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, who has been a prominent figure in the European gaming community, secured a second term after a vote by the federation’s members, underscoring the confidence the industry places in his leadership and strategic vision. Two notable departures were announced alongside the new board lineup.
David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director at No Brakes Games, both stepped down from their previous roles within the EGDF structure. Their exits open space for fresh perspectives and allow the federation to bring in new expertise that aligns with its evolving objectives.
The freshly appointed board now includes a diverse group of professionals representing a broad spectrum of the European gaming ecosystem: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at 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, offering deep insights into the Nordic development scene and its unique market dynamics. - **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and member of the Stockholm Region Business Council, providing a strong link between cultural policy and commercial gaming interests.
- **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., Secretary‑General of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, combining business acumen with regional network building. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, a key figure in fostering indie development and industry events. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing the French video‑game sector and its regulatory environment.
Together, this board is tasked with steering the federation through a period of rapid change and growth. The EGDF has already laid out a clear agenda for the next two years, centering on three main pillars: creating a clear pathway for developers to ascend the value chain, expanding access to financial resources, and bolstering the talent pipeline and skill‑building programs across Europe. The federation’s statement emphasized its commitment to “monitor and facilitate the development of the European game industry ecosystem,” highlighting the importance of continuous observation of market trends, regulatory shifts, and technological advances.
By strengthening collaboration with studios of all sizes—from indie outfits to large multinational publishers—the EGDF aims to foster a more cohesive and competitive European gaming landscape. One of the most forward‑looking goals highlighted by the EGDF is its ambition to become the first AI‑centric European trade association.
The organization recognizes that the gaming sector is often at the forefront of adopting artificial‑intelligence tools, whether for procedural content generation, player behaviour analysis, or advanced testing frameworks. By positioning itself as an AI‑focused body, the EGDF hopes to guide policy, set ethical standards, and provide resources that help developers harness AI responsibly and effectively.
In parallel with these strategic initiatives, the EGDF recently partnered with Video Games Europe (VGE) to release the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024. The report offers a comprehensive snapshot of the continent’s gaming market, revealing that European developers generated a turnover of €24 billion in 2024.
This impressive figure reflects the sector’s robust health and its contribution to the broader European economy. Moreover, the report identified more than 6,600 active studios employing upwards of 95,000 individuals, underscoring the industry’s role as a significant employer and a driver of creative talent. The data from the insights report also highlighted several trends that the EGDF plans to address.
First, the concentration of revenue in a relatively small number of large publishers suggests a need for policies that support smaller studios in gaining market visibility and negotiating fair distribution terms. Second, the rapid adoption of AI and machine‑learning technologies points to a growing skills gap, prompting the federation to invest in training programs, workshops, and educational partnerships that equip developers with the necessary expertise.
To achieve these objectives, the EGDF intends to launch a series of initiatives over the 2026‑2028 period. These include: 1. **Funding Access Programs** – Working closely with national and EU‑level funding bodies to streamline grant applications, create co‑investment schemes, and provide mentorship for studios seeking capital.
2. **Talent Development Hubs** – Establishing regional hubs that offer mentorship, apprenticeship opportunities, and curriculum development in partnership with universities and technical schools. 3.
**AI Innovation Lab** – A dedicated platform where developers can experiment with AI tools, share best practices, and receive guidance on ethical considerations and regulatory compliance. 4. **Industry Visibility Campaigns** – Coordinated marketing and public‑relations efforts aimed at showcasing European games on the global stage, including participation in major international trade shows and digital showcases.
5. **Policy Advocacy** – Engaging with EU institutions to shape legislation that supports cross‑border collaboration, protects intellectual property, and encourages sustainable development practices.
By combining these concrete actions with the strategic oversight of its newly formed board, the EGDF hopes to reinforce Europe’s position as a vibrant, innovative, and globally competitive hub for game development. The federation’s renewed focus on AI, funding, and talent development reflects an understanding that the next wave of growth will be driven by technology‑enabled creativity and a skilled workforce capable of turning bold ideas into successful products.
In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the appointment of a diverse, experienced board signal continuity and renewal for the European Games Developer Federation. With a clear roadmap that emphasizes financial accessibility, skill enhancement, and AI leadership, the EGDF is poised to guide the European gaming industry through a dynamic period of expansion, ensuring that developers of all sizes can thrive and contribute to the continent’s cultural and economic vitality.