Hendrik Lesser has secured a second term as president of the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF), coinciding with the unveiling of the federation’s new governing board for the 2026‑2028 period. The leadership change follows the departure of two prominent figures: David Rabineau, chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, studio director at No Brakes Games, both of whom have stepped down from their board positions.
The freshly assembled EGDF board brings together a diverse group of industry veterans and representatives from key European gaming organisations. The roster now includes: - **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 pivotal figure in Finland’s vibrant indie and mid‑size development scene. - **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and member of the Stockholm Region Business Council, known for championing cultural initiatives that intersect with interactive media. - **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., Secretary‑General of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, offering a blend of commercial insight and regional networking expertise.
- **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, recognised for his work in organising large‑scale industry events across Central Europe. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French developers and advocating for policy reforms at the national level.
The federation’s strategic agenda for the upcoming biennium centres on creating a clear pathway for developers to ascend the value chain, while simultaneously enhancing access to essential resources such as funding, skilled talent, and professional development programmes. In a statement, the EGDF underscored its commitment to continuously monitor and nurture the European game‑development ecosystem. The organisation aims to deepen collaboration with studios across the continent and to amplify the global profile of Europe’s gaming output.
A notable element of the EGDF’s forward‑looking plan is its ambition to become the first AI‑centric European trade association within the gaming sector. Recognising that the video‑game industry is often at the forefront of adopting artificial‑intelligence tools—from procedural content generation to advanced analytics—the federation intends to leverage AI to streamline its own operations, support member studios in integrating AI technologies responsibly, and influence policy discussions surrounding AI ethics and regulation. In parallel with these governance updates, the EGDF recently partnered with Video Games Europe (VGE) to release the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024.
The comprehensive study highlighted that the European gaming market generated a turnover of €24 billion in 2024, reflecting robust growth despite broader economic uncertainties. The report also documented that more than 6,600 studios were active across the continent, collectively employing upwards of 95 000 individuals in roles ranging from programming and art direction to marketing and community management. These figures illustrate the sector’s significance as a major contributor to the European creative economy and underscore the importance of coordinated advocacy and support mechanisms.
By fostering stronger links between developers, investors, educational institutions, and policy makers, the EGDF seeks to ensure that the industry not only maintains its economic momentum but also continues to innovate in areas such as immersive storytelling, cross‑platform experiences, and sustainable development practices. Looking ahead, the board plans to roll out a series of initiatives designed to address current challenges faced by European studios. These include: 1.
**Funding Access Programs** – Working with national and EU‑level grant bodies to simplify application processes and broaden eligibility criteria for indie developers and mid‑size companies. 2. **Talent Development Pipelines** – Partnering with universities, technical schools, and apprenticeship schemes to create clear career pathways, while also offering mentorship schemes that connect emerging talent with seasoned professionals.
3. **Skill‑Boost Workshops** – Organising regular training sessions on emerging technologies such as AI‑driven design tools, cloud‑based multiplayer infrastructure, and advanced analytics for player behaviour.
4. **Cross‑Border Collaboration Hubs** – Establishing virtual and physical spaces where studios from different countries can co‑create, share best practices, and jointly pursue international publishing opportunities.
5. **Visibility Campaigns** – Launching coordinated marketing efforts, including participation in major global trade shows, to showcase European titles and attract international investors and publishers. Through these efforts, the EGDF hopes to reinforce Europe’s reputation as a hotbed of creative excellence and technical innovation. The federation’s renewed leadership, combined with a clear strategic focus on funding, talent, and AI integration, positions it to act as a catalyst for sustained growth and increased competitiveness on the world stage.
In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the appointment of a new, highly experienced board signal a period of continuity and renewal for the European Games Developer Federation. By championing developer interests, facilitating access to critical resources, and embracing cutting‑edge technologies, the EGDF aims to empower European game creators to thrive both locally and globally, ensuring that the continent’s vibrant gaming culture continues to flourish for years to come.