foster professional development and industry advancement.
Nina Brown, the VP of Gaming at Informa Festivals, made a statement about DeLoura's appointment. She highlighted his significant influence and longstanding involvement in shaping the game development community and events like GDC.
Mark DeLoura's role was created specifically within the conference's leadership team. In his new position, he will oversee GDC’s strategy, programming, and overall presence to ensure it remains future-facing and deeply connected to the industry it serves. DeLoura expressed excitement about ensuring GDC remains connected to the community while expanding to serve everyone shaping the future of games.
Meanwhile, Itch.io, not related to the GDC, has initiated reindexing of free adult content. The platform plans to gradually reintroduce paid content. These actions are separate from the changes at GDC.
The GDC's transformation aims to serve the full game-making ecosystem, as stated in previous communications. This shift to a "Festival of Gaming" aims to represent the full game-making ecosystem and better meet the needs of the contemporary games industry. The new hire and role align with this transformation.
Mark DeLoura, a former White House senior advisor for digital media and a longtime game industry veteran, has served in various roles across the industry, including at Nintendo, Sony, Ubisoft, THQ, and Google. He was also a former member of the GDC Advisory Board and previous editor-in-chief at GameDeveloper.com-namesake our website Magazine. DeLoura has affirmed GDC's goal to transform into something more ambitious.
The press release regarding DeLoura's appointment can be found on Business Wire.
[1] Business Wire. (2022). Game Developers Conference Appoints Mark DeLoura as Executive Director of Innovation and Growth. [online] Available at: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220301005602/en/Game-Developers-Conference-Appoints-Mark-DeLoura-as-Executive-Director-of-Innovation-and-Growth
[2] Gamasutra. (2022). Mark DeLoura Named Executive Director of Innovation and Growth at GDC. [online] Available at: https://www.gamasutra.com/pressreleases/Game_Developers_Conference/2022-03-01/Mark_DeLoura_Named_Executive_Director_of_Innovation_and_Growth_at_GDC
[3] GamesIndustry.biz. (2022). Mark DeLoura appointed as GDC's executive director of innovation and growth. [online] Available at: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-03-01-mark-deloura-appointed-as-gdcs-executive-director-of-innovation-and-growth
[4] Polygon. (2022). Mark DeLoura is the new executive director of the Game Developers Conference. [online] Available at: https://www.polygon.com/2022/3/1/22944922/mark-deloura-executive-director-game-developers-conference-gdc
- Mark DeLoura's new role as Executive Director of Innovation and Growth at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) demonstrates a commitment to using technology to foster professional development and industry advancement within the games industry.
- As GDC continues its transformation into a "Festival of Gaming", Mark DeLoura's expertise in technology will be crucial in ensuring the conference remains future-facing and well-connected to the ever-evolving game-making ecosystem.
