Ex-Atari CEO David Gardner joins BAFTA as VP for Games

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has appointed former Atari CEO and London Venture Partners co-founder David Gardner as its new Vice President for Games.

Gardner will be joining VP for Film Barbara Broccoli and VP for Television Greg Dyke in the role supporting the President of BAFTA. He will serve for up to six years in his new role.

Gardner's main role will be supporting the Global Games Strategy which aims to push BAFTA's games sector into an international role. This will include a bigger presence at US trade events and providing content on platforms such as Twitch.

Expanding participation

"BAFTA is a fabulous organisation that helps advance the art of gaming, film and television," said Gardner.

"It is unique in that it brings so many storytelling mediums together, and has established itself as a globally recognised charity for peer review, advancement and education.

"I view my role as helping to expand the game industry's participation in this tradition and look forward to the breakthroughs that will follow from sharing our craft."

BAFTA's games events include hosting talks from members of the industry, including a talk on company culture from Supercell's Ilkka Paananen in September 2016.