Hendrik Lesser has once again been chosen to lead the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) as its president, coinciding with the federation’s announcement of the new board that will serve from 2026 through 2028. The latest board reshuffle also saw the departure of two prominent figures: David Rabineau, chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, studio director at No Brakes Games. Their resignations open space for fresh perspectives and a renewed strategic focus.
The reconstituted EGDF board now comprises a diverse group of industry veterans and policy experts representing a broad cross‑section of the European gaming ecosystem: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and General Manager of the Dutch Games Association, bringing operational expertise and national association experience. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, tasked with championing Finnish development talent and fostering cross‑border collaborations. - **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 blend of commercial acumen and grassroots community building.
- **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, responsible for nurturing indie creators and organizing industry events. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French developers and advocating for regulatory and funding frameworks. Together, this board is tasked with steering the federation through a period of rapid transformation in the gaming sector.
The EGDF has laid out a clear agenda for the 2026‑2028 term, emphasizing three core pillars: creating a "route to the top of the value chain" for developers, expanding access to financing, and strengthening talent pipelines and skill development programs. These priorities reflect the federation’s belief that European studios must be equipped not only with capital but also with the human resources and technical know‑how to compete on a global stage. In a statement released by the EGDF, the organization underscored its commitment to monitoring and facilitating the growth of the European game‑industry ecosystem. It pledged to deepen collaboration with studios across the continent, enhance the visibility of European games internationally, and act as a conduit between developers, investors, and policy makers.
"Our role is to ensure that European creators have the tools, networks, and support they need to scale their projects from concept to market leader," the statement read. A notable ambition highlighted by the federation is its intention to become the first AI‑driven European trade association for the gaming sector. Recognizing that the video‑game industry is at the forefront of adopting artificial‑intelligence tools—ranging from procedural content generation to player‑behavior analytics—the EGDF aims to embed AI into its own operational framework.
This could involve using machine‑learning models to match developers with suitable funding opportunities, predict market trends, or streamline regulatory compliance. By doing so, the federation hopes to set a benchmark for how trade bodies can leverage emerging technologies to add value for their members.
The announcement of the new board and strategic direction comes on the heels of the publication 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 in 2024 the European games industry generated approximately €24 billion in turnover.
More than 6,600 studios were active across the region, employing upwards of 95,000 individuals in roles that span development, design, marketing, and support services. These figures illustrate the sector’s substantial economic contribution and its potential for further growth. The EGDF’s focus on funding access is particularly timely given the competitive nature of venture capital and public grants in Europe.
The federation plans to work closely with national and EU‑level funding bodies to simplify application processes, provide mentorship for grant writing, and create a transparent database of available financial instruments. By demystifying the funding landscape, EGDF hopes to lower barriers for emerging studios, especially those in smaller markets or under‑represented groups. Talent development is another cornerstone of the federation’s roadmap. Initiatives under consideration include expanding apprenticeship programs, partnering with universities and technical schools to align curricula with industry needs, and launching a pan‑European mentorship network that connects seasoned developers with newcomers.
Additionally, EGDF intends to host a series of workshops and webinars focused on emerging skills such as AI‑assisted design, virtual‑reality production, and sustainable game development practices. The board’s composition reflects a deliberate balance between seasoned executives, association leaders, and innovators from the indie sector.
This blend is expected to foster policies that are both pragmatic and forward‑looking, ensuring that the federation can respond to rapid technological shifts while safeguarding the interests of smaller studios. Overall, 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 agenda aimed at enhancing funding pathways, talent cultivation, and AI integration, the EGDF is positioning itself as a pivotal catalyst for the next wave of European gaming excellence. The upcoming years promise to be pivotal as the federation works to translate its strategic vision into concrete programs that will benefit developers, investors, and gamers across the continent.