Hendrik Lesser has once again been chosen to lead the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) as its president, coinciding with the federation’s announcement of a freshly elected board for the 2026‑2028 term. The leadership reshuffle also saw two notable departures: David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director at No Brakes Games, both stepped down from their board positions. The newly constituted EGDF board now brings together a diverse group of industry veterans and representatives from key European gaming organisations. The roster includes: - **Martine Spaans**, who serves as Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and also holds the role of General Manager for the Dutch Games Association.
Her dual experience in studio operations and national industry advocacy equips her to bridge the gap between independent developers and larger market players. - **KooPee Hiltunen**, director of the Neogames Finland Association, bringing a deep understanding of the Nordic development scene and its emphasis on innovative, culturally resonant titles. - **Per Strömbäck**, a board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and a participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, who contributes expertise in cultural policy, funding mechanisms and regional economic development.
- **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 strategy, alliance building and community‑focused initiatives. - **Jakub Marszalkowski**, head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, known for his work in fostering indie ecosystems and organising industry‑wide events.
- **Vanessa Kaplan**, director‑general of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, who brings insight into the French market and broader European regulatory environments. Together, this board is tasked with steering EGDF’s strategic agenda for the coming biennium. Central to that agenda is the ambition to provide European developers with a clearer and more direct "route to the top of the value chain." In practical terms, this means enhancing access to capital, nurturing talent pipelines, and expanding skill‑building opportunities across the continent. The federation intends to act as a conduit, linking small and medium‑sized studios with investors, educational institutions, and larger publishers that can help scale their projects.
In a statement released alongside the board announcement, EGDF emphasized its commitment to monitoring and facilitating the growth of the European game‑development ecosystem. The organization highlighted three core pillars: strengthening collaboration with studios across Europe, boosting the global visibility of European games, and positioning the continent as a leader in emerging technologies.
"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 said. This pledge reflects a broader industry trend where regional bodies are increasingly proactive in shaping policy, securing funding streams, and advocating for favorable regulatory conditions. A particularly forward‑looking component of EGDF’s roadmap is its focus on artificial intelligence.
Recognising that the gaming sector is often at the forefront of adopting AI‑driven tools—from procedural content generation to advanced analytics—the federation has set an ambitious target: to become the first AI‑based European trade association. This goal entails integrating AI into the federation’s own operations, such as using machine‑learning models to predict market trends, streamline member services, and provide data‑backed insights to policymakers. The timing of these initiatives 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, noting that the industry generated roughly €24 billion in turnover during 2024.
Moreover, the sector is supported by more than 6,600 studios, which collectively employ upwards of 95,000 individuals across a wide range of roles—from programmers and artists to marketers and community managers. These figures underscore the economic significance of gaming within Europe and provide a quantitative foundation for EGDF’s advocacy work. By highlighting the sector’s contribution to GDP, employment, and cultural export, the federation can make a stronger case for public and private investment, as well as for policies that protect intellectual property and support cross‑border collaboration.
Looking ahead, EGDF plans to roll out a series of concrete programmes aimed at realising its strategic objectives. Among these are: 1. **Funding Access Programs** – Partnerships with EU bodies, national arts councils, and private venture funds to create dedicated grant streams and equity opportunities for developers at various stages of growth. 2.
**Talent Development Initiatives** – Collaborative curricula with universities, vocational schools, and online learning platforms to upskill the workforce in areas such as game design, programming, UX, and emerging tech like AR/VR and AI. 3. **Skill‑Sharing Networks** – Regional hubs and mentorship schemes that connect seasoned industry professionals with emerging studios, facilitating knowledge transfer and best‑practice sharing. 4.
**AI Integration Labs** – Testbeds where member studios can experiment with AI tools under guided supervision, helping them adopt technologies that can accelerate development cycles and enhance creative possibilities. 5. **Global Promotion Campaigns** – Coordinated marketing efforts, participation in international trade shows, and media outreach to elevate the profile of European games on the world stage.
By pursuing these initiatives, EGDF aims not only to strengthen the existing ecosystem but also to attract new talent and investment, ensuring that Europe remains a vibrant hub for innovative game creation. The federation’s renewed leadership, with its blend of operational experience, policy expertise, and community‑focused vision, is poised to guide the industry through a period of rapid technological change and expanding market opportunities. In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the appointment of a refreshed board signal continuity and renewal for the European Games Developer Federation.
Their articulated agenda—centered on funding, talent, skills, AI adoption, and global visibility—reflects both the current strengths and future aspirations of Europe’s gaming sector. As the industry continues to grow, EGDF’s role as a unifying voice and catalyst for development will be increasingly pivotal in shaping a competitive, innovative, and inclusive European gaming landscape.