Hendrik Lesser has secured a second term as president of the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF), coinciding with the unveiling of the federation’s new governing board for the 2026‑2028 period. The leadership reshuffle also sees two notable departures: David Rabineau, chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, studio director at No Brakes Games, have both stepped down from their board positions. The refreshed EGDF board now comprises a diverse group of industry veterans and representatives from key European gaming organisations: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and General Manager of the Dutch Games Association, bringing extensive experience in both studio operations and national industry advocacy.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, tasked with championing 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 strategy and community building. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, known for organising large‑scale networking events across Central Europe.
- **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing the French video‑game sector and its regulatory interests. These six individuals replace the outgoing members and collectively aim to steer the federation through a period of rapid change and growth within the European gaming landscape. ### Strategic Priorities for 2026‑2028 The EGDF has laid out an ambitious agenda that centres on three core pillars: enhancing developers’ position within the value chain, expanding access to capital, and strengthening the talent pipeline.
In practical terms, this means the federation will: 1. **Facilitate Funding Pathways** – Work closely with European Union programmes, national grant bodies, and private investors to create clearer, more streamlined routes for studios—especially small and medium‑sized enterprises—to secure the financing needed for prototype development, scaling, and international market entry.
2. **Cultivate Skills and Talent** – Launch mentorship schemes, apprenticeship networks, and specialised training modules that address the technical, artistic, and business competencies demanded by modern game production. Partnerships with universities, coding bootcamps, and creative arts schools will be expanded to ensure a steady flow of qualified professionals.
3. **Promote Visibility and Market Access** – Organise showcase events, trade missions, and digital campaigns designed to raise the profile of European games on the global stage.
By leveraging relationships with major platforms, publishers, and media outlets, the EGDF hopes to position European titles as premium offerings in an increasingly crowded market. The federation emphasised that its role extends beyond advocacy; it intends to act as an active facilitator that monitors industry health, supports collaborative projects, and provides data‑driven insights to its members. ### Embracing AI as a Competitive Edge One of the most forward‑looking components of the EGDF’s plan is its commitment to becoming the first AI‑focused trade association in Europe’s gaming sector. Recognising that artificial intelligence is reshaping every stage of game development—from procedural content generation and automated testing to player‑behaviour analytics—the federation aims to: - **Develop an AI Knowledge Hub** – Curate best‑practice guides, case studies, and regulatory guidance on the ethical use of AI tools in game creation.
- **Host AI‑Centric Workshops** – Bring together developers, researchers, and technology providers to explore emerging AI techniques and their practical applications. - **Advocate for Favorable Policy** – Engage with European policymakers to ensure that legislation supports innovation while safeguarding creators’ rights and consumer protection. By positioning itself at the intersection of gaming and AI, the EGDF hopes to equip European studios with the technological edge needed to compete with North American and Asian counterparts. ### Recent Industry Snapshot Earlier in the week, the EGDF collaborated with Video Games Europe (VGE) to release the *European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024*.
The report paints a robust picture of the continent’s gaming economy, highlighting that in 2024 European studios generated a combined turnover of **€24 billion**. This revenue was produced by more than **6,600** development studios, which collectively employed over **95,000** individuals across a wide range of roles—from programming and design to marketing and community management.
These figures underscore the sector’s significance as a driver of employment, cultural output, and technological innovation within the European Union. They also reinforce the EGDF’s argument that targeted support—especially in funding, talent development, and AI adoption—can unlock further growth and ensure that Europe remains a leading hub for interactive entertainment. ### Looking Ahead With Hendrik Lesser at the helm for another term and a refreshed board representing a cross‑section of the continent’s gaming ecosystem, the EGDF is poised to implement its two‑year roadmap.
The federation’s stated objectives—to monitor and nurture the European game industry, deepen collaboration with studios, and boost the sector’s global visibility—reflect a comprehensive approach that balances immediate needs with long‑term strategic positioning. Stakeholders across the industry, from indie developers to large publishers, are encouraged to engage with the EGDF’s initiatives, contribute to policy discussions, and take advantage of the new funding and training opportunities that will be rolled out over the coming years.
By fostering a more connected, well‑funded, and technologically advanced community, the EGDF aims to ensure that European games not only thrive domestically but also capture the imagination of players worldwide.