Hendrik Lesser has once again been chosen to lead the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF), securing a second term as its president while the organisation unveiled its new governing board for the 2026‑2028 period. The announcement also noted that two prominent members, David Rabineau – chief executive of Homo Ludens – and Gediminas Tarasevicius, director of the No Brakes Games studio, have stepped away from their board positions, making way for fresh faces to guide the federation’s strategic direction. The refreshed EGDF board now includes a diverse group of industry professionals representing a broad spectrum of European game development interests: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and General Manager of the Dutch Games Association, bringing 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 participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, offering insights 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, combining commercial acumen with a strong network across the Balkans. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, known for championing indie creators and organizing large‑scale industry events.
- **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French developers and advocating for policy support at the national level. Together, this six‑member board is tasked with steering EGDF through a period of rapid change and opportunity within the European gaming sector. The federation has already laid out a comprehensive agenda for the 2026‑2028 term, emphasizing three core pillars: creating a clearer pathway for developers to move up the value chain, expanding access to financial resources, and strengthening the talent pipeline through education and skill‑building initiatives. In a statement released alongside the board announcement, EGDF highlighted its commitment to “monitor and facilitate the development of the European game industry ecosystem.” The federation plans to deepen collaborations with studios across the continent, enhance the visibility of European games on the global stage, and act as a conduit between policymakers, investors, and creative talent.
By doing so, EGDF hopes to position Europe as a leading hub for innovative game development, capable of competing with established markets in North America and Asia. One of the most forward‑looking goals outlined by the federation is its ambition to become the first AI‑focused European trade association within the gaming sector. Recognising that the game industry is often at the forefront of adopting artificial‑intelligence tools—ranging from procedural content generation to advanced analytics and player‑behaviour modelling—EGDF intends to champion responsible AI integration, develop best‑practice guidelines, and facilitate knowledge‑sharing among its members. This AI‑centric approach is expected to accelerate the creation of smarter, more adaptive games while also addressing ethical considerations surrounding data use and algorithmic transparency.
The timing of the board refresh coincides with the release of the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024, a joint effort by EGDF and Video Games Europe (VGE). The report paints a robust picture of the continent’s gaming economy: in 2024, European developers generated approximately €24 billion in revenue, a figure supported by more than 6,600 active studios employing upwards of 95,000 professionals.
These numbers underscore the sector’s significance as a driver of digital innovation, cultural export, and high‑skill employment. Beyond the headline figures, the insights report delves into trends shaping the industry’s future. It notes a steady increase in cross‑border collaborations, a growing appetite for live‑service and multiplayer experiences, and an expanding market for games that incorporate emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI‑driven personalization. The report also highlights challenges, including the need for more sustainable financing models, the importance of nurturing diverse talent pools, and the pressure to comply with evolving regulatory frameworks around data protection and digital content.
In response to these findings, EGDF’s newly elected board intends to launch a series of initiatives designed to address both opportunities and obstacles. Planned actions include establishing a pan‑European funding portal that aggregates grants, investment programmes, and tax‑incentive information; creating mentorship networks that connect seasoned developers with emerging studios; and organising workshops focused on AI ethics, inclusive design, and market‑entry strategies for smaller firms. The federation also aims to strengthen its advocacy role by engaging directly with EU institutions, national governments, and industry bodies to shape policies that support growth, protect intellectual property, and promote fair competition. By fostering a unified voice for European developers, EGDF hopes to influence decisions on issues such as digital trade agreements, cross‑border talent mobility, and standards for emerging technologies.
Overall, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the infusion of fresh expertise onto the board signal a period of continuity coupled with renewal for the European Games Developer Federation. With a clear roadmap, a focus on AI integration, and a commitment to expanding funding and talent pathways, the organisation is poised to help European game creators ascend the value chain, increase their global impact, and sustain the sector’s impressive economic contributions for years to come.