The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue in his role as president, as the organization unveiled its new governing board for the 2026‑2028 term. Lesser’s re‑election comes at a pivotal moment for the European games sector, which is seeking to strengthen its position both within the continent and on the global stage. Two prominent figures stepped away from the board this cycle: David Rabineau, chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, studio director at No Brakes Games. Their departures open space for fresh perspectives and a broader representation of the industry’s diverse interests.
The refreshed EGDF board now comprises seven members, each bringing a distinct set of experiences and networks: - **Martine Spaans** – currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and also holding the position of General Manager for the Dutch Games Association. Her dual roles give her insight into both the operational side of game development and the broader policy environment in the Netherlands. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – director of the Neogames Finland Association, a body that supports Finnish developers through advocacy, training, and international outreach.
- **Per Strömbäck** – a board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and a participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, linking cultural initiatives with commercial development. - **Hrvoje Mitic** – head of business development at GamesCo., secretary‑general of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, a community platform that promotes local talent and showcases regional projects. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – leads the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, and a strong voice for independent creators in Central Europe. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – director general of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, the French national union that represents developers, publishers and service providers across the country.
Together, this board is tasked with steering the EGDF’s strategic agenda for the 2026‑2028 period. The federation has outlined a clear set of priorities that focus on creating a "route to the top of the value chain" for European developers.
In practical terms, this means improving the mechanisms through which studios can secure financing, attract skilled personnel, and acquire the technical and creative expertise needed to compete internationally. The EGDF’s public statement emphasizes several key objectives: 1.
**Monitoring and Facilitating Ecosystem Growth** – The federation will continue to act as a watchdog and catalyst for the European game development ecosystem, identifying bottlenecks, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration among studios of all sizes. 2. **Strengthening Partnerships with Studios** – By deepening ties with individual development houses, the EGDF aims to ensure that policy decisions and support programmes reflect the real‑world needs of creators, from indie teams to large multinational publishers.
3. **Boosting Global Visibility** – A concerted effort will be made to raise the profile of European games on the world stage, highlighting the region’s innovation, cultural diversity, and technical excellence in major industry events, media outlets, and trade missions. 4. **Pioneering AI Integration** – Recognizing that the gaming sector is at the forefront of artificial‑intelligence research and application, the EGDF has set an ambitious goal to become the first AI‑driven European trade association.
This will involve leveraging AI tools for member services, data analysis, and advocacy, while also establishing guidelines for responsible AI use in game design and production. These strategic pillars are underpinned by recent market data that underscore the sector’s vitality. Earlier in the week, the EGDF, in partnership with Video Games Europe (VGE), released the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024.
The report reveals that the European games market generated a turnover of €24 billion in 2024, a figure that reflects both the commercial strength of established franchises and the rapid growth of emerging studios. Moreover, the industry now comprises more than 6,600 development studios, collectively employing over 95,000 individuals across a wide range of roles—from programmers and artists to marketers and business development professionals. The report’s findings highlight several trends that the new EGDF board will need to address.
First, the continued expansion of live‑service and multiplayer models is driving higher revenue per user, but also demanding greater investment in server infrastructure and ongoing content updates. Second, the rise of cross‑platform play and cloud‑gaming services is reshaping distribution channels, requiring developers to adapt their technical pipelines and negotiate new licensing agreements. Third, sustainability and diversity have become central concerns, with investors and consumers alike expecting studios to adopt environmentally friendly practices and inclusive workplace policies.
In response, the EGDF plans to launch a series of initiatives over the next two years. These include a dedicated funding portal that aggregates national and EU‑level grant programmes, a talent‑exchange network that connects emerging developers with seasoned mentors, and a curriculum‑development task force that will work with universities and vocational schools to align educational offerings with industry needs.
Additionally, the federation intends to host a biennial summit focused on AI in games, bringing together researchers, tool developers, and studio leaders to explore ethical considerations, workflow enhancements, and new creative possibilities. By positioning itself as both an advocate and a service provider, the EGDF hopes to ensure that European developers can navigate the increasingly complex value chain—from concept and prototyping through publishing and post‑launch support—more efficiently and with greater confidence. The re‑elected president, Hendrik Lesser, expressed optimism about the path ahead, stating that “the federation’s renewed board brings together a wealth of expertise that will enable us to champion the interests of our members, drive innovation, and secure Europe’s place as a leading hub for world‑class game development.” As the sector continues to evolve, the EGDF’s commitment to fostering collaboration, securing resources, and embracing emerging technologies will be crucial in maintaining the momentum that has propelled European games to a €24 billion market size and a workforce of nearly one hundred thousand professionals. The coming years promise to be a period of both challenge and opportunity, and the newly formed board is poised to guide the industry toward sustained growth and greater global influence.