The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue at the helm as its president, following his successful re‑election. In tandem with this leadership continuity, the federation has introduced its new governing board for the 2026‑2028 term, marking a fresh chapter for the organization and its members across the continent. Two notable departures were announced alongside the board refresh. David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director of No Brakes Games, have stepped down from their previous roles within the EGDF structure.
Their exits create space for new voices and expertise to shape the federation’s strategic direction. The newly constituted board brings together a diverse group of industry professionals, each representing different facets of the European gaming ecosystem: - **Martine Spaans** – serving as Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and also holding the position of General Manager for the Dutch Games Association, Spaans brings a blend of operational insight and national industry advocacy.
- **KooPee Hiltunen** – director of the Neogames Finland Association, Hiltunen contributes deep knowledge of the Finnish development scene and its growing export potential. - **Per Strömbäck** – a board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and a participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, Strömbäck offers perspectives on 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, Mitic adds a strong entrepreneurial and cross‑border collaboration focus. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – leading the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, Marszalkowski provides a platform for indie creators and conference‑driven networking. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – director‑general of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, Kaplan represents the French gaming sector and its regulatory environment. Together, this board is tasked with steering the EGDF through a period of rapid change, with a clear agenda that emphasizes three core pillars: elevating developers along the value chain, improving access to capital, and strengthening talent pipelines and skill development programs.
The federation’s public statement underscores its commitment to act as a facilitator and watchdog for the European game‑development ecosystem. "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," the organization declared. This language reflects a dual focus on internal industry health and external perception, aiming to position Europe as a leading hub for innovative interactive entertainment. A particularly forward‑looking component of the EGDF’s strategy involves embracing artificial intelligence.
Recognizing that the gaming sector is often an early adopter of AI‑driven tools—from procedural content generation to player‑behavior analytics—the federation has set an ambitious objective: to become the first AI‑based European trade association. This goal suggests that the EGDF intends to embed AI into its operational processes, decision‑making frameworks, and member services, potentially offering AI‑enhanced matchmaking for funding opportunities, predictive analytics for market trends, and automated compliance monitoring.
In parallel with its governance updates, the EGDF has been active in research and market analysis. Earlier in the week, it partnered 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 approximately €24 billion in revenue during the 2024 fiscal year.
Moreover, the industry comprises more than 6,600 studios and employs upwards of 95,000 individuals across development, publishing, marketing, and ancillary services. These figures highlight the sector’s significance not only as a cultural force but also as a substantial economic engine. The report’s data points to continued growth trajectories, driven by factors such as increasing mobile penetration, the rise of live‑service titles, and expanding export markets for European‑made games. It also underscores the importance of supportive policy environments, access to skilled labor, and the availability of investment capital—areas that the EGDF has explicitly pledged to address in its upcoming initiatives.
Looking ahead, the federation plans a series of concrete actions to fulfill its stated objectives. Among them are: 1.
**Funding Access Programs** – establishing clearer pathways to EU‑level grants, national subsidies, and private venture capital, with dedicated liaison officers to guide developers through application processes. 2.
**Talent Development Hubs** – creating regional training centers and mentorship schemes that connect emerging creators with seasoned industry veterans, thereby closing skill gaps in areas such as game design, programming, art, and sound engineering. 3.
**AI Integration Workshops** – offering workshops, webinars, and pilot projects that demonstrate how AI can streamline production pipelines, enhance player experience, and generate new business models. 4.
**International Promotion Campaigns** – coordinating participation in global trade fairs, digital showcases, and media tours to raise the profile of European titles and attract foreign investment. 5. **Policy Advocacy** – engaging with European Union institutions and national governments to shape regulations that support innovation, protect intellectual property, and ensure fair competition. By aligning these initiatives with the expertise of its newly appointed board members, the EGDF aims to create a more cohesive and competitive European gaming landscape.
The federation’s emphasis on AI, in particular, could set a benchmark for other trade associations worldwide, positioning Europe at the forefront of technological integration within the creative industries. In summary, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the introduction of a refreshed board signal stability and renewed vigor for the European Games Developer Federation.
With a clear roadmap that blends financial support, talent cultivation, and cutting‑edge technology adoption, the EGDF is poised to champion the interests of developers and elevate the global standing of Europe’s vibrant game‑making community.