The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue at the helm as its president, following his successful re‑election, and has introduced the composition of its new 2026‑2028 governing board. Lesser’s renewed mandate comes at a pivotal moment for the European games sector, as the federation sets out an ambitious roadmap designed to strengthen the industry’s competitive edge and broaden its influence on the global stage.
Two notable departures were announced alongside the board refresh. David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, director of the indie studio No Brakes Games, have both stepped down from their previous roles within the EGDF structure. Their exits make way for a fresh cohort of leaders drawn from a diverse cross‑section of the European gaming ecosystem.
The newly appointed board members are: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and General Manager of the Dutch Games Association. Spaans brings extensive experience in both studio operations and national industry advocacy. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, offering deep insight into the Nordic development landscape and policy engagement.
- **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, providing a blend of cultural and economic perspectives. - **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., Secretary‑General of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, known for fostering regional collaboration and market expansion. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, recognized for championing indie talent and networking initiatives. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French developers and contributing a strong voice on regulatory and labor matters.
Collectively, this board reflects a balance of senior executives, association leaders, and grassroots advocates, positioning the EGDF to address the varied needs of its membership across the continent. ### Strategic Priorities for 2026‑2028 The federation has outlined a clear agenda for the forthcoming two‑year term, centering on three core pillars: **enhanced market access**, **skill and talent development**, and **technological leadership**. By "offering developers a route to the top of the value chain," EGDF intends to help studios move beyond early‑stage production and secure larger contracts, distribution deals, and publishing opportunities that traditionally favor more established players.
**Funding pathways** will be a primary focus. The EGDF plans to work closely with European Union bodies, national funding agencies, and private investors to streamline grant applications, reduce bureaucratic friction, and raise awareness of available financial instruments. Workshops, mentorship programmes, and matchmaking events are slated to connect emerging developers with capital sources that match their growth stage. **Talent and skills** development will be tackled through a series of educational initiatives.
The federation aims to expand partnerships with universities, vocational schools, and online learning platforms to create curricula that reflect the fast‑evolving demands of modern game production, including areas such as narrative design, live‑ops, and user‑experience research. Scholarships, apprenticeship schemes, and cross‑border exchange programmes will be introduced to nurture a more mobile and versatile workforce across Europe.
**AI integration** stands out as a forward‑looking goal. Recognising that the gaming industry is often at the forefront of adopting artificial‑intelligence tools—ranging from procedural content generation to player‑behavior analytics—the EGDF has set an internal target to become the first AI‑driven European trade association.
This ambition includes deploying AI for internal data analysis, member services, and policy advocacy, as well as facilitating knowledge‑sharing sessions that help studios responsibly incorporate AI into their pipelines. The federation also reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the health of the European game‑development ecosystem.
By maintaining close dialogue with studios of all sizes, from boutique indie teams to large multinational publishers, EGDF intends to act as a conduit for feedback to policymakers, ensuring that regulatory frameworks remain conducive to innovation and growth. ### Raising Europe’s Global Profile In addition to internal support mechanisms, EGDF is set to amplify the continent’s visibility on the world stage. The organization will coordinate joint marketing campaigns, participate in major international trade shows, and produce thought‑leadership content that showcases European creativity, technical expertise, and cultural diversity.
By highlighting success stories and best practices, the federation hopes to attract foreign investment and forge strategic partnerships with non‑European entities. ### Recent Industry Snapshot Earlier in the week, EGDF collaborated with Video Games Europe (VGE) to release the *European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024*. The report paints a robust picture of the sector’s economic contribution: European game companies generated **€24 billion** in turnover during 2024, and the industry employed **over 95 000** individuals across more than **6 600** studios.
These figures underscore the sector’s role as a significant driver of digital innovation, cultural export, and job creation within the EU. The data also reveal trends such as the rising importance of live‑service models, the growing share of mobile gaming revenues, and the increasing adoption of cross‑platform development tools. These insights will inform EGDF’s policy recommendations and support services, ensuring they align with the real‑world dynamics that developers face. ### Looking Ahead With Hendrik Lesser returning as president, the EGDF is poised to build on its recent achievements while tackling emerging challenges.
The board’s diverse expertise, combined with a clear strategic framework, positions the federation to deliver tangible benefits to its members—whether that means easier access to capital, stronger skill pipelines, or pioneering AI‑driven initiatives. Stakeholders across the European gaming landscape are encouraged to engage with the federation’s upcoming programs, contribute to policy dialogues, and take advantage of networking opportunities that will be rolled out throughout the 2026‑2028 term. By fostering collaboration, championing innovation, and advocating for supportive public policy, the EGDF aims to cement Europe’s reputation as a vibrant, forward‑thinking hub for game development.
In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a refreshed board signal continuity and renewal for the European Games Developer Federation. Over the next two years, the organization will concentrate on unlocking funding, nurturing talent, and leveraging artificial intelligence to keep European developers at the cutting edge of the global gaming industry.