The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue at the helm as its president, following his successful re‑election during the organization’s announcement of the 2026‑2028 board lineup. Lesser’s continued leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the European gaming sector, which is poised to deepen its influence both within the continent and on the global stage. Two notable departures were also disclosed as part of the board reshuffle. David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director of No Brakes Games, have stepped down from their board positions.
Their exits open space for fresh perspectives and new expertise to guide the federation’s strategic direction. The freshly appointed board now comprises a diverse group of industry veterans and representatives from a range of European gaming bodies: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and General Manager of the Dutch Games Association. Spaans brings a blend of operational know‑how and advocacy experience from the Netherlands’ vibrant indie scene.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, offering insights into the Nordic development ecosystem and its strong emphasis on education and community building. - **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, providing a bridge 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, delivering a strategic view of the emerging Central‑Eastern European market. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, adding expertise in event organization and indie support networks.
- **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing the French video‑game sector and its extensive regulatory and labor frameworks. Together, this board is tasked with executing EGDF’s two‑year agenda, which centers on creating a clear “route to the top of the value chain” for European developers.
The federation intends to streamline pathways that enable studios—whether fledgling indie teams or established mid‑size firms—to access the resources they need to scale up, attract investment, and compete internationally. Key pillars of the agenda include: 1.
**Enhanced Funding Access** – EGDF will work closely with EU bodies, national ministries, and private investors to simplify grant applications, promote co‑funding schemes, and disseminate information about available financial instruments. By demystifying the funding landscape, the federation hopes to lower barriers for innovative projects that might otherwise struggle to secure capital. 2.
**Talent Development and Mobility** – Recognizing that skilled personnel are the lifeblood of the industry, EGDF plans to launch mentorship programs, cross‑border apprenticeship initiatives, and specialized training modules focused on emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and advanced game‑engine pipelines. Partnerships with universities and vocational schools across Europe will be expanded to create a pipeline of qualified graduates ready to join the sector. 3. **Skill‑Sharing Platforms** – The organization aims to build a digital hub where developers can exchange best practices, source freelance expertise, and access a library of technical resources.
This platform will also host webinars and workshops led by seasoned professionals, fostering continuous learning. 4. **AI Integration and Leadership** – Given the rapid adoption of artificial‑intelligence tools in game design, production, and testing, EGDF has set an ambitious goal to become the first AI‑focused European trade association.
This involves establishing ethical guidelines for AI use, supporting research collaborations, and showcasing AI‑driven case studies that illustrate how the technology can enhance creativity while preserving artistic integrity. In its official statement, EGDF emphasized its commitment to monitoring and nurturing the broader European game‑industry ecosystem. The federation will continue to act as a conduit between developers, policymakers, and investors, ensuring that regulatory frameworks remain conducive to innovation while also amplifying the sector’s visibility on the world stage. "The EGDF will continue to monitor and facilitate the development of the European game industry ecosystem, strengthen its collaboration with European game development studios, and increase the European game industry's global visibility," the federation declared.
This sentiment underscores a proactive stance: rather than merely reacting to market shifts, EGDF intends to shape the narrative around European games, positioning the continent as a hub of creative excellence and technological advancement. The federation also highlighted the symbiotic relationship between gaming and artificial intelligence. As one of the earliest adopters of AI‑based workflows—ranging from procedural content generation to player‑behavior analytics—Europe’s game industry is uniquely positioned to set standards that balance innovation with responsibility.
By aspiring to be the first AI‑centric trade association, EGDF hopes to lead discussions on data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and the ethical deployment of AI in interactive media. Earlier in the week, EGDF partnered with Video Games Europe (VGE) to release the *European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024*. The comprehensive study revealed that the European gaming market generated a staggering €24 billion in turnover during 2024.
Moreover, the sector is supported by more than 6,600 studios, collectively employing over 95,000 individuals across a wide spectrum of roles—from programmers and artists to marketers and community managers. These figures not only illustrate the economic weight of the industry but also highlight its role as a major employer and driver of digital skills throughout the continent.
The report’s findings reinforce the importance of EGDF’s forthcoming initiatives. With such a substantial economic footprint, ensuring that developers have robust pathways to financing, talent, and cutting‑edge skills becomes essential for sustaining growth. The federation’s focus on AI also aligns with broader European ambitions to become a leader in responsible AI development, offering a competitive edge that can attract further investment and talent.
In summary, the re‑elected president Hendrik Lesser, together with a newly constituted board representing a cross‑section of European gaming expertise, will steer EGDF through a period of strategic expansion. Their agenda—centered on funding accessibility, talent cultivation, skill sharing, and AI leadership—aims to solidify Europe’s position as a powerhouse in the global video‑game arena while fostering an inclusive, innovative, and ethically grounded industry ecosystem.