The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed the composition of its governing board for the 2026‑2028 term, and in the process reaffirmed Hendrik Lesser as its president. Lesser’s re‑election comes at a pivotal moment for the federation, which is positioning itself as a central advocate for the continent’s game‑development community.
Two notable departures were announced alongside the new board line‑up: David Rabineau, chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, director of the No Brakes Games studio, have both stepped down from their previous roles within the organisation. Their exits open space for fresh perspectives and a broader representation of the European gaming ecosystem. The freshly appointed board members bring a mix of industry experience, institutional knowledge, and regional insight: - **Martine Spaans** – currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and also holding the position of general manager for the Dutch Games Association. Her dual roles give her a comprehensive view of both the commercial and policy‑driven aspects of game development in the Netherlands and beyond.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – director of the Neogames Finland Association, a body that supports Finnish developers through networking, funding advice, and educational initiatives. Hiltunen’s background in fostering collaborative environments will be valuable for cross‑border projects. - **Per Strömbäck** – a board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and a participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council. His experience bridges cultural advocacy with business development, helping to align creative output with market realities.
- **Hrvoje Mitic** – head of business development at GamesCo., secretary‑general of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia. Mitic’s track record in nurturing start‑ups and scaling regional studios positions him as a key driver for growth in Central and Eastern Europe. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – leads the Games Industry Conference, co‑founded the Indie Games Poland Foundation, and serves on its board.
His expertise lies in event production, community building, and supporting indie creators seeking international exposure. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – director general of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, the French national union representing video‑game companies.
Kaplan brings a strong policy‑lobbying background and insight into the regulatory environment affecting French and EU developers. Together, this diverse group will steer the federation’s strategic agenda for the next two years.
The EGDF has publicly outlined its primary objectives, emphasizing the creation of a "route to the top of the value chain" for European developers. In practical terms, this means the federation intends to facilitate smoother access to capital, enhance talent pipelines, and provide targeted skill‑development programmes that align with emerging market needs.
The organization’s statement highlighted several key focus areas: "The EGDF will continue to monitor and facilitate the development of the European game industry ecosystem, strengthen its collaboration with European game development studios, and increase the European game industry's global visibility," the federation said. This commitment reflects a broader ambition to not only support domestic growth but also to position Europe as a competitive player on the world stage, rivaling North American and Asian markets.
A particularly forward‑looking element of the EGDF’s plan is its emphasis on artificial intelligence. Recognising that the gaming sector is often an early adopter of AI‑driven tools—ranging from procedural content generation to player‑behavior analytics—the federation aims to become the first AI‑focused European trade association. By championing AI integration, the EGDF hopes to equip member studios with cutting‑edge technologies that can reduce development costs, accelerate time‑to‑market, and unlock new creative possibilities.
In parallel with these strategic moves, the EGDF recently partnered with Video Games Europe (VGE) to release the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024. The report provides a snapshot of the sector’s economic impact, revealing that European game companies generated a turnover of €24 billion in 2024.
Moreover, the industry now comprises more than 6,600 studios employing upwards of 95,000 individuals across the continent. These figures underscore the sector’s significance as a major employer and a substantial contributor to the European economy. The insights from the report will inform the federation’s policy advocacy, helping to shape funding mechanisms, educational curricula, and cross‑border collaboration frameworks.
By leveraging data‑driven arguments, the EGDF aims to secure greater public and private investment, ensuring that European developers can compete for talent and resources on an equal footing with their global counterparts. Looking ahead, the board’s diverse expertise is expected to translate into concrete initiatives such as: 1. **Funding Access Programs** – establishing clearer pathways to EU grants, national subsidies, and private venture capital, with dedicated advisors to guide studios through application processes.
2. **Talent Development Hubs** – partnering with universities, vocational schools, and online learning platforms to create specialised courses in game design, programming, art, and AI integration. 3. **Cross‑Regional Networks** – facilitating matchmaking events, mentorship schemes, and joint‑development projects that connect studios from Western, Central, and Eastern Europe.
4. **AI Innovation Labs** – launching pilot projects that test AI‑driven workflows, offering participating studios early access to tools and best‑practice guidelines. 5. **Global Promotion Campaigns** – organising showcases at major international expos such as Gamescom, GDC, and Tokyo Game Show, highlighting European titles and encouraging export opportunities.
By pursuing these actions, the EGDF intends to nurture a resilient, innovative, and internationally recognised European gaming ecosystem. The re‑election of Hendrik Lesser, combined with the fresh perspectives of the newly appointed board members, signals continuity in leadership while also promising renewed energy and strategic focus.
As the industry continues to evolve—particularly with the rapid advancement of AI technologies—the federation’s role as a unifying voice and facilitator of growth becomes increasingly vital. The upcoming two‑year term will be a test of how effectively the EGDF can translate its ambitious agenda into measurable outcomes for developers, investors, and gamers across Europe.