Hendrik Lesser has once again been chosen to lead the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) as its president, coinciding with the federation’s unveiling of its new governing board for the 2026‑2028 term. Lesser’s re‑election underscores the confidence that member studios and industry stakeholders place in his vision for a more collaborative and competitive European games ecosystem. Two notable figures stepped away from the board this cycle: David Rabineau, chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, director of the No Brakes Games studio. Their departures open space for fresh perspectives and a broader representation of the continent’s diverse development community.
The refreshed EGDF board now comprises a blend of seasoned executives and emerging leaders from across Europe: - **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 collaborations. - **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 strategic outlook on business growth and regional networking.
- **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, known for his work in event organization and indie community support. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French game developers and influencing policy at a national level. Together, this group will steer EGDF’s agenda for the coming two years, which is centered on creating a clear pathway for developers to ascend the value chain of the industry.
The federation’s strategic priorities include expanding financial opportunities, improving access to skilled talent, and delivering targeted training programs that address emerging technical and creative needs. In a statement released by EGDF, the organization emphasized its commitment to monitoring and facilitating the growth of Europe’s game‑development ecosystem. "We will deepen our collaboration with studios across the continent, amplify the sector’s visibility on the global stage, and act as a catalyst for innovation," the statement read.
This reflects a broader ambition to position Europe not just as a production hub but also as a thought leader in the rapidly evolving gaming landscape. A particularly forward‑looking element of EGDF’s roadmap is its focus on artificial intelligence. Recognizing that the gaming sector is at the forefront of AI‑driven tools—ranging from procedural content generation to advanced player analytics—the federation has set an ambitious goal: to become the first AI‑centric European trade association for games.
This initiative aims to develop best‑practice guidelines, foster research collaborations, and help member studios adopt AI responsibly and competitively. The timing of these announcements coincides 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 market: European game developers generated approximately €24 billion in revenue in 2024, a figure that underscores the sector’s economic significance. Moreover, the industry supports more than 6,600 studios and employs upwards of 95,000 professionals across a wide spectrum of roles—from programming and art to marketing and publishing.
These statistics highlight both the scale and the potential of the European games sector. They also illustrate why EGDF’s focus on funding, talent, and AI is so critical. By improving access to capital—whether through public grants, private investment, or cross‑border financing mechanisms—developers can scale their projects and compete with larger global studios.
Simultaneously, a concerted effort to nurture talent will address skill shortages in areas such as advanced graphics programming, narrative design, and user‑experience research. The board’s composition reflects a strategic balance of geographic representation and functional expertise, ensuring that the federation can address region‑specific challenges while maintaining a cohesive European vision.
For instance, Martine Spaans’ dual role in a Dutch studio and a national association equips her to bridge the gap between grassroots developers and policy makers. Similarly, Hrvoje Mitic’s experience in business development and alliance leadership positions him to facilitate cross‑border partnerships that can unlock new markets for Eastern European studios. Looking ahead, EGDF plans to host a series of workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events designed to connect emerging creators with seasoned veterans.
These initiatives will be complemented by a suite of resources—such as AI toolkits, funding directories, and skill‑building curricula—available through the federation’s online portal. In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a diversified board signal a renewed vigor within the European Games Developer Federation.
With a clear focus on financial accessibility, talent cultivation, and AI integration, EGDF aims to empower developers to not only thrive domestically but also to elevate Europe’s standing in the global gaming arena. The forthcoming two years promise a period of strategic growth, collaborative innovation, and heightened international visibility for the continent’s vibrant game‑development community.