Hendrik Lesser has been re‑elected to serve another term as president of the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF), coinciding with the unveiling of the federation’s new executive board for the 2026‑2028 period. The announcement also noted the departure of two prominent figures in the European gaming community: David Rabineau, chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, director of the independent studio No Brakes Games. Both have contributed significantly to the industry, and their resignations open space for fresh perspectives on the board. The freshly constituted EGDF board now includes a diverse group of 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 experience in both studio operations and national industry advocacy.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, offering insight into the Nordic development 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 blend of cultural policy and regional economic development expertise. - **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., secretary‑general of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, combining commercial strategy with grassroots community building.
- **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Leader of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, known for championing indie creators and fostering networking events. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French industry interests and regulatory liaison. The board’s composition reflects EGDF’s commitment to a pan‑European outlook, integrating voices from Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, as well as from both large studios and independent developers. This geographical and sectoral balance is intended to ensure that the federation’s policies and initiatives are inclusive and responsive to the varied needs of its membership.
Looking ahead, EGDF has laid out a strategic agenda that centers on creating a clear pathway for developers to ascend the value chain of the gaming industry. The federation intends to enhance access to three core resources: 1. **Funding** – By strengthening relationships with public and private investors, EU cultural funds, and national grant programs, EGDF aims to simplify the application process for studios seeking capital. The federation plans to launch a centralized portal that aggregates funding opportunities, offers guidance on proposal writing, and provides mentorship from seasoned producers.
2. **Talent** – Recognising the shortage of skilled professionals in areas such as game design, programming, art, and audio, EGDF will partner with universities, vocational schools, and online learning platforms to develop curricula aligned with industry demands. Initiatives will include apprenticeship schemes, talent‑exchange programs across borders, and a talent‑matching service that connects studios with qualified candidates.
3. **Skills Development** – Beyond formal education, EGDF intends to organise workshops, master‑classes, and certification programmes focused on emerging technologies, best practices in project management, and sustainable development models.
Particular emphasis will be placed on upskilling teams in areas like live‑ops, community management, and monetisation strategies. In a statement released alongside the board announcement, EGDF emphasized its role as a steward of the European game‑development ecosystem. "The federation will continue to monitor and facilitate the growth of the European game industry, deepen collaboration with studios across the continent, and boost the sector’s visibility on the global stage," the organization declared.
This commitment includes advocacy for favorable regulatory environments, support for cross‑border collaborations, and promotion of European games at international trade fairs and digital showcases. A notable element of EGDF’s forward‑looking plan is its ambition to become the first AI‑driven European trade association in the gaming sector. As the industry increasingly integrates artificial intelligence for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to player behaviour analytics, EGDF aims to harness AI to streamline its own operations—automating member services, analysing market trends, and delivering personalised recommendations to studios. By positioning itself at the forefront of AI adoption, the federation hopes to set standards and best practices that will benefit the entire European gaming community.
Earlier in the week, EGDF collaborated with Video Games Europe (VGE) to publish the "European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024." The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the sector’s economic impact, revealing that European games generated a turnover of €24 billion in 2024. The industry comprises more than 6,600 studios and employs upwards of 95,000 individuals across the continent, underscoring its significance as a driver of employment, innovation, and cultural export. The insights from the report will inform EGDF’s policy recommendations, especially in areas such as tax incentives, intellectual‑property protection, and cross‑border digital trade.
By leveraging data‑driven analysis, the federation aims to advocate for measures that sustain growth, encourage investment, and ensure that European games remain competitive against global rivals. In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a new, geographically diverse board signal a period of continuity combined with fresh strategic direction for EGDF. With a clear focus on funding, talent, and skill development, alongside a pioneering AI agenda, the federation is poised to reinforce Europe’s position as a vibrant hub for game creation and innovation over the next two years and beyond.