The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue at the helm as its president, following his successful re‑election. The federation also revealed the composition of its new governing board for the 2026‑2028 term, marking a significant moment for the continent’s game development community. Two notable departures were announced alongside the board update.
David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, director of the studio No Brakes Games, have stepped down from their previous roles within the organization. Their exits make way for a refreshed lineup of industry leaders who will guide EGDF’s strategic direction.
The freshly appointed board members are: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and General Manager of the Dutch Games Association. Spaans brings extensive experience in both studio operations and national industry advocacy. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, representing Finnish developers and fostering cross‑border collaboration. - **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, offering insight 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 community building. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, known for championing indie creators and organizing industry events. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French game developers and influencing national regulatory frameworks.
Together, this diverse group is tasked with steering EGDF’s agenda for the forthcoming biennium. The federation has articulated a clear set of priorities that revolve around strengthening the European game development ecosystem.
Central to its mission is the promise of offering developers "a route to the top of the value chain," which translates into concrete measures designed to improve access to capital, nurture talent pipelines, and expand skill‑building opportunities across the continent. In a statement released by EGDF, the organization underscored its commitment to continuous monitoring and facilitation of the European game industry’s growth. It highlighted the importance of deepening collaboration with studios of all sizes, from emerging indie teams to large‑scale publishers, and enhancing the sector’s visibility on the global stage.
The federation emphasized that a robust, interconnected ecosystem will not only benefit individual developers but also reinforce Europe’s position as a leading hub for interactive entertainment. A particularly forward‑looking element of EGDF’s plan is its focus on artificial intelligence. Recognising that the gaming sector often leads the adoption of AI‑driven tools—ranging from procedural content generation to advanced analytics—the federation set an ambitious target: to become the first AI‑based European trade association.
This goal signals a willingness to integrate cutting‑edge technologies into its operational framework, potentially offering members AI‑enhanced services such as predictive market analysis, automated testing, and personalised matchmaking between developers and investors. 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 vibrant picture of the market’s health, noting that the European games industry generated a turnover of €24 billion in 2024. Moreover, the sector comprises more than 6,600 studios employing upwards of 95,000 individuals across a wide range of roles, from programming and design to marketing and localisation.
These figures underscore the sector’s economic significance and its capacity for job creation. They also highlight the importance of the federation’s upcoming initiatives.
By improving funding pathways, EGDF aims to make it easier for studios—especially smaller developers—to secure the financial resources necessary for ambitious projects. This could involve facilitating access to public grants, private investment networks, and EU‑wide funding programmes tailored to creative industries. Talent development is another pillar of the federation’s strategy. Europe boasts a rich pool of creative and technical expertise, yet there remains a need for structured pathways that guide aspiring professionals from education to employment.
EGDF plans to partner with universities, vocational schools, and training providers to design curricula that reflect current industry demands, including emerging fields such as immersive reality, cloud gaming, and AI‑assisted development. Skill enhancement will also be addressed through workshops, mentorship schemes, and knowledge‑sharing platforms.
By connecting seasoned veterans with up‑and‑coming creators, the federation hopes to accelerate the diffusion of best practices and innovative techniques throughout the community. In addition to internal support mechanisms, EGDF intends to boost the global profile of European games. This may involve coordinated participation in international trade fairs, strategic marketing campaigns, and advocacy for favorable trade policies that open new markets for European titles.
Elevating the continent’s brand can help attract foreign investment and foster cross‑regional collaborations. Overall, the re‑elected leadership and newly appointed board members signal continuity combined with fresh perspectives. Their collective expertise spans operational management, cultural policy, business development, event organisation, and national advocacy.
With a clear agenda that blends financial facilitation, talent cultivation, skill development, and AI integration, EGDF is positioned to drive meaningful growth for European game developers over the next two years and beyond.