The long-established Scholarship debuted the latest winner at Africa Games Week
LOS ANGELES – December 4, 2025 – The International Game Developers Association Foundation (IGDA Foundation) is honored to recognize Margaret Gathoni as the recipient of the 2025 Eric Dybsand Memorial AI Scholarship during the final day of Africa Games Week.
As a past grantee of the IGDA Foundation’s Virtual Exchange Program in 2024, Margaret Gathoni builds upon her industry experience to further explore how games and interactive storytelling inspire learning and connection. Her prior work includes mentorship platforms that blend technology, data, and creativity, as well as experimental, narrative-driven projects.
The IGDA Foundation founded the Eric Dybsand AI Scholarship in 2007. Eric Dybsand was a pillar of the game AI development community, known at GDC as one of the “AI guys.” In his honor, the Foundation awards the Scholarship to one student studying AI to aid their education and foster the next generation of AI engineers.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as the recipient of the Eric Dybsand Memorial AI Scholarship,” said Margaret. “I am sincerely grateful to the IGDA Foundation for this opportunity and for enabling me to attend Africa Games Week. Their support allows me to connect with global industry peers and strengthen my mission to showcase how African creativity, culture, and storytelling can shape the future of gaming and technology.”
Africa Games Week spotlights the excellence of Africa’s gaming talent, including studio heads, developers, industry professionals, and newcomers to the gaming industry. The annual 4-day event showcases the brilliance behind Africa’s gaming landscape through leading industry speakers, B2B networking, workshops, and a sprawling games exhibit located in South Africa.
To learn more about Africa Games Week, visit https://gamesweek.africa/.
About the IGDA Foundation
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 Downs. Since 2008, the IGDA-F has supported more than 1,000 alumni who develop games at both AAA and indie studios. For more information, visit https://igdafoundation.org
