The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue in his role as president, following his successful re‑election, as the organization unveils its new governing board for the 2026‑2028 term. This leadership renewal comes at a pivotal moment for the European gaming sector, which is experiencing rapid growth, heightened competition, and increasing technological integration, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence and immersive media. In the latest reshuffle, two notable figures stepped away from their board positions. David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, director of the independent studio No Brakes Games, announced their departures.
Their exits open space for fresh perspectives and a broader representation of the diverse European game development community. The refreshed EGDF board now comprises a blend of industry veterans, association leaders, and strategic thinkers, each bringing a distinct set of experiences to the table: - **Martine Spaans** – serving as Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and also holding the role of General Manager for the Dutch Games Association, Spaans is well‑versed in both studio operations and national advocacy. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – director of the Neogames Finland Association, Hiltunen will provide insight into the Nordic development ecosystem and its strong focus on innovation and education. - **Per Strömbäck** – a board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, Strömbäck adds a cultural and policy‑oriented dimension to the board’s work.
- **Hrvoje Mitic** – head of business development at GamesCo., secretary‑general of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, Mitic brings a mix of commercial acumen and regional networking expertise. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – leader of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, Marszalkowski offers a strong voice for indie developers and event‑driven community building.
- **Vanessa Kaplan** – director‑general of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, Kaplan represents French industry interests and adds a perspective on large‑scale market dynamics and regulatory matters. Together, this board is tasked with steering the EGDF’s strategic agenda for the upcoming two‑year cycle. Central to that agenda is the ambition to provide developers with "a route to the top of the value chain," a phrase that encapsulates the federation’s desire to help creators move beyond early‑stage development and secure stronger positions in publishing, distribution, and post‑launch services.
To achieve this, the EGDF plans to focus on three core pillars: enhanced access to funding, improved talent pipelines, and expanded skill‑building opportunities. **Funding pathways** will be broadened through closer collaboration with European Union cultural funds, national grant schemes, and private investment networks.
The federation intends to act as a matchmaking hub, connecting promising studios with financiers who understand the unique risk profile of interactive media projects. By streamlining application processes and providing template proposals, the EGDF hopes to reduce administrative burdens and accelerate capital inflows.
**Talent development** will receive a boost via partnerships with universities, technical schools, and apprenticeship programs across the continent. The board plans to launch a pan‑European mentorship initiative that pairs emerging developers with seasoned veterans from established studios.
This mentorship model aims not only to transfer technical know‑how but also to convey best practices in project management, user‑experience design, and cross‑cultural collaboration. **Skill enhancement** will be addressed through a series of workshops, webinars, and certification courses covering topics such as advanced game engine usage, narrative design, monetisation strategies, and, increasingly important, the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence in games.
The EGDF acknowledges that AI tools are reshaping the creation pipeline—from procedural content generation to automated testing—and therefore seeks to equip its members with the competence to harness these technologies responsibly. The federation’s public statement underscores its broader mission: "The EGDF will continue 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." This commitment reflects a dual focus on internal cohesion—ensuring that studios across different countries can share resources and insights—and external promotion, positioning Europe as a leading destination for high‑quality interactive entertainment on the world stage. A particularly forward‑looking element of the EGDF’s roadmap is its intention to become the first AI‑driven European trade association for the gaming sector.
Recognising that the industry is often at the forefront of adopting AI‑based tools—whether for asset creation, player‑behavior analytics, or dynamic storytelling—the federation aims to embed AI into its own operational framework. This could involve using machine‑learning algorithms to analyse market trends, predict funding success rates, or even personalise member services based on individual studio profiles. In addition to its internal initiatives, the EGDF recently collaborated with Video Games Europe (VGE) to release the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024.
The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the continent’s economic footprint, revealing that the European games industry generated €24 billion in turnover during 2024. Moreover, the sector is supported by more than 6,600 studios, collectively employing over 95,000 professionals across development, publishing, marketing, and ancillary services.
These figures illustrate both the scale and the potential for further expansion, especially as emerging technologies such as cloud gaming, virtual reality, and AI continue to lower barriers to entry and open new revenue streams. Looking ahead, the EGDF board’s composition suggests a balanced emphasis on both established markets—such as France, the Netherlands, and Sweden—and growing hubs in Central and Eastern Europe. By leveraging the varied expertise of its members, the federation intends to champion policies that promote fair competition, protect intellectual property, and foster sustainable growth. It also plans to advocate for stronger cross‑border cooperation, enabling studios to tap into a broader talent pool and share best practices across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a diversified board signal continuity and renewal for the European Games Developer Federation. With a clear agenda centred on funding accessibility, talent cultivation, skill development, and AI integration, the EGDF is poised to support developers in navigating the increasingly complex landscape of game creation. As the industry continues to generate substantial economic value and create thousands of jobs, the federation’s efforts to amplify Europe’s global visibility and competitive edge will be essential for sustaining momentum and fostering innovation for years to come.