Hendrik Lesser has once again been chosen to lead the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) as its president, coinciding with the unveiling of the federation’s new board for the 2026‑2028 term. The announcement also noted that two prominent figures—David Rabineau, chief executive of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, studio director at No Brakes Games—have stepped away from their board responsibilities, making room for fresh perspectives.
The refreshed EGDF board now includes a diverse group of industry professionals representing a broad spectrum of the European gaming ecosystem: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and general manager of the Dutch Games Association, bringing operational expertise and a deep understanding of the Dutch market. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, offering insight into Finland’s vibrant indie scene and its growing export potential. - **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, providing a bridge between cultural policy and commercial strategy.
- **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., secretary‑general of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, delivering a blend of business development acumen and regional advocacy. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, adding event‑organising experience and a focus on indie growth. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French developers and championing regulatory and labor issues. Together, this collective of seasoned executives, association leaders, and cultural advocates is set to steer the EGDF through a period of rapid transformation in the European gaming sector.
The federation has laid out a clear agenda for the upcoming two‑year cycle, emphasizing three core pillars: creating a clear pathway for developers to ascend the value chain, expanding access to financial resources, and strengthening the talent pipeline through skills development and education. In a statement released by the organization, the board highlighted its commitment to continuously monitor and nurture the European game‑development ecosystem. "Our goal is to act as a catalyst that not only connects studios across borders but also amplifies the global profile of European games," the statement read.
This includes deepening collaborations with established studios, emerging indie teams, and ancillary service providers such as middleware creators and localization firms. A notable strategic ambition underscored by the EGDF is its intention to become the first AI‑focused trade association in Europe.
Recognizing that the gaming industry is often at the forefront of adopting artificial‑intelligence tools—ranging from procedural content generation to player‑behavior analytics—the federation aims to set standards, share best practices, and advocate for responsible AI integration. By positioning itself as a thought leader in AI, the EGDF hopes to attract both technological partners and policy makers, ensuring that European developers can leverage cutting‑edge innovations while safeguarding ethical considerations. The timing of the board’s formation aligns with the release of the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024, a joint effort by EGDF and Video Games Europe (VGE).
The report paints a robust picture of the continent’s gaming health: in 2024, the industry generated approximately €24 billion in turnover, a figure that reflects both mature AAA titles and a flourishing indie sector. Moreover, the sector now comprises more than 6,600 studios employing upwards of 95,000 individuals, indicating sustained job creation and a widening talent pool. These statistics provide a quantitative backdrop for the EGDF’s qualitative goals.
With such a sizable economic footprint, the federation argues that European games deserve heightened visibility on the world stage, particularly in markets traditionally dominated by North American and Asian publishers. To that end, the board plans to launch a series of international showcases, partnership programs with global distributors, and targeted marketing campaigns that highlight the unique cultural narratives and innovative mechanics emerging from Europe.
In addition to external promotion, the EGDF will invest heavily in internal capacity building. Initiatives under consideration include a pan‑European mentorship network linking seasoned veterans with early‑stage developers, a scholarship fund for students pursuing game‑design curricula, and a series of workshops focused on emerging technologies such as virtual reality, cloud gaming, and AI‑driven design tools.
By addressing both the supply side (talent and skills) and the demand side (funding and market access), the federation hopes to create a self‑reinforcing cycle of growth. The board also recognizes the importance of policy advocacy. As regulations around data privacy, digital marketplaces, and intellectual property continue to evolve, the EGDF intends to serve as a unified voice for its members, lobbying for frameworks that protect creators while encouraging innovation.
This includes engaging with EU institutions on matters such as the Digital Services Act and the upcoming AI regulations, ensuring that European developers are not disadvantaged by overly restrictive legislation. Overall, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the infusion of new board talent signal continuity blended with fresh energy. The federation’s roadmap—anchored in funding accessibility, talent development, AI leadership, and global promotion—aims to cement Europe’s position as a powerhouse of creative and technological excellence in the gaming world. As the industry continues to expand, the EGDF’s proactive stance promises to deliver tangible benefits for studios of all sizes, from boutique indie teams in Warsaw to large‑scale developers in Paris, fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and forward‑looking European game‑development community.