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 central figure in steering the federation’s strategic direction, secured another term through a vote among member organisations, underscoring the confidence the European game‑development community places in his leadership. Two notable departures were announced alongside the board refresh. David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director of No Brakes Games, have stepped down from their previous roles within the federation’s governance structure.
Their contributions over the past years helped shape EGDF’s policies on industry standards, cross‑border collaboration, and advocacy. The newly appointed board members bring a diverse set of experiences from across the continent, reflecting EGDF’s commitment to 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 operational expertise and a deep understanding of the Dutch market’s regulatory environment.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, Hiltunen will leverage Finland’s strong indie scene and its reputation for innovative game design. - **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, Strömbäck adds a cultural‑policy perspective and strong ties to the Swedish business community.
- **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., Secretary‑General of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, Mitic offers a blend of commercial acumen and regional networking capabilities. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, Marszalkowski will champion indie developers and facilitate knowledge‑sharing events across Central Europe. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo (SNJV) in France, Kaplan provides insight into the French market’s regulatory framework and its vibrant studio landscape.
Together, this board will steer EGDF through a period of rapid transformation in the gaming sector. The federation’s strategic agenda for the 2026‑2028 cycle centers on creating a clear pathway for developers to ascend the value chain, ensuring that European studios can capture more of the economic benefits generated by their creations.
Key pillars of this agenda include: 1. **Enhanced Funding Access** – EGDF plans to negotiate with European cultural ministries, venture capital funds, and private investors to open new financing channels. By simplifying application procedures and providing targeted grant information, the federation hopes to reduce the administrative burden on studios seeking capital for both early‑stage prototypes and large‑scale productions. 2.
**Talent Development and Mobility** – Recognising the shortage of specialised skills in areas such as AI integration, immersive technologies, and narrative design, EGDF will launch a series of cross‑border apprenticeship programmes, mentorship schemes, and industry‑led certifications. These initiatives aim to nurture a pipeline of talent that can move fluidly between member countries, fostering a truly pan‑European workforce. 3.
**Skill‑Sharing Platforms** – The federation intends to host regular workshops, webinars, and hackathons focused on emerging technologies. By partnering with universities, research institutes, and tech companies, EGDF will provide developers with hands‑on experience in areas like procedural content generation, cloud‑based multiplayer infrastructure, and ethical AI usage. 4.
**Market Visibility and Export Support** – To boost the global profile of European games, EGDF will coordinate participation in major international trade shows, arrange press trips, and produce multilingual marketing collateral. The goal is to help studios, especially those from smaller markets, gain exposure to publishers, distributors, and investors worldwide. 5. **AI Integration and Leadership** – The federation has set an ambitious objective to become the first AI‑driven European trade association.
This involves deploying AI tools for member services, such as automated matchmaking between developers and investors, predictive analytics for market trends, and AI‑assisted policy drafting. By positioning itself at the forefront of AI adoption, EGDF aims to set industry standards for responsible and innovative AI use in game development. In a statement released by the organization, a spokesperson highlighted the federation’s ongoing role in monitoring and facilitating the growth of Europe’s game‑industry ecosystem.
"We will continue to strengthen collaboration with studios across the continent, amplify the sector’s visibility on the world stage, and ensure that European developers have the resources they need to thrive," the statement read. The timing of these announcements 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 landscape, revealing that the industry generated approximately €24 billion in turnover during 2024.
Moreover, the sector now comprises more than 6,600 studios employing over 95,000 professionals, ranging from programmers and artists to marketers and business development specialists. These figures underscore the sector’s rapid expansion and its significance as a driver of economic growth, cultural exchange, and technological innovation within Europe. They also highlight the importance of coordinated policy support, as the industry faces challenges related to talent shortages, regulatory fragmentation, and the need for sustainable financing models.
Looking ahead, EGDF’s refreshed board and its strategic roadmap aim to address these challenges head‑on. By fostering stronger ties between national associations, creating streamlined funding pathways, and championing AI‑enabled tools, the federation aspires to solidify Europe’s position as a global leader in interactive entertainment. The organization’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and cross‑border cooperation promises to empower both established studios and emerging indie creators, ensuring that the European gaming ecosystem remains vibrant, competitive, and resilient for years to come.