Hendrik Lesser has been confirmed for another term as the president of the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF), coinciding with the federation’s unveiling of its new governing board for the 2026‑2028 period. The leadership reshuffle also sees the departure of two prominent figures: David Rabineau, chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, studio director at No Brakes Games, who have both stepped down from their board positions.
The refreshed EGDF board now comprises a diverse group of industry veterans and representatives from key European gaming organisations: - **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 the interests of Finnish developers on a continental stage.
- **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, providing 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, offering a blend of commercial strategy and community building. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Leader of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, known for fostering indie ecosystems and networking events.
- **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French game developers and contributing a strong regulatory perspective. The federation has laid out a clear agenda for the upcoming biennium, centred on creating a more direct pathway for developers to ascend to the highest tiers of the value chain. This includes a concerted effort to enhance access to capital, nurture talent pipelines, and expand skill‑building opportunities across the continent. By doing so, EGDF aims to reduce friction points that often impede smaller studios from scaling up and to ensure that European creators can compete effectively on a global stage.
In a statement released by the organization, officials emphasized that the EGDF will continue its role as a vigilant monitor and facilitator of the European game industry ecosystem. They highlighted the importance of deepening collaboration with development studios across Europe and boosting the sector’s visibility worldwide. The federation’s strategic focus also reflects an awareness of the rapid integration of artificial intelligence within game creation.
As a sector that frequently pioneers AI‑driven tools and workflows, the EGDF has set an ambitious target to become the first AI‑enabled European trade association, leveraging data‑driven insights to better serve its members. The timing of these announcements follows the recent publication of the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024, a joint effort by EGDF and Video Games Europe (VGE). The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the health and trajectory of the European gaming market. According to the findings, the industry generated a turnover of €24 billion in 2024, underscoring its substantial economic contribution.
Moreover, the sector is supported by more than 6,600 studios, collectively employing over 95,000 professionals across a range of disciplines—from programming and art to marketing and community management. These figures illustrate not only the scale of the European gaming landscape but also the diversity of its workforce. The report notes that the industry’s growth is driven by a combination of factors, including robust consumer demand, increasing investment from both public and private sources, and the region’s strong tradition of creative innovation. However, it also points to challenges such as fragmented funding mechanisms, talent shortages in certain technical areas, and the need for clearer regulatory frameworks to support emerging technologies like AI and blockchain.
In response, the EGDF’s board plans to launch several initiatives aimed at addressing these pain points. One key program will focus on establishing a pan‑European funding portal that aggregates grant opportunities, venture capital contacts, and public‑sector incentives, making it easier for developers to locate and apply for financial support.
Another priority is the creation of a talent exchange network, which will facilitate cross‑border internships, mentorships, and skill‑sharing workshops, helping studios tap into a broader pool of expertise. Additionally, the federation intends to host a series of regional summits and webinars that bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions. These events will serve as platforms for discussing best practices, regulatory developments, and the ethical implications of AI integration in game design.
By fostering dialogue between stakeholders, EGDF hopes to shape a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while protecting consumer interests. The board’s composition reflects a strategic balance of geographic representation and functional expertise, ensuring that the federation can address the varied needs of its member base.
From the Netherlands and Finland to Croatia, Poland, and France, the members bring localized knowledge that will inform continent‑wide strategies. Their combined experience in studio management, association leadership, conference organization, and business development equips the EGDF to act as a catalyst for sustainable growth. Looking ahead, the federation’s vision is to position Europe as a leading hub for high‑quality, culturally rich games that resonate with global audiences. By strengthening the infrastructure that supports developers—whether through financial pathways, talent cultivation, or AI‑enhanced services—EGDF aims to elevate the European gaming ecosystem to new heights.
The organization’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and forward‑thinking policies signals a proactive approach to the evolving challenges and opportunities that define the modern game industry. In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a refreshed board mark a pivotal moment for the European Games Developer Federation. With a clear agenda focused on funding access, talent development, skill enhancement, and AI integration, the federation is poised to drive meaningful progress for developers across Europe, ensuring that the region continues to thrive as a vibrant and influential player in the global gaming arena.