Hendrik Lesser has once again been chosen to lead the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) as its president, coinciding with the federation’s unveiling of its new governing board for the 2026‑2028 term. The announcement also noted the departure of two prominent figures within the organization: David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, director of the No Brakes Games studio, both of whom have stepped down from their board positions.
The refreshed EGDF board now comprises a diverse group of industry veterans and representatives from various European gaming associations: - **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 advocacy. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, known for fostering collaboration among Finnish developers and promoting the country’s vibrant indie scene.
- **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, offering insights into cultural policy 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, providing a strong network across Central and Eastern Europe. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, a key figure in organizing industry events and supporting indie creators. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French game developers and influencing national policy on digital entertainment.
The federation’s strategic plan for the 2026‑2028 period is centered on creating a clear pathway for developers to ascend the value chain of the European gaming ecosystem. This includes a concerted effort to improve access to capital, nurture talent pipelines, and enhance skill‑building programs across the continent. By addressing these three pillars—funding, human resources, and expertise—EGDF aims to strengthen the competitiveness of European studios, from small indie teams to larger mid‑size publishers.
In a statement released by the federation, officials emphasized that EGDF will continue to act as a watchdog and facilitator for the European game industry’s growth. "We will keep monitoring the health of the ecosystem, foster deeper collaboration with studios across Europe, and raise the global profile of our industry," the organization said. This commitment reflects a broader ambition to position Europe as a leading hub for innovative game development, capable of rivaling North American and Asian markets.
A notable element of the federation’s forward‑looking agenda is its focus on artificial intelligence. Recognizing that the gaming sector is often at the forefront of AI research and implementation—whether through procedural content generation, advanced player analytics, or adaptive storytelling—EGDF has set a target to become the first AI‑driven European trade association. This goal involves integrating AI tools into the federation’s own operations, as well as supporting member studios in adopting responsible AI practices that can accelerate development cycles and unlock new creative possibilities. The timing of these announcements 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 provides a comprehensive snapshot of the continent’s gaming landscape, revealing that the sector generated a turnover of €24 billion in 2024. Moreover, the industry now comprises more than 6,600 studios employing upwards of 95,000 individuals across a wide range of disciplines, from programming and art to marketing and community management. These figures underscore the sector’s rapid expansion and its importance as a driver of economic growth and cultural influence within Europe. The report also highlights several trends shaping the future of European game development, including the rise of cross‑platform experiences, increased investment in cloud‑based gaming services, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical design.
To translate these insights into actionable support for developers, EGDF plans to launch a series of initiatives over the next two years. First, a dedicated funding portal will be created to streamline access to public and private grants, venture capital, and co‑funding schemes. This portal will feature tailored matchmaking services that connect studios with investors whose interests align with specific project types, such as educational games, VR experiences, or socially responsible titles.
Second, the federation will expand its talent development programs. Partnerships with universities, vocational schools, and coding bootcamps will be deepened to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.
EGDF intends to introduce mentorship schemes that pair emerging developers with seasoned industry veterans, facilitating knowledge transfer and career progression. Third, a comprehensive skills‑upgrading platform will be rolled out, offering online courses, workshops, and certification pathways covering emerging technologies like AI‑assisted design, real‑time ray tracing, and blockchain integration.
By equipping developers with cutting‑edge competencies, the federation hopes to boost the overall quality and competitiveness of European games on the global stage. Finally, EGDF will intensify its advocacy work at the European Union level, lobbying for favorable regulatory frameworks, tax incentives, and cross‑border collaboration mechanisms.
The federation aims to ensure that policy decisions reflect the unique needs of the gaming sector, particularly regarding data privacy, digital distribution, and intellectual property protection. In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the appointment of a refreshed, internationally diverse board signal a new chapter for the European Games Developer Federation.
With a clear focus on funding access, talent cultivation, skill enhancement, and AI integration, EGDF is poised to guide European game developers toward sustained growth and greater global recognition over the coming years.