The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has officially announced the composition of its board for the 2026‑2028 term, confirming that Hendrik Lesser has been re‑elected to continue serving as the federation’s president. Lesser’s renewed mandate comes at a pivotal moment for the European games sector, as the organization prepares to roll out a strategic agenda designed to strengthen the industry’s competitive edge on the global stage.
Two notable departures were recorded in the latest board reshuffle. David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director of No Brakes Games, have both stepped down from their board positions.
Their exits open the way for fresh perspectives and new expertise to guide the federation’s initiatives. The newly constituted EGDF board now includes a diverse group of professionals 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 leadership and deep connections within the Dutch market.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, offering insight into Finland’s vibrant indie scene and policy advocacy experience. - **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and member of the Stockholm Region Business Council, providing a cultural and economic viewpoint from Sweden’s capital region.
- **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., Secretary‑General of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, combining business development acumen with regional industry coordination. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, contributing event‑organising expertise and a focus on indie development.
- **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French developers and bringing a strong background in collective bargaining and regulatory affairs. The federation’s roadmap for the 2026‑2028 period emphasizes three core pillars: creating a clear pathway for developers to ascend the value chain, expanding access to financial resources, and bolstering talent pipelines and skill development programs. In practical terms, this means the EGDF will work closely with national game associations, funding bodies, and educational institutions to design grant schemes, mentorship initiatives, and training curricula that reflect the evolving needs of modern game production.
"Our mission is to monitor and actively facilitate the growth of Europe’s game‑development ecosystem," the EGDF stated in its official communiqué. "We will deepen collaboration with studios across the continent, champion policies that nurture innovation, and elevate the visibility of European games in the worldwide market." A particularly forward‑looking element of the federation’s strategy is its ambition to become the first AI‑centric trade association in Europe. Recognising that the gaming sector is often at the forefront of adopting artificial‑intelligence tools—ranging from procedural content generation to advanced analytics—the EGDF intends to integrate AI research, ethical guidelines, and best‑practice frameworks into its core services.
This initiative aims to equip members with the knowledge and resources needed to leverage AI responsibly while maintaining creative integrity. In parallel with these strategic developments, the EGDF recently partnered with Video Games Europe (VGE) to release the "European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024." The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the continent’s gaming landscape, highlighting a turnover of €24 billion for the year 2024.
It also notes that more than 6,600 studios were active across Europe, collectively employing upwards of 95,000 individuals. These figures underscore the sector’s significant economic contribution and its role as a major employer of creative and technical talent.
The insights from the report will inform the federation’s policy advocacy, as EGDF seeks to secure favorable regulatory conditions, tax incentives, and investment frameworks that support sustainable growth. By presenting robust data on revenue streams, employment numbers, and market trends, the EGDF can make a compelling case to European policymakers about the strategic importance of the gaming industry.
Beyond financial and policy measures, the federation plans to launch a series of knowledge‑sharing platforms. These will include webinars on emerging technologies, workshops on cross‑border collaboration, and networking events that bring together developers, publishers, and service providers. The goal is to foster a vibrant community where best practices can be exchanged, partnerships can be forged, and innovative projects can find the support they need to thrive. Education will also be a key focus.
The EGDF intends to partner with universities, vocational schools, and online learning providers to develop curricula that address current skill gaps, such as advanced programming, narrative design, user experience, and AI integration. Scholarships and apprenticeship programmes will be explored to ensure that aspiring talent from diverse backgrounds can access pathways into the industry. In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the appointment of a new, internationally diverse board signal a period of renewed ambition for the European Games Developer Federation. With a clear agenda that blends financial support, talent development, AI leadership, and robust industry advocacy, the EGDF is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Europe’s vibrant and rapidly evolving gaming sector.