The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue at the helm as its president, following his re‑election during the unveiling of the organisation’s 2026‑2028 governing board. Lesser’s renewed mandate comes at a pivotal moment for the European gaming sector, as the federation sets out an ambitious programme designed to elevate the industry’s competitive edge on the global stage.
Two notable departures were announced alongside the board refresh. David Rabineau, chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, studio director at No Brakes Games, have both stepped down from their previous roles within the federation.
Their exits make way for a new cohort of representatives drawn from a broad cross‑section of the continent’s gaming ecosystem. The freshly appointed board members are: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and General Manager of the Dutch Games Association.
Spaans brings extensive experience in both studio operations and national industry advocacy. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, offering deep insight into the Nordic development landscape and policy engagement. - **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, providing a blend of cultural and commercial perspectives.
- **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., Secretary‑General of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, a figure well‑versed in Eastern European market dynamics and cross‑border collaboration. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, known for championing indie creators and fostering networking opportunities. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French developers and contributing a strong voice on regulatory and funding matters. Together, this diverse panel is tasked with steering the EGDF’s strategic priorities for the 2026‑2028 term.
Central to their agenda is the promise to provide developers with “a route to the top of the value chain.” In practice, this means creating clearer pathways for studios—especially small and medium‑sized enterprises—to move from concept to commercial success, accessing the same resources that traditionally benefit larger publishers. Key focus areas include: 1. **Enhanced Funding Access** – The federation plans to liaise closely with national and EU‑level funding bodies, simplifying application processes and advocating for larger grant allocations aimed at innovative projects, cross‑border collaborations, and sustainability‑focused game development.
2. **Talent Development and Mobility** – By partnering with educational institutions, vocational schools, and professional training providers, EGDF intends to build a robust pipeline of skilled workers.
Initiatives such as mentorship programmes, apprenticeships, and cross‑country exchange schemes will be rolled out to ensure that talent can move fluidly across borders where opportunities arise. 3. **Skill‑Boosting Programs** – Recognising the rapid evolution of technology, the federation will host workshops, webinars, and certification courses covering emerging topics like virtual‑reality design, live‑ops management, and, notably, artificial‑intelligence integration.
4. **AI Leadership** – The gaming sector is already a testing ground for AI‑driven tools—from procedural content generation to player‑behavior analytics. EGDF has set an ambitious goal to become the first AI‑centric European trade association, positioning itself as a hub for best‑practice sharing, ethical guidelines, and collaborative research projects that harness AI responsibly. In a statement released alongside the board announcement, EGDF emphasized its commitment to “monitor and facilitate the development of the European game industry ecosystem, strengthen its collaboration with European game development studios, and increase the European game industry's global visibility.” The federation underscored that a coordinated, well‑funded, and technologically advanced industry can better compete with dominant markets in North America and Asia.
The timing of the board renewal coincides with the recent publication of the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024, a joint effort by EGDF and Video Games Europe (VGE). The report highlighted that the European gaming market generated a staggering €24 billion in turnover during 2024, supported by more than 6,600 studios that collectively employ over 95,000 individuals across the continent. These figures illustrate both the economic weight of the sector and its potential for further growth if structural challenges—such as fragmented funding mechanisms and talent shortages—are addressed.
Looking ahead, the newly constituted board aims to translate these macro‑level insights into concrete actions. Proposed measures include a Europe‑wide “Game Development Fund” that aggregates national grants into a single, easily accessible pool, and a “Talent Mobility Charter” that simplifies visa and work‑permit procedures for skilled professionals moving between member states. Furthermore, the AI initiative will see the creation of a dedicated working group tasked with mapping current AI applications in game design, identifying gaps where research can add value, and drafting a code of conduct that balances innovation with ethical considerations such as data privacy and algorithmic fairness.
By fostering stronger ties between developers, investors, educators, and policy makers, EGDF hopes to nurture an environment where creative ideas can flourish, financing is readily available, and skilled workers can find rewarding careers without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. If successful, the federation’s two‑year roadmap could set a benchmark for other regional industry bodies, demonstrating how coordinated advocacy and targeted support can propel an entire sector forward.
In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a fresh, internationally diverse board signal a renewed vigor within the European Games Developer Federation. Their stated priorities—improving funding pathways, expanding talent networks, upskilling the workforce, and leading AI integration—are poised to shape the next chapter of European game development, ensuring the continent remains a vibrant, innovative, and globally competitive hub for interactive entertainment.