The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue to serve as its president, following his successful re‑election, and the organization has unveiled the composition of its 2026‑2028 governing board. This leadership renewal comes at a pivotal moment for the European gaming sector, as the federation seeks to strengthen its role as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and international competitiveness among game creators across the continent. In addition to the reaffirmed presidency, the board sees the departure of two notable figures: David Rabineau, chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, studio director at No Brakes Games.
Both have contributed significantly to the federation’s activities during their tenure, and their resignations open space for fresh perspectives within the governing body. The newly constituted EGDF board now includes a diverse group of industry veterans and representatives from a range of national associations and development studios: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and General Manager of the Dutch Games Association, bringing extensive experience in operational leadership and advocacy for Dutch developers.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, offering insight into Finland’s vibrant indie scene and its export‑oriented strategies. - **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, combining business acumen with a deep understanding of the Balkan game ecosystem. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, known for championing indie talent and fostering networking opportunities across Central Europe. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French developers and advocating for policy frameworks that support creative and economic growth.
Together, these six individuals form a board that reflects the geographic and professional diversity of Europe’s game development community. Their combined expertise spans studio management, association leadership, conference organization, and policy advocacy, positioning the EGDF to address a broad spectrum of challenges and opportunities. ### Strategic Priorities for 2026‑2028 The EGDF has articulated a clear agenda for the forthcoming two‑year period, centered on three interrelated pillars: **value‑chain integration**, **enhanced access to resources**, and **global visibility**.
The federation’s stated aim is to provide developers with "a route to the top of the value chain," meaning that creators—from small indie teams to mid‑size studios—should be able to progress from concept to distribution and monetisation with fewer barriers. 1. **Funding Pathways** – The board will work closely with national and EU‑level funding bodies to streamline application processes, create transparent criteria, and develop mentorship programmes that help developers prepare competitive proposals.
By mapping out the funding landscape and offering tailored guidance, the EGDF hopes to increase the proportion of projects that secure financial support, especially for innovative or high‑risk ventures. 2. **Talent Development** – Recognising that the industry’s growth is contingent on a skilled workforce, the federation plans to expand partnerships with educational institutions, vocational schools, and online learning platforms.
Initiatives will include apprenticeship schemes, cross‑border exchange programmes, and a centralized talent‑matching portal that connects studios with qualified professionals in areas such as programming, art, design, and sound engineering. 3.
**Skills Enhancement** – Beyond basic training, EGDF will host workshops and masterclasses focused on emerging technologies, business models, and market trends. Topics will range from live‑ops and community management to advanced analytics and user‑experience optimisation, ensuring that European developers stay at the forefront of industry best practices. The federation also emphasises its role as a monitor and facilitator of the broader European game ecosystem.
By maintaining close relationships with studios, publishers, technology providers, and policy makers, EGDF aims to identify systemic bottlenecks and propose evidence‑based solutions. This collaborative approach is intended to reinforce the continent’s reputation as a hub of creativity and technical excellence. ### AI as a Strategic Frontier In a forward‑looking statement, the EGDF highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence within game development.
Citing the sector’s early adoption of AI‑driven tools for asset generation, testing, and player analytics, the federation set an ambitious target: to become the first AI‑enabled European trade association. This goal entails integrating AI into the federation’s internal processes—such as data collection, member services, and predictive market analysis—while also offering guidance to members on responsible AI usage, ethical considerations, and regulatory compliance.
### Industry Context and Economic Impact The timing of these initiatives coincides with robust market data released earlier in the week by EGDF in partnership with Video Games Europe (VGE). Their joint publication, the *European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024*, reveals that the European gaming sector generated **€24 billion** in turnover during 2024. The report also notes that more than **6,600 studios** collectively employed over **95,000** individuals across the continent, underscoring the industry’s significance as both a cultural driver and an economic engine. These figures illustrate the sector’s resilience and growth potential, especially as consumer demand for interactive entertainment continues to rise globally.
They also highlight the importance of coordinated advocacy and support structures—such as those provided by EGDF—to sustain momentum and address challenges like talent shortages, funding gaps, and regulatory fragmentation. ### Looking Ahead With Hendrik Lesser at the helm and a board composed of seasoned professionals from a variety of national contexts, the European Games Developer Federation is well‑positioned to champion the interests of developers throughout the region. By focusing on funding accessibility, talent cultivation, skill development, and AI integration, the federation seeks to empower creators to scale their operations, innovate boldly, and compete on the world stage. Stakeholders—including studios of all sizes, educational partners, investors, and policy makers—are encouraged to engage with EGDF’s upcoming programs and initiatives.
Through collaborative effort, the federation aims to not only sustain the impressive economic contributions of the European gaming industry but also to amplify its cultural influence and technological leadership in the years to come.