Hendrik Lesser has once again been chosen to lead the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) as its president, coinciding with the unveiling of the organisation’s board for the 2026‑2028 term. The announcement also noted the departure of two prominent figures: David Rabineau, chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, director of the studio No Brakes Games, both of whom have stepped down from their board positions. The refreshed EGDF board now comprises a diverse group of industry leaders representing a broad geographic spread across Europe: - Martine Spaans, who serves as chief operating officer of Fourth Moon Games and also holds the role of general manager at the Dutch Games Association; - KooPee Hiltunen, director of the Neogames Finland Association, bringing a strong Finnish perspective to the table; - Per Strömbäck, a board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and a participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, adding Swedish insight; - Hrvoje Mitic, head of business development at GamesCo., secretary‑general of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, representing the interests of the Balkans; - Jakub Marszalkowski, who leads the Games Industry Conference, co‑founded the Indie Games Poland Foundation and serves on its board, providing a voice for the Polish indie scene; - Vanessa Kaplan, director‑general of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, ensuring French industry concerns are heard.
Together, this six‑person board is tasked with steering the federation through a period of rapid change and growth within the European games sector. Their collective mandate, as outlined by the EGDF, centres on creating a clearer pathway for developers to ascend the value chain, while simultaneously improving access to essential resources such as funding, skilled talent, and professional development opportunities. In a statement released by the federation, officials highlighted several strategic priorities for the next two years. First, the EGDF will continue to act as a watchdog and facilitator for the European game‑development ecosystem, tracking market trends, regulatory shifts, and emerging technologies that could impact creators.
Second, the federation aims to deepen its collaboration with studios across the continent, fostering partnerships that can help smaller studios scale up and larger firms stay innovative. Third, the organisation is committed to raising the global profile of European games, positioning the region as a hub of creative excellence and technical expertise. A particularly forward‑looking element of the EGDF’s agenda is its ambition to become the first AI‑focused European trade association within the gaming sector. Recognising that the industry is at the forefront of adopting artificial‑intelligence tools—from procedural content generation to advanced analytics—the federation intends to develop frameworks, best‑practice guidelines, and advocacy positions that help members harness AI responsibly and competitively.
The timing of these initiatives coincides with the release of the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024, a joint effort by the EGDF and Video Games Europe (VGE). The report paints a vivid picture of a thriving market: in 2024, European game companies collectively generated €24 billion in revenue, a figure that underscores the sector’s economic significance. Moreover, the industry employed more than 95 000 individuals across over 6 600 studios, highlighting its role as a major employer and a source of high‑skill jobs. These statistics not only demonstrate the sector’s current strength but also hint at future growth potential.
Analysts cited in the report point to several drivers, including the increasing popularity of live‑service games, the expansion of cloud‑gaming platforms, and the rising demand for immersive experiences such as virtual and augmented reality. The report also notes that European studios are increasingly successful in reaching global audiences, thanks in part to digital distribution channels and supportive policy environments within many EU member states. Against this backdrop, the EGDF’s renewed focus on funding pathways is especially pertinent. The federation plans to work closely with national and EU‑level funding bodies to streamline application processes, provide clearer guidance on eligibility criteria, and advocate for larger budget allocations to support innovative projects.
By doing so, the EGDF hopes to lower barriers for emerging developers who often struggle to secure the capital needed to bring their ideas to market. Talent development is another cornerstone of the federation’s strategy. Recognising the shortage of specialised skills in areas such as game design, programming, and AI integration, the EGDF will partner with educational institutions, vocational schools, and industry mentors to create training programmes, apprenticeships, and knowledge‑sharing events.
These initiatives aim to build a pipeline of qualified professionals who can sustain the industry’s growth and maintain Europe’s competitive edge. In addition to these practical measures, the EGDF intends to amplify the visibility of European games on the world stage. This will involve coordinated marketing campaigns, participation in major international trade shows, and the promotion of success stories that showcase the creativity and technical prowess of European studios. By highlighting the region’s achievements, the federation seeks to attract investment, talent, and consumer interest from outside Europe.
Overall, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the appointment of a new, geographically diverse board signal continuity and renewal for the European Games Developer Federation. With a clear agenda that blends support for funding, talent, and AI adoption, the EGDF is positioning itself to guide the European games industry through the next phase of its evolution, ensuring that developers across the continent have the resources and recognition they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.