Hendrik Lesser has once again been chosen to lead the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) as its president, coinciding with the federation’s announcement of the new board that will serve from 2026 through 2028. The continuity of Lesser’s leadership signals stability and a clear strategic direction for the organization as it seeks to strengthen the European gaming ecosystem. Two notable figures stepped away from their roles on the board: David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director at No Brakes Games.
Their departures open space for fresh perspectives and new expertise to guide the federation’s initiatives. The freshly constituted EGDF board now includes a diverse group of industry professionals representing a broad geographic spread across Europe: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and general manager of the Dutch Games Association. Spaans brings operational experience and a deep understanding of the Dutch gaming market. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, offering insight into the Finnish development scene and its vibrant indie community.
- **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and member of the Stockholm Region Business Council, providing a link between cultural policy and commercial interests in Sweden. - **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., secretary‑general of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, giving him a multifaceted view of the Balkan gaming landscape. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, representing Poland’s growing indie sector.
- **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, bringing French industry advocacy and regulatory experience to the table. Together, this board combines operational leadership, regional representation, and strategic insight, positioning EGDF to address the varied needs of developers across the continent.
**Strategic Priorities for 2026‑2028** The federation has laid out an ambitious agenda for the next two years, centered on three core pillars: creating a clear pathway for developers to ascend the value chain, enhancing access to financial resources, and bolstering talent pipelines and skill development programs. These objectives are intended to help European studios—whether small indie teams or large multinational publishers—navigate the increasingly complex market dynamics and compete more effectively on a global stage. - **Value‑Chain Advancement**: EGDF aims to map out a "route to the top of the value chain" for developers, meaning clearer guidance on how to move from concept to commercial success, including support for publishing, distribution, and post‑launch services.
By demystifying each stage, the federation hopes to reduce barriers that often stall promising projects. - **Funding Accessibility**: Recognizing that capital remains a critical bottleneck, EGDF plans to work closely with national and EU funding bodies, private investors, and corporate partners to streamline application processes and increase the visibility of funding opportunities. This includes targeted workshops, mentorship schemes, and a centralized information hub.
- **Talent and Skills Development**: The federation will expand its educational outreach, partnering with universities, vocational schools, and online learning platforms to create curricula that reflect current industry needs. Initiatives will cover technical skills such as programming and art production, as well as soft skills like project management and business acumen. In a statement, the EGDF emphasized its commitment to monitoring and facilitating the growth of the European game industry ecosystem. The organization pledged to deepen collaboration with game development studios across the continent and to raise the global profile of European games, which have historically been known for their creativity, cultural diversity, and technical innovation.
**Artificial Intelligence as a Strategic Frontier** A distinctive element of EGDF’s forward‑looking vision is its focus on artificial intelligence. The federation highlighted that the gaming sector is often at the forefront of adopting AI‑driven tools—ranging from procedural content generation to advanced analytics and player‑behavior modeling. Consequently, EGDF has set an ambitious goal to become the first AI‑based European trade association, leveraging AI to improve its own operations, member services, and industry advocacy. This could involve AI‑enhanced matchmaking between developers and investors, predictive market analysis, and automated compliance monitoring.
**Industry Context and Recent Data** Earlier in the week, EGDF collaborated 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: in 2024, European games generated a turnover of €24 billion, a figure that underscores the region’s significance in the global market.
Moreover, the industry employed more than 95,000 individuals across over 6,600 studios, illustrating both its scale and its role as a major employer. These statistics reinforce the importance of EGDF’s mission.
By fostering an environment where developers can more easily secure funding, attract skilled talent, and navigate the value chain, the federation aims to sustain and accelerate this growth trajectory. **Looking Ahead** As the new board settles into its roles, stakeholders can expect a series of initiatives designed to operationalize the outlined priorities. Anticipated activities include regional roundtables, cross‑border partnership programs, AI‑focused research projects, and a refreshed digital platform for resource sharing.
The re‑election of Hendrik Lesser provides continuity in leadership, while the infusion of new board members promises fresh ideas and expanded networks. In summary, the European Games Developer Federation is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of Europe’s gaming industry. By championing access to capital, nurturing talent, and embracing AI innovation, EGDF seeks to empower developers to reach new heights, enhance the continent’s competitive edge, and ensure that European games continue to delight players worldwide.