The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed the composition of its new governing board for the 2026‑2028 term and announced the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser as its president. Lesser, who has been at the helm of the federation for several years, will continue to steer the organization through a period of rapid growth and transformation in the European gaming sector. Two notable departures were also disclosed: David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director at No Brakes Games, have stepped down from their board positions. Their exits create space for fresh perspectives and new expertise to guide the federation’s strategic direction.
The refreshed EGDF board now comprises a diverse group of industry leaders representing a broad geographic spread across Europe: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer of Fourth Moon Games and General Manager of the Dutch Games Association. Spaans brings extensive experience in both studio operations and national industry advocacy.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, a key figure in Finland’s vibrant indie and mid‑size development scene. - **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and member of the Stockholm Region Business Council, providing insight into cultural policy and regional economic development. - **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., Secretary‑General of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, offering a blend of commercial strategy and community building. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, known for fostering networking and knowledge‑sharing events.
- **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing the French video‑game sector and its regulatory interests. Together, this board is tasked with delivering on the federation’s two‑year agenda, which emphasizes creating a clear pathway for developers to ascend the value chain. The EGDF plans to enhance access to crucial resources such as capital, skilled talent, and professional development opportunities. By doing so, the federation hopes to empower studios of all sizes—from emerging indie teams to established mid‑tier publishers—to compete more effectively on both regional and global stages.
In a statement, the EGDF highlighted its commitment to monitoring and facilitating the evolution of Europe’s game‑industry ecosystem. The organization will continue to strengthen collaborations with European development studios, advocate for supportive policies, and raise the profile of European games worldwide.
This includes a focus on increasing visibility at major international events, securing media coverage, and showcasing European talent in high‑profile showcases. A distinctive element of the federation’s forward‑looking strategy is its ambition to become the first AI‑centric European trade association for games.
Recognizing that the gaming sector is often at the forefront of adopting artificial‑intelligence tools—ranging from procedural content generation to advanced analytics—the EGDF aims to integrate AI into its operational framework and provide members with guidance on responsible AI usage. This initiative is expected to position the federation as a thought leader in the ethical and effective deployment of AI within interactive entertainment.
The federation’s strategic priorities are underscored by recent industry data. Earlier this week, EGDF partnered with Video Games Europe (VGE) to release the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024. The report reveals that the European games market generated a turnover of €24 billion in 2024, reflecting robust consumer demand across consoles, PC, and mobile platforms.
Moreover, the sector comprises more than 6,600 development studios employing over 95,000 individuals, illustrating the sector’s significant contribution to employment and economic activity across the continent. These figures highlight the importance of the EGDF’s mission. By facilitating better funding channels—such as connecting studios with EU cultural grants, national subsidies, and private investment—the federation aims to reduce financial barriers that often hinder innovative projects.
In parallel, the organization will launch talent‑development programs, mentorship schemes, and skill‑building workshops to address the shortage of specialized expertise in areas like game design, programming, art, and sound engineering. The board also intends to foster cross‑border collaboration, encouraging studios from different countries to co‑develop titles, share technology, and exchange best practices.
Such cooperation can lead to larger, more ambitious projects that benefit from diverse creative inputs and pooled resources. Additionally, the EGDF will advocate for regulatory harmonisation across Europe, seeking to simplify licensing, data‑privacy compliance, and age‑rating procedures for developers operating in multiple markets. Overall, the re‑elected leadership and newly appointed board members signal a continuity of vision combined with fresh energy.
Their collective expertise spans business development, cultural policy, event organisation, and AI innovation, equipping the EGDF to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As the European gaming industry continues to expand both in economic weight and cultural influence, the federation’s role as a unifying voice and catalyst for growth becomes ever more critical. The EGDF’s roadmap for 2026‑2028, therefore, is not merely a set of objectives but a comprehensive plan to elevate Europe’s game‑development ecosystem, ensure sustainable growth, and cement the continent’s reputation as a hub of creative and technological excellence in the global gaming arena.