Hendrik Lesser has once again been chosen to lead the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) as its president, coinciding with the unveiling of the organisation’s board for the 2026‑2028 term. Lesser’s continued stewardship reflects the confidence that member studios and industry stakeholders have in his vision for a more cohesive and competitive European games sector. Two notable figures stepped away from their EGDF responsibilities during this transition. David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, director of the No Brakes Games studio, both announced their resignations from the board.
Their departures open space for fresh perspectives and new expertise to guide the federation’s strategic direction. 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 operational leadership and national industry insight.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, offering a deep understanding of the Nordic development landscape. - **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, contributing cultural and business policy expertise.
- **Hrvoje Mitic** – Head of Business Development at GamesCo., secretary‑general of the Croatian Game Development Alliance, and founder of Splitscreen Croatia, providing a blend of commercial development and regional advocacy. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, adding event‑organising experience and indie sector representation. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing the French video‑game union and its extensive network of creators. The board’s composition underscores EGDF’s commitment to geographic diversity and cross‑sector collaboration, ensuring that voices from Western, Central, and Eastern Europe are heard in policy discussions and industry initiatives.
Looking ahead, EGDF has articulated a clear agenda for the 2026‑2028 period. Central to this plan is the ambition to provide developers with "a route to the top of the value chain," meaning that studios of all sizes should be able to move beyond mere production and into higher‑margin activities such as publishing, IP ownership, and international distribution.
To achieve this, the federation will concentrate on three main pillars: 1. **Enhanced Access to Funding** – EGDF intends to act as a conduit between developers and European funding bodies, including EU cultural programmes, national grants, and private investment networks. By streamlining application processes and offering advisory services, the federation hopes to lower barriers for emerging studios seeking capital for ambitious projects.
2. **Talent Development and Mobility** – Recognising the shortage of specialised skills in areas like AI integration, live‑ops, and cross‑platform development, EGDF will launch training initiatives, mentorship schemes, and cross‑border apprenticeship programmes. Partnerships with universities, vocational schools, and industry veterans will be forged to create a pipeline of qualified professionals ready to meet the evolving demands of modern game production.
3. **Skill‑Sharing and Knowledge Transfer** – The federation plans to host workshops, webinars, and regional meet‑ups that facilitate the exchange of best practices, technical know‑how, and market insights. By fostering a collaborative environment, EGDF aims to elevate the overall competency of the European gaming community. In a statement released by the federation, officials emphasized that EGDF will continue to monitor and nurture the development of Europe’s game‑industry ecosystem.
They highlighted the importance of strengthening ties with European development studios, amplifying the continent’s visibility on the global stage, and advocating for policies that support sustainable growth. A particularly forward‑looking element of the federation’s roadmap is its focus on artificial intelligence. The gaming sector has become a testing ground for AI‑driven tools—ranging from procedural content generation to advanced analytics and player‑behaviour modelling. EGDF has set an ambitious goal to become the first AI‑centric European trade association, positioning itself as a hub for AI research, ethical guidelines, and the dissemination of cutting‑edge technologies among its members.
Earlier in the week, EGDF collaborated with Video Games Europe (VGE) to release the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024. The report paints a robust picture of the continent’s gaming economy, indicating that the sector generated €24 billion in turnover during 2024. Moreover, the industry comprises more than 6,600 studios employing upwards of 95,000 individuals across a wide array of roles—from design and programming to marketing and community management.
These figures not only underscore the economic significance of gaming in Europe but also highlight the sector’s potential for further expansion. The report points to trends such as the rise of live‑service models, increasing investment in cloud‑gaming infrastructure, and the growing importance of sustainability and diversity initiatives within development teams. In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a refreshed board signal a period of strategic continuity blended with fresh ideas for the European Games Developer Federation. By concentrating on funding pathways, talent cultivation, skill exchange, and AI integration, EGDF aims to empower developers to climb higher on the value chain, boost the continent’s global competitiveness, and ensure that Europe remains a vibrant hub for innovative game creation in the years to come.