Hendrik Lesser has once again been chosen to lead the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF), securing a second term as its president while the organization simultaneously revealed the composition of its 2026‑2028 governing board. The announcement also noted the departure of two notable members of the previous board: David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director at No Brakes Games. The newly constituted EGDF board brings together a diverse group of professionals representing a broad spectrum of the European game‑development ecosystem.
The roster now includes: - **Martine Spaans**, who serves as Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and also holds the role of General Manager at the Dutch Games Association. Her dual responsibilities give her a unique perspective on both the operational and advocacy aspects of the industry.
- **KooPee Hiltunen**, director of the Neogames Finland Association, a body that supports Finnish developers and promotes Finland’s vibrant indie scene. - **Per Strömbäck**, a board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and a participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, linking cultural policy with commercial interests in the Swedish capital region.
- **Hrvoje Mitic**, head of business development at GamesCo., secretary‑general of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, a platform that showcases Croatian talent on the international stage. - **Jakub Marszalkowski**, who leads the Games Industry Conference and co‑founded the Indie Games Poland Foundation, where he also serves on the board, championing Polish indie creators. - **Vanessa Kaplan**, director‑general of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, the French national union representing video‑game companies and professionals. Collectively, these individuals bring expertise in business development, cultural advocacy, event organization, and policy work, positioning the EGDF to address the multifaceted challenges facing European developers.
In outlining its strategic priorities for the 2026‑2028 period, the EGDF emphasized a commitment to creating "a route to the top of the value chain" for game creators across the continent. This phrase encapsulates the federation’s ambition to help studios move beyond the early stages of development and secure a stronger foothold in publishing, distribution, and post‑launch services. To achieve this, the association plans to enhance three core pillars: 1.
**Access to Funding** – By forging stronger relationships with public and private investors, EU‑level grant programmes, and venture‑capital networks, the EGDF aims to streamline the application process and provide clearer guidance on eligibility. The goal is to reduce the administrative burden that often deters smaller studios from seeking larger pools of capital. 2. **Talent Development** – Recognizing that a skilled workforce is the lifeblood of any creative industry, the federation will launch mentorship schemes, apprenticeship programmes, and cross‑border training initiatives.
Partnerships with universities, technical schools, and industry veterans are expected to create pipelines that feed fresh talent into studios of all sizes. 3.
**Skill Enhancement** – Beyond recruitment, the EGDF intends to offer workshops, webinars, and certification courses covering emerging technologies, production methodologies, and business acumen. By equipping developers with up‑to‑date knowledge, the federation hopes to raise the overall quality and competitiveness of European games on the global market. The organization also reaffirmed its broader mission to monitor and nurture the European game‑industry ecosystem.
In a statement, the EGDF highlighted its role in fostering collaboration among studios, publishers, and service providers, as well as its efforts to amplify the continent’s visibility on the world stage. "We will continue to act as a catalyst for cooperation, ensuring that European developers can share resources, best practices, and market intelligence," the federation said.
A particularly forward‑looking element of the EGDF’s agenda is its intention to become the first AI‑driven trade association in Europe. The gaming sector has long been a testing ground for artificial‑intelligence tools—ranging from procedural content generation to player‑behavior analytics—and the federation sees an opportunity to embed AI into its own operations. By leveraging AI for data collection, trend analysis, and member services, the EGDF hopes to set a benchmark for how trade bodies can adopt cutting‑edge technology to better serve their constituents. The timing of these announcements coincides with the release of the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024, a joint effort by the EGDF and Video Games Europe (VGE).
The report paints a robust picture of the market: European games generated approximately €24 billion in revenue during 2024, and the sector employed more than 95 000 individuals across over 6 600 studios. These figures underscore the economic significance of the industry and reinforce the need for coordinated support structures like the EGDF. Looking ahead, the federation’s board members anticipate a period of sustained growth, driven by both organic expansion of existing studios and the emergence of new entrants attracted by the improved funding landscape and talent initiatives.
They also acknowledge the challenges posed by rapid technological change, regulatory shifts, and the competitive pressures of global markets. By maintaining a proactive stance—whether through policy advocacy, educational programs, or the integration of AI—the EGDF aims to ensure that European developers not only keep pace but lead in innovation and creativity. 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.
With a clear focus on funding access, talent cultivation, skill development, and AI integration, the EGDF is positioning itself to guide the European game‑development community through the next two years and beyond, reinforcing the continent’s stature as a vibrant hub for interactive entertainment.