The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed that Hendrik Lesser will continue at the helm as its president, following his successful re‑election during the unveiling of the federation’s 2026‑2028 governing board. This leadership continuity comes at a pivotal moment for the European gaming sector, as the organization prepares to implement a strategic agenda designed to strengthen the industry’s competitive edge on the global stage. Two notable departures were announced alongside the new board composition. David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, the studio director of No Brakes Games, have both stepped down from their previous roles within the EGDF structure.
Their exits open space for fresh perspectives and renewed energy among the federation’s decision‑makers. The freshly appointed board now comprises a diverse group of seasoned 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 extensive experience in both studio operations and national industry advocacy. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, known for fostering collaboration among Finnish developers and promoting the country’s vibrant indie scene.
- **Per Strömbäck** – Board member of the Gaming Culture Foundation and participant in the Stockholm Region Business Council, offering insights 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, providing a strong network across Central and Eastern Europe. - **Jakub Marszalkowski** – Head of the Games Industry Conference, co‑founder and board member of the Indie Games Poland Foundation, known for championing indie creators and organizing industry events. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French developers and advocating for supportive regulatory frameworks.
Together, this board is tasked with steering EGDF’s mission over the next two years, which centers on creating a clearer pathway for developers to ascend the value chain of the industry. The federation’s stated priorities include improving developers’ access to capital, nurturing talent pipelines, and expanding opportunities for skill acquisition. By addressing these core areas, EGDF hopes to reduce the friction that often hampers small and medium‑sized studios from scaling their operations and reaching broader markets.
In a formal statement, EGDF emphasized its commitment to monitoring and facilitating the growth of the European game‑development ecosystem. The organization plans to deepen its collaboration with studios across the continent, ensuring that best practices, resources, and market intelligence are shared effectively.
Additionally, EGDF aims to raise the profile of European games on the world stage, positioning the region as a hub of innovation and creative excellence. A particularly forward‑looking element of the federation’s agenda is its ambition to become the first AI‑driven trade association in Europe. Recognizing that the gaming industry is often at the forefront of adopting artificial‑intelligence tools—ranging from procedural content generation to player‑behavior analytics—EGDF intends to embed AI capabilities into its own operations. This could involve using machine‑learning models to predict market trends, streamline funding allocation processes, and provide developers with tailored recommendations for talent recruitment and skill development.
The timing of these initiatives coincides with the release of the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024, a joint publication by EGDF and Video Games Europe (VGE). The report paints a robust picture of the sector’s economic health: European game studios collectively generated €24 billion in turnover in 2024. Moreover, the industry supports a workforce of more than 95,000 individuals spread across over 6,600 studios, underscoring its significance as a major employer and contributor to the European digital economy. These figures illustrate not only the scale of the market but also the diversity of its participants—from large, multinational publishers to small, independent studios that specialize in niche genres or experimental gameplay mechanics.
The report highlights trends such as the increasing importance of live‑service models, the rise of cross‑platform experiences, and the growing integration of immersive technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality. Looking ahead, EGDF’s board plans to leverage these insights to shape policy recommendations for EU institutions, national governments, and private investors.
By presenting data‑driven arguments, the federation hopes to secure more favorable funding schemes, tax incentives, and educational programs that align with the evolving needs of game developers. The board also intends to facilitate mentorship programs that connect emerging talent with seasoned industry veterans, thereby fostering a culture of knowledge transfer and continuous learning. In addition to financial and talent‑focused initiatives, EGDF will prioritize sustainability and ethical considerations within game development. The board acknowledges growing consumer awareness around topics such as data privacy, inclusive design, and environmental impact.
As part of its agenda, EGDF plans to develop guidelines and best‑practice frameworks that help studios adopt greener production methods, implement responsible monetisation strategies, and create games that are accessible to a broader audience. Overall, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser and the formation of a new, internationally representative board signal a period of stability and ambition for the European Games Developer Federation. With a clear focus on funding access, talent development, AI integration, and global visibility, EGDF is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Europe’s vibrant and rapidly evolving gaming industry.