The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed the composition of its governing board for the 2026‑2028 term and announced that Hendrik Lesser will continue in his role as president after being re‑elected by the federation’s members. Lesser’s renewed mandate comes at a time when the organisation is sharpening its focus on strengthening the European game‑development ecosystem, and the new board members bring a diverse mix of experience from across the continent’s gaming sector. Two notable figures stepped away from the board during this transition.
David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director at No Brakes Games, both decided not to seek re‑appointment. Their departures open space for fresh perspectives and allow the federation to recalibrate its strategic priorities for the coming years. The freshly appointed board now includes six individuals, each representing a different facet of the European gaming landscape: - **Martine Spaans** – currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and also holding the position of General Manager for the Dutch Games Association. Spaans brings a strong operational background and deep ties to the Dutch development community.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – director of the Neogames Finland Association, offering insight into the Nordic market and its growing indie scene. - **Per Strömbäck** – a board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and a 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, giving him a comprehensive view of the Balkans’ emerging talent pool. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – leads the Games Industry Conference, co‑founded the Indie Games Poland Foundation, and sits on its board, positioning him as a key advocate for Polish indie developers.
- **Vanessa Kaplan** – director general of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing the French video‑game sector and its extensive network of studios. Together, this board is tasked with delivering on EGDF’s stated agenda for the 2026‑2028 period.
Central to that agenda is the promise to provide developers with "a route to the top of the value chain," meaning that smaller studios and independent creators should have clearer pathways to larger publishing deals, distribution channels, and international markets. The federation also intends to improve access to three core resources that are critical for any game‑development operation: funding, talent, and specialized skills.
In a formal statement, EGDF highlighted its commitment to continue monitoring and facilitating the growth of Europe’s game‑industry ecosystem. The federation plans to deepen collaboration with studios across the continent, fostering partnerships that can accelerate innovation and market reach. Additionally, EGDF aims to raise the global profile of European games, positioning the region as a hub of creativity and technical excellence in an industry that is increasingly competitive on the world stage. One of the more forward‑looking goals mentioned by the association concerns artificial intelligence.
Recognising that the gaming sector has often been a testing ground for AI‑driven tools—ranging from procedural content generation to advanced player‑behavior analytics—EGDF has set an ambition to become the first AI‑focused European trade association within the broader entertainment‑technology space. This initiative is expected to involve the development of standards, best‑practice guidelines, and possibly a shared research platform that can help member studios adopt AI responsibly and effectively. The announcement also coincided with the release 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 market’s health and trajectory. According to the findings, the European games industry generated roughly €24 billion in turnover during 2024, underscoring the sector’s significant economic contribution.
Moreover, the industry is supported by more than 6,600 studios, collectively employing over 95,000 individuals across a wide range of roles—from programmers and artists to marketers and business developers. These figures illustrate not only the scale of the market but also the depth of talent that exists within Europe’s borders. EGDF’s upcoming initiatives—such as enhanced funding mechanisms, talent‑development programs, and AI‑centric resources—are designed to leverage this existing base while also attracting new entrants and encouraging cross‑border collaboration. Looking ahead, the federation’s board will likely focus on several concrete actions.
First, they may negotiate with national and EU‑level funding bodies to secure grants or investment streams that are specifically earmarked for game development projects, especially those that incorporate innovative technologies like AI, VR, or cloud‑based multiplayer architectures. Second, the board could launch mentorship schemes that pair emerging studios with established publishers, facilitating knowledge transfer and helping newcomers navigate the complexities of international distribution and compliance. Third, EGDF may organize a series of workshops, webinars, and conferences across Europe to disseminate best practices in areas such as user‑experience design, ethical AI use, and sustainable business models. By aligning these efforts with the broader objectives outlined in the 2024 insights report, EGDF hopes to sustain the industry’s growth momentum and ensure that European games continue to enjoy strong visibility both at home and abroad.
The re‑election of Hendrik Lesser, combined with the infusion of fresh board talent, signals a continuity of vision paired with an openness to new ideas—an approach that could prove vital as the sector navigates rapid technological change and evolving consumer expectations. In summary, the European Games Developer Federation’s newly announced board and its strategic roadmap aim to empower developers, streamline access to essential resources, and position Europe as a leader in the integration of AI within gaming.
With a robust industry generating billions in revenue and employing tens of thousands, the next two years represent a pivotal period for consolidating gains and exploring new frontiers in interactive entertainment.