The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue in his role as president, guiding the organization into its next strategic phase covering the period from 2026 to 2028. This announcement comes alongside the unveiling of a refreshed board of directors, marking a significant moment for the federation as it prepares to advance its mission of strengthening Europe’s game development ecosystem.
Two notable departures were highlighted in the transition: David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director at No Brakes Games, have both stepped away from their board responsibilities. Their contributions over the past years have helped shape EGDF’s policies and outreach, and their exits open space for new voices to influence the federation’s direction. The newly constituted EGDF board now comprises a diverse group of industry leaders, each bringing a unique perspective and a wealth of experience from different corners of the European gaming landscape: - **Martine Spaans** – 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 insight into both the operational challenges of indie studios and the broader national policy environment.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – director of the Neogames Finland Association, where she has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among Finnish developers and advocating for supportive regulatory frameworks. - **Per Strömbäck** – a board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and a participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, providing a bridge between cultural initiatives and commercial interests in the Swedish market.
- **Hrvoje Mitic** – head of business development at GamesCo., secretary‑general of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia. His entrepreneurial background and network across Central and Eastern Europe position him to champion cross‑border partnerships. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, known for promoting indie talent and organizing high‑impact industry events.
- **Vanessa Kaplan** – director general of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, bringing a strong French perspective on labor issues, collective bargaining, and industry advocacy. Together, this board is tasked with implementing EGDF’s two‑year agenda, which centers on creating a clear "route to the top of the value chain" for European developers. The federation aims to streamline access to essential resources such as capital, skilled personnel, and advanced training programs. By doing so, it hopes to empower studios of all sizes—from fledgling indie teams to established mid‑size publishers—to compete more effectively on a global stage.
In a formal statement, EGDF emphasized its commitment to monitoring and facilitating the growth of the European game industry ecosystem. The organization plans to deepen its collaboration with development studios across the continent, ensuring that policy recommendations are grounded in the real‑world needs of creators.
Additionally, EGDF seeks to boost the visibility of European games internationally, positioning the region as a hub of innovation and creative excellence. A forward‑looking component of the strategy addresses the rapid integration of artificial intelligence within game development.
Recognizing that the industry is often at the forefront of adopting AI‑driven tools—ranging from procedural content generation to advanced analytics—the federation has set an ambitious goal: to become the first AI‑focused European trade association. This initiative will involve establishing best‑practice guidelines, facilitating knowledge‑sharing workshops, and advocating for regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with ethical considerations. The timing of these announcements aligns with the recent release of the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024, a joint effort by EGDF and Video Games Europe (VGE). The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the sector’s economic performance, revealing that European game companies generated a turnover of €24 billion in 2024.
Moreover, the industry supports a substantial workforce, with more than 6,600 studios employing over 95,000 individuals across a wide range of roles, from programming and art to marketing and community management. These figures underscore the sector’s significance as a driver of employment and economic activity within the European Union.
They also highlight the importance of continued investment in talent pipelines, such as university programs, vocational training, and mentorship schemes, to sustain growth and maintain the region’s competitive edge. To achieve its objectives, EGDF plans several concrete actions over the next two years: 1. **Funding Access Programs** – Partnering with national and EU‑level funding bodies to simplify application processes, provide advisory services, and create dedicated grant streams for innovative projects, especially those leveraging AI and emerging technologies.
2. **Talent Development Initiatives** – Launching a series of workshops, bootcamps, and mentorship networks aimed at upskilling developers in areas like game design, user experience, and technical production.
The federation will also collaborate with educational institutions to align curricula with industry needs. 3. **Skill‑Sharing Platforms** – Establishing an online hub where studios can exchange expertise, share resources, and collaborate on joint ventures, thereby reducing duplication of effort and fostering a culture of open innovation.
4. **Global Promotion Campaigns** – Organizing trade missions, participation in major international expos, and targeted marketing efforts to showcase European titles to publishers, investors, and media outlets worldwide. 5. **AI Ethics and Standards Working Group** – Convening experts from academia, industry, and policy to develop guidelines that ensure responsible use of AI in games, addressing concerns such as data privacy, bias, and player well‑being.
Through these measures, EGDF aims to not only reinforce the existing strengths of the European gaming sector but also to lay the groundwork for future breakthroughs. By championing a collaborative, well‑funded, and skill‑rich environment, the federation envisions a landscape where European developers can consistently produce high‑quality, culturally resonant games that resonate with audiences around the globe.
In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a refreshed, internationally diverse board signal a period of continuity and renewal for EGDF. The federation’s strategic focus on funding, talent, skills, and AI integration positions it to effectively support its members and to amplify Europe’s voice in the ever‑evolving world of interactive entertainment.