The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue at the helm as its president, having been re‑elected for another term. This leadership renewal comes alongside the unveiling of the federation’s new board for the 2026‑2028 period, marking a significant moment for the organization and the broader European game development community. Two notable figures stepped away from their board responsibilities: David Rabineau, the chief executive of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, director of the studio No Brakes Games.
Their departures open space for fresh perspectives and expertise, which the newly appointed members are set to provide. The refreshed EGDF board now includes a diverse group of industry professionals representing a range of national associations, studios, and ancillary organizations: - **Martine Spaans** – currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and also holding the role of General Manager at the Dutch Games Association. Her dual experience in studio operations and national advocacy equips her to bridge the gap between creators and policy makers. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – director of the Neogames Finland Association, bringing a deep understanding of the Finnish game ecosystem and its emphasis on innovation and education.
- **Per Strömbäck** – a 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 strong network across Central and Eastern Europe and a focus on commercial growth. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – leads the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, and is well‑versed in event organization, indie support, and cross‑border collaboration.
- **Vanessa Kaplan** – director‑general of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French developers and championing labour standards, funding mechanisms, and international outreach. Together, this board is tasked with executing EGDF’s strategic agenda for the forthcoming biennium. Central to that plan is the ambition to create a "route to the top of the value chain" for European developers.
In practical terms, this means facilitating smoother pathways for studios—especially smaller and mid‑size firms—to access higher‑value activities such as publishing, international distribution, and advanced technology integration. Key pillars of the EGDF’s two‑year roadmap include: 1.
**Enhanced Funding Access** – The federation intends to negotiate more robust grant programmes, tax incentive schemes, and private‑sector investment opportunities. By acting as an intermediary between developers and national or EU‑level funding bodies, EGDF hopes to lower the financial barriers that often impede ambitious projects. 2.
**Talent Development and Mobility** – Recognising that a skilled workforce is the backbone of a thriving industry, EGDF will launch initiatives aimed at upskilling programmers, artists, designers, and producers. This may involve partnerships with universities, vocational schools, and online learning platforms, as well as the creation of cross‑border apprenticeship schemes that enable talent to move freely across the continent.
3. **Skill‑Sharing Networks** – The organization plans to set up regular workshops, mentorship programmes, and knowledge‑exchange forums where seasoned veterans can share best practices with emerging studios. These networks are expected to cover topics ranging from narrative design and user‑experience research to emerging areas such as procedural generation and live‑ops management.
4. **AI Integration and Leadership** – As the gaming sector is increasingly at the forefront of artificial‑intelligence research—particularly in areas like procedural content creation, player‑behavior analytics, and adaptive difficulty—EGDF has set an ambitious target to become the first AI‑focused European trade association. This will involve establishing standards for ethical AI use, supporting developers in adopting AI‑driven tools, and lobbying for policies that encourage responsible innovation.
5. **Global Visibility and Market Expansion** – By amplifying the presence of European games on the world stage, EGDF aims to attract international publishers, investors, and media attention. This could include coordinated participation in major trade shows, joint marketing campaigns, and the production of high‑quality showcase events that highlight the region’s creative diversity. The federation’s public statement underscores its commitment to monitoring and nurturing the European game ecosystem.
It emphasizes a collaborative approach with studios of all sizes, reinforcing the idea that a healthy industry depends on strong partnerships between developers, educational institutions, funding agencies, and policy makers. In addition to its internal initiatives, 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 sector’s economic impact, noting that European games generated a turnover of €24 billion in 2024. The industry also supports more than 6,600 studios and employs upwards of 95,000 individuals across the continent, underscoring its significance as a driver of employment and innovation. These figures illustrate the scale and potential of the European gaming landscape, reinforcing why strategic coordination—like that offered by EGDF—is essential.
By aligning resources, advocating for favorable policy environments, and fostering cross‑border collaboration, the federation aims to ensure that Europe remains a competitive and creative hub in the global market. Looking ahead, the newly constituted board will convene regularly to assess progress, adjust strategies, and engage with stakeholders. Their collective expertise—spanning studio management, national association leadership, conference organization, and AI development—positions them to address the multifaceted challenges that developers face, from funding shortages to talent gaps and rapid technological change. In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a refreshed, internationally diverse board signal a period of renewed focus for the European Games Developer Federation.
With clear objectives around financing, talent cultivation, AI adoption, and global promotion, EGDF is poised to support developers in navigating the complex value chain of modern game production and to enhance the overall visibility and competitiveness of Europe’s vibrant gaming sector.