The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue at the helm as its president, following a successful re‑election during the unveiling of the federation’s 2026‑2028 governing board. Lesser’s continued leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the European game‑development sector, which is seeking to consolidate its position in the global market while navigating rapid technological change, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence.
Two notable departures were announced alongside the new board composition. David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director of No Brakes Games, have both stepped down from their previous roles within the federation. Their exits open space for fresh perspectives and new expertise to guide EGDF’s strategic direction. The freshly appointed board brings together a diverse group of professionals representing a broad spectrum of the European gaming ecosystem: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and General Manager of the Dutch Games Association, offering deep insight into both studio operations and national industry advocacy.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, a key figure in nurturing Finland’s vibrant indie scene and fostering cross‑border collaboration. - **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, providing a blend of cultural policy experience and regional economic development knowledge.
- **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., Secretary‑General of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, combining commercial acumen with grassroots community building. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, bringing event‑management expertise and a strong network within the indie sector.
- **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French game developers and championing regulatory and labor issues at a national level. Together, this board is tasked with executing EGDF’s two‑year agenda, which is anchored around three core pillars: enhancing developers’ access to capital, strengthening talent pipelines, and expanding skill‑building opportunities. The federation describes its mission as providing "a route to the top of the value chain" for European studios, meaning that developers should be able to move beyond basic production roles into higher‑margin activities such as publishing, IP ownership, and international distribution. In a formal statement, EGDF highlighted several concrete initiatives that will be rolled out over the coming period.
First, the federation will launch a series of matchmaking events designed to connect emerging studios with venture capital firms, public‑sector grant programs, and corporate investors interested in co‑development. These events will be supplemented by a digital portal that aggregates funding opportunities across the EU, making it easier for developers to identify and apply for relevant financial support. Second, EGDF plans to deepen its collaboration with educational institutions, vocational training providers, and industry mentors to create a more robust talent pipeline. This includes the development of a Europe‑wide apprenticeship framework, standardized certification schemes for key technical roles such as game designers, programmers, and UX artists, and a mentorship network that pairs seasoned studio leaders with up‑and‑coming creators.
Third, the federation will invest in skill‑enhancement programs focused on emerging technologies. Recognising that the gaming sector is often at the forefront of adopting AI‑driven tools—ranging from procedural content generation to player‑behavior analytics—EGDF aims to become the first AI‑centric European trade association. To that end, the organization will host workshops, publish best‑practice guides, and sponsor research collaborations that explore ethical AI usage, data privacy, and the impact of automation on creative workflows.
"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’s press release read. This statement underscores EGDF’s role as both a watchdog and a promoter, ensuring that policy decisions at the EU level reflect the needs of developers while also raising the profile of European games on the world stage. 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 paints a picture of a thriving market: in 2024, European game companies generated roughly €24 billion in revenue, and the continent was home to more than 6,600 studios employing upwards of 95,000 individuals.
These figures illustrate both the economic weight of the sector and its capacity for job creation, reinforcing the importance of continued investment and policy support. Looking ahead, EGDF’s board members have expressed optimism that the federation’s initiatives will help European studios capture a larger share of the global value chain.
By improving financing routes, sharpening talent development, and embracing AI responsibly, the federation hopes to foster an environment where small and medium‑sized developers can scale up, compete internationally, and retain greater control over their intellectual property. In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a new, multidisciplinary board signal a renewed commitment to advancing Europe’s game‑development landscape. Through targeted funding programs, talent‑building strategies, and a forward‑looking AI agenda, EGDF aims to empower creators, attract investment, and ensure that European games continue to resonate with players worldwide.