The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue at the helm as its president, following a successful re‑election that coincides with the unveiling of the federation’s new governing board for the 2026‑2028 term. Lesser’s continued leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the European gaming sector, as the federation sets out an ambitious agenda designed to strengthen the industry’s competitive edge both within Europe and on the global stage. Two notable departures were announced alongside the board refresh. David Rabineau, the chief executive of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director of No Brakes Games, have stepped down from their previous roles within the organization.
Their exits make way for a fresh slate of representatives drawn from a diverse cross‑section of the European gaming ecosystem. The newly constituted EGDF board is composed of the following members: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and General Manager of the Dutch Games Association. Spaans brings a wealth of experience in both studio operations and national industry advocacy. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, offering insight into the Nordic development landscape and its unique market dynamics.
- **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. - **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., Secretary‑General of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, adding a strong Central‑European perspective and expertise in business growth. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, representing the vibrant indie scene and event organization. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, delivering a French viewpoint and deep knowledge of national trade association work.
Collectively, this board reflects a blend of operational leadership, policy experience, and community‑focused initiatives that the EGDF believes will be essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. **Strategic Priorities for 2026‑2028** The federation’s roadmap for the coming two years centers on three core pillars: facilitating a clearer pathway for developers to ascend the value chain, expanding access to financial resources, and bolstering the talent pipeline through skill‑building programs. In practice, this means the EGDF will launch a series of initiatives aimed at demystifying funding mechanisms, creating mentorship networks, and fostering partnerships with educational institutions across the continent. "Our objective is to give European developers a direct route to the top of the value chain," the EGDF stated in its official communication.
"By improving access to capital, nurturing talent, and providing targeted skill development, we can ensure that creators not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive market." Beyond these immediate goals, the federation is also positioning itself as a champion of technological innovation. Recognising that the gaming industry is often at the forefront of artificial‑intelligence research and application, the EGDF has set an aspirational target to become the first AI‑driven European trade association. This ambition involves integrating AI‑based tools into the federation’s internal processes, from data analysis and member services to policy advocacy, thereby setting a precedent for how industry bodies can leverage emerging technologies for greater efficiency and insight. **Collaboration and Visibility** The EGDF emphasised its commitment to monitoring and facilitating the development of the broader European game ecosystem.
By strengthening collaborations with studios of all sizes—ranging from indie developers to large multinational publishers—the federation aims to create a more cohesive network that can collectively address regulatory, market, and technological challenges. Additionally, the organization plans to amplify the global visibility of European games through coordinated marketing campaigns, participation in international trade shows, and strategic partnerships with media outlets. Earlier in the week, the EGDF partnered with Video Games Europe (VGE) to release the *European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024*.
This comprehensive study highlighted the sector’s robust economic performance, noting that the European games industry generated €24 billion in turnover during 2024. The report also underscored the scale of employment within the region, with more than 6,600 studios collectively employing over 95,000 individuals. These figures not only illustrate the sector’s contribution to the European economy but also reinforce the importance of continued investment in talent development and funding mechanisms. **Implications for the Future** The re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a diversified board signal continuity and renewal simultaneously.
Lesser’s experience and vision, combined with the fresh perspectives of the new board members, position the EGDF to act as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and international competitiveness. By focusing on tangible support structures—such as funding pathways, skill‑building initiatives, and AI integration—the federation hopes to empower developers to push creative boundaries while ensuring sustainable business models. In summary, the EGDF’s 2026‑2028 agenda is built on a foundation of collaboration, strategic investment, and technological foresight. As the European gaming landscape continues to evolve, the federation’s efforts to streamline access to resources, nurture talent, and harness AI will be instrumental in shaping an industry that is both resilient and globally influential.