Game Developers Conference Appoints Games Industry Luminary Mark DeLoura Executive Director of Innovation & Growth
Mark's career has been defined by an intellectual curiosity and an exploration of the endless possibilities of game development around education, inclusion, civic engagement and the public good. In his more than three decades experience he has held such wide-ranging titles as journalist, technical director, vice president of technology, consultant, advocate and senior advisor. On the console side, Mark helped launch iconic game platforms like Nintendo 64, GameCube and PlayStation 3. He has authored programming books and served as the editor-in-chief of Game Developer Magazine, helping generations better understand game technology.
Mark's history with GDC goes as far back as helping oversee the original event's transition from the Computer Game Developers Conference (1988-1999) into the inclusive, globally relevant platform now known as the Game Developers Conference, and he has served as an advisor for the event for more than 10 years. Mark's technical and academic understanding of game development culminated in his role as the Senior Advisor for Digital Media at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy under President Obama.
In his ongoing advocacy of the positive influence of gaming technology, Mark's new role as Executive Director of Innovation & Growth of GDC puts him center stage in an exciting effort to shape the next chapter of GDC. In its 40th edition, the new GDC will be a reimagined platform that reflects the entire game-making ecosystem, and Mark's vision, grounded in years of industry insight, will help to shape this broader strategy and ensure it delivers meaningful value to every corner of the community.
'Mark has been a longtime member of the GDC family,' said Nina Brown, Vice President of Gaming at Informa Festivals. 'We could not have a better leader joining to help change the game as GDC becomes an inclusive Festival of Gaming to better serve the industry we all love. He is among the rare few that have the holistic perspective of the rapidly evolving industry from the inside out.'
"GDC has always been a home for people who care deeply about making games and now it's transforming into something even more ambitious!" said Mark DeLoura, GDC's Executive Director of Innovation & Growth. 'It's incredibly exciting to step into this role to ensure that GDC remains connected to the community while expanding to serve everyone who is shaping the future of games.'
For more details on the Game Developers Conference, please visit the GDC's official website, or subscribe to regular updates via Facebook, X or BlueSky. Official photos are available via the Official GDC Flickr account: www.flickr.com/photos/officialgdc/.
About GDC
The Game Developers Conference® (GDC) is the world's largest professional game industry event with market-defining content for programmers, artists, producers, game designers, audio professionals, business decision makers and others involved in the development of interactive games and immersive experiences. GDC brings together the global game development community year-round through events and digital media, including the networking meet-up's, GDC Vault, gamedeveloper.com, Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards.
GDC is organized by Informa PLC, a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organizer in the world. To learn more and for the latest news and information visit www.informa.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
National Science Foundation staff decry Trump's ‘politically motivated' cuts
Almost 150 workers from the National Science Foundation (NSF) have lambasted Donald Trump's cuts to the agency as 'politically motivated and legally questionable', joining colleagues at three other federal research agencies in warning that the administration is destroying innovation and sacrificing the US's position as a global scientific leader. The three-page dissent states the actions of the administration 'collectively amount to the systemic dismantling of a world-renowned scientific agency' and that they have been compelled to act because 'NSF employees are bound by their oath to uphold the Constitution.' The document condemns the decision as 'illegally' withholding $2.2bn of the $9bn budget appropriated by Congress for 2025 and the 'unlawful termination and threatened mass reductions' in the workforce, which has already seen more than 10% of the agency's staff dismissed. They also point to the termination of more than 1,600 active NSF grants 'using undisclosed criteria devised by the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge)' – the quasi-government agency set up by Trump's billionaire donor Elon Musk. Earlier this month, the Guardian reported on the unprecedented political interference being wielded by Doge which, together with the chaotic cuts, has already undermined the gold standard review process used by the NSF to support cutting-edge science, and was jeopardizing the future of US industries and economic growth. 'A covert and ideologically driven secondary review process by unqualified political appointees is now interfering with the scientific merit-based review system,' the letter states. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select 'Secure Messaging'. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post See our guide at for alternative methods and the pros and cons of each. The NSF was created 75 years ago and until Trump took office for his second term had enjoyed bipartisan support. It is the only federal agency that funds fundamental research across all fields of science and engineering, and which over the years has contributed to major breakthroughs in organ transplants, gene technology, AI, smartphones, extreme weather warning systems, American sign language, cybersecurity and even the language app Duolingo. Trump's budget proposal calls for a 56% cut to the NSF budget for 2026, which if enacted 'would undermine US leadership in science, eliminate funding for over 250,000 researchers and students, and break bipartisan commitments made under the CHIPS and Science Act', the letter states. The NSF statement follows similar unprecedented dissent by hundreds of scientists and other staff at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and most recently the Voyager Declaration from almost 300 current and former Nasa scientists including four astronauts. All have warned about the devastating impact of the administration's arbitrary and chaotic cuts to staff and research funds on the lives of Americans – now and in the future – in order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy including Trump's billionaire donors. The NSF dissent is addressed to California member of Congress Zoe Lofgren, the top Democrat on the House science committee, who has repeatedly condemned Trump's assault on science. Only one employee, Jesus Soriano, president of the local chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees which represents two thirds of the NSF's unionized bargaining unit, included his name; 148 of the 149 signatories are anonymous due to fear of reprisals. The fear is well founded given that around 140 named signatories of the EPA 'declaration of dissent' were put on administrative leave, and Lee Zeldin, the climate change denier and EPA secretary, warned that there was a 'zero-tolerance policy for career bureaucrats unlawfully undermining, sabotaging, and undercutting' the current administration. It ends with a stark warning: 'NSF employees are committed to serving the American people through research, education, and innovation. But they cannot do so under fear, censorship, and institutional sabotage. Without immediate oversight and corrective action from Congress, one of our nation's greatest engines for scientific and technological advancement faces irreversible long-term damage. Put simply, America will forfeit its scientific leadership position to China and other rival nations.'
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ardelyx (ARDX) Rated as ‘Overweight' at Cantor Fitzgerald amid Ibsrela Sales Growth Expectation
Ardelyx Inc. (NASDAQ:ARDX) is one of the penny stocks that will skyrocket. On July 7, analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an 'Overweight' rating on the stock. The positive stance stems from expectations that the company is well-positioned for robust growth, backed by its flagship product, Ibsrela. Cantor Fitzgerald expects Ibsrela to exceed consensus sales expectations in the second quarter. The research firm expects Ardelyx to deliver $64 million in sales, significantly higher than the $57 million consensus estimate. Amid the expected robust sales growth, the research firm views the 2025 Ibsrela guidance of $240-$250 million as conservative, given the strong prescription trends. While Xphozah, another flagship product, is expected to miss sales estimates, Cantor Fitzgerald anticipates that it will have a limited impact on current valuation levels. Cantor Fitzgerald maintains that expectations for Xphozah are already lower than consensus. Ardelyx Inc. (NASDAQ:ARDX) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative first-in-class medicines to address significant unmet medical needs, particularly in kidney and cardiovascular diseases. While we acknowledge the potential of ARDX as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and 11 Defensive Stocks Billionaires are Buying amid US Trade Tariff Uncertainty. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
19 hours ago
- Associated Press
Veteran IT Leader Will Decatur Joins MET Florida Board
Decatur's appointment highlights years of hands-on innovation and growth across Southwest Florida's IT sector. 'I've always believed IT should be invisible when it's working right,'— — Will Decatur, CTO, MET Florida FORT MYERS, FL, UNITED STATES, August 1, 2025 / / -- METFlorida is proud to announce the appointment of Will Decatur to its Board of Directors, formalizing a leadership role that has already shaped the company's growth for more than six years. Since taking on the position of Chief Technology Officer in 2018, Decatur has led the company's expansion from a boutique IT operation into a fully managed services provider serving businesses and government agencies across Southwest Florida. His board appointment marks a new chapter in MET Florida's evolution—one that reflects both the company's commitment to local economic impact and its increasing investment in emerging technologies like intelligent automation and AI-driven infrastructure. 'I've always believed IT should be invisible when it's working right,' said Decatur. 'Our job is to eliminate the distractions, clean up the noise, and help businesses get back to focusing on what they do best. Joining the board gives me a broader platform to ensure that mission stays at the core of everything we do.' Decatur's track record with MET Florida includes projects ranging from EHR deployments and data center builds to regional Microsoft 365 rollouts and zero-trust security initiatives. He's also played a key role in developing the company's multi-tiered service model, which offers Tier 1 through Tier 4 support—from help desk to executive technology strategy—under a single, transparent agreement. One of the largest growth drivers was the inclusion of at-cost software licensing for managed service clients—allowing businesses to consolidate expenses and avoid paying inflated retail rates for essential platforms like Microsoft 365, endpoint security, and cloud infrastructure. The approach has been especially effective for small to mid-sized businesses with limited IT staff, or large corporations seeking deep licensing discounts. Instead of relying on one overworked technician or juggling multiple vendors, clients get streamlined support with predictable billing and access to a deep bench of expertise. Under Decatur's technical leadership, MET Florida has solidified its presence in Southwest Florida, with ongoing efforts to expand into adjacent markets. His recent initiatives also include establishing the company as a registered vendor with regional governments, preparing it to compete for contracts involving public infrastructure, smart city initiatives, and municipal automation. 'A big part of my role has always been education,' Decatur added. 'Helping clients understand not just the technology, but how it impacts their compliance, their operations, and their bottom line. That's something we've baked into every service we offer.' In 2023, MET Florida formally restructured as a Florida-based C-corporation to support long-term growth and public sector alignment. The shift allowed the company to scale its licensing, compliance, and security offerings, while continuing to provide personalized service to the small business community. With a strong foundation in place, Decatur's board seat will allow him to focus more intently on MET Florida's strategic roadmap—advising on R&D investments, AI service lines, cybersecurity frameworks, and multi-vendor ecosystems designed to serve highly regulated industries. The board appointment also serves as a milestone in Decatur's broader career, one rooted in practical engineering and entrepreneurial execution. Prior to joining MET Florida, he led large-scale digital transformation efforts, including a multi-year modernization of the eScholar data platform for the state of Texas—one of the largest educational data systems in the country. In that role, he focused on managing secure identity for millions of student records and aligning cross-district operations—ensuring data integrity without unnecessary technical disruption. He also led the end-to-end development of a $2 million electronic health records system for a Texas healthcare organization, overseeing the full project lifecycle—from scoping and stakeholder alignment to compliance planning and go-live execution. Across both public and private sector work, Decatur has built a reputation for managing large teams, coordinating interdepartmental efforts, and aligning technical delivery with organizational strategy—all while staying accountable to budget and performance benchmarks. His leadership style emphasizes pragmatic innovation. 'AI, automation, cloud—these aren't buzzwords to me,' said Decatur. 'They're tools we use every day to reduce friction, cut costs, and improve outcomes for real businesses.' Decatur's role as both board member and CTO signals MET Florida's intention to stay agile and engineer-first as it expands its offerings in AI implementation, IT compliance, and small business enablement across the state. Beyond client work, Decatur has also been instrumental in supporting Southwest Florida's broader tech ecosystem. He's mentored up-and-coming IT professionals, partnered with local colleges for workforce development initiatives, and supported regional nonprofits in implementing secure, modern infrastructure. Looking ahead, Decatur plans to help MET Florida deepen its partnerships with local municipalities, education providers, and cloud vendors. His goal is to strengthen the company's ability to support digital modernization efforts across industries—especially those grappling with tight budgets, legacy systems, or heightened compliance pressures. 'We're entering a phase where automation and secure infrastructure are no longer nice-to-haves,' Decatur said. 'They're foundational. And our clients need solutions that meet those demands without breaking their budgets or disrupting their day-to-day.' ________________________________________ About MET Florida Founded in 2005, as METVI and later as METFL, merging these companies in 2023 to form MET Florida, MET Florida is a managed IT and technology services provider headquartered in Southwest Florida. The company specializes in IT support, cybersecurity, infrastructure, licensing, automation, and compliance for small and mid-sized organizations across healthcare, legal, nonprofit, and public sectors. MET Florida's mission is to give growing organizations a true technology partner—one that delivers high-quality, transparent, and deeply accountable support without the cost and complexity of traditional IT models. Through its multi-tiered service structure and vendor-neutral philosophy, the company provides a flexible approach to IT, offering clients everything from day-to-day troubleshooting to high-level infrastructure planning and project execution. MET Florida also maintains strong relationships with local ISPs, software providers, and cloud platforms, enabling integrated solutions that align with clients' business goals. As a Microsoft Partner and regional advocate for ethical tech adoption, MET Florida is committed to building long-term, trust-based relationships. From Naples to Sarasota, the company continues to lead by example—bridging the gap between innovation and execution. For more information or to schedule a free consultation visit MET Florida today. Michael Davis PR News email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
