The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue at the helm as its president, following his successful re‑election, and has unveiled the composition of its board for the 2026‑2028 term. This renewal comes as part of a broader strategic plan designed to strengthen the European gaming ecosystem and to provide developers with clearer pathways to the upper tiers of the industry value chain.
Two notable figures stepped away from the board this cycle: David Rabineau, the chief executive of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director of No Brakes Games. Their departures open space for fresh perspectives and new expertise, which the federation believes will be crucial as it navigates a rapidly evolving market landscape. The newly appointed board members bring a diverse mix of experience from across the continent: - **Martine Spaans** – currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and also holding the role of General Manager for the Dutch Games Association. Her dual responsibilities give her insight into both studio operations and national industry advocacy.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – director of the Neogames Finland Association, where she has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among Finnish developers and promoting Finnish games on the international stage. - **Per Strömbäck** – a board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and a participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, offering a blend of cultural policy knowledge and regional economic development expertise. - **Hrvoje Mitic** – head of business development at GamesCo., secretary‑general of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, providing a strong network across Central and Eastern Europe.
- **Jakub Marszalkowski** – leader of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, known for championing indie creators and organizing key industry events. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – director general of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French developers and bringing a deep understanding of regulatory and labor issues within the sector.
Collectively, this board reflects EGDF’s commitment to geographic diversity and to covering the full spectrum of the gaming value chain—from indie development to large‑scale publishing, from talent cultivation to policy advocacy. **Strategic Priorities for 2026‑2028** The federation has laid out a clear agenda for the next two years, centered on three main pillars: improving access to financing, expanding the talent pipeline, and sharpening the skill set of European game creators. By positioning itself as a conduit between developers and the resources they need, EGDF hopes to enable studios—whether nascent start‑ups or established mid‑size firms—to climb higher on the value chain, securing better revenue shares, broader distribution, and stronger negotiating power.
In a statement, EGDF emphasized its role as a monitor and facilitator of the European game industry ecosystem. The organization intends to deepen collaboration with studios across the continent, ensuring that best practices, market intelligence, and networking opportunities flow freely among members. Additionally, EGDF aims to raise the global profile of European games, showcasing the region’s creative output to investors, media, and consumers worldwide. A particularly forward‑looking element of the agenda is the federation’s ambition to become the first AI‑driven European trade association for games.
Recognizing that the gaming sector is often at the forefront of adopting artificial‑intelligence tools—whether for procedural content generation, player behavior analytics, or development pipelines—EGDF plans to integrate AI into its own operations. This could involve using machine‑learning models to match developers with funding sources, predict market trends, or streamline regulatory compliance, thereby setting a benchmark for other industry bodies.
**Industry Context and Recent Findings** The board’s work is being informed by the latest data released earlier this week in the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024, a joint publication by EGDF and Video Games Europe (VGE). According to the report, the European games market generated an impressive €24 billion in turnover during 2024. This revenue was produced by more than 6,600 studios, which collectively employed upwards of 95,000 individuals across a wide range of roles—from programmers and artists to marketers and community managers. These figures underscore the sector’s significance as a major economic driver and a source of high‑skill employment.
They also highlight the importance of the federation’s focus on funding and talent: with such a large workforce and a substantial economic footprint, ensuring that developers have the capital and expertise to innovate is essential for maintaining growth. **Looking Ahead** As EGDF moves forward with its new board, the organization will be closely tracking policy developments at the EU level, especially those related to digital markets, copyright, and AI regulation. By staying ahead of legislative changes, EGDF hopes to advocate for a regulatory environment that protects creators while fostering innovation. In addition to policy work, the federation plans to expand its suite of services for members.
These may include mentorship programmes linking seasoned veterans with emerging studios, grant‑writing assistance, and workshops on emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI‑assisted game design. By offering a holistic support system, EGDF aims to reduce barriers to entry and help studios scale sustainably. Overall, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a board that spans multiple countries and specialisations signal a renewed commitment to building a cohesive, competitive, and future‑ready European games industry. With a clear roadmap, robust data backing its initiatives, and a vision that embraces both traditional craftsmanship and cutting‑edge technology, EGDF is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of European interactive entertainment.