The European Games Developer Federation (EGDF) has confirmed the composition of its governing board for the 2026‑2028 term, and in the process reaffirmed Hendrik Lesser as its president. Lesser’s re‑election comes at a pivotal moment for the federation as it seeks to deepen its influence across the continent’s burgeoning game development sector.
Two prominent figures stepped away from the board this cycle. David Rabineau, the chief executive officer of Homo Ludens, and Gediminas Tarasevicius, studio director at No Brakes Games, both chose not to seek re‑appointment. Their departures open space for fresh perspectives and new expertise to guide EGDF’s strategic direction. The newly constituted board now includes a diverse group of industry leaders: - **Martine Spaans** – Chief Operating Officer at Fourth Moon Games and General Manager of the Dutch Games Association.
Spaans brings a blend of operational know‑how and advocacy experience from the Netherlands’ vibrant indie scene. - **KooPee Hiltunen** – Director of the Neogames Finland Association, representing the interests of Finnish developers and fostering cross‑border collaborations in the Nordic region. - **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 talent and organizing large‑scale industry events. - **Vanessa Kaplan** – Director General of the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo, representing French developers and playing a key role in national lobbying efforts.
Together, this board is tasked with delivering on EGDF’s two‑year agenda, which centres on creating a clear pathway for developers to ascend the value chain of the industry. The federation plans to enhance access to capital, streamline talent pipelines, and broaden skill‑building programmes, thereby strengthening the overall health of Europe’s game ecosystem. In a statement, EGDF highlighted its commitment to monitoring and facilitating the growth of the European gaming landscape. The organization intends to deepen cooperation with studios across the continent, ensuring that smaller and mid‑size developers receive the support they need to compete on a global stage.
By amplifying the visibility of European games internationally, EGDF hopes to attract further investment and foster a reputation for high‑quality, innovative titles. A notable element of the federation’s forward‑looking strategy is its focus on artificial intelligence. Recognising that the gaming sector is often at the forefront of AI‑driven tools—ranging from procedural content generation to advanced analytics—EGDF has set an ambitious target to become the first AI‑centric European trade association. This initiative will involve establishing best‑practice guidelines, facilitating knowledge‑sharing workshops, and advocating for policies that encourage responsible AI adoption within game development.
The timing of these announcements coincides with the release of the European Video Game Industry Insights Report 2024, a joint effort by EGDF and Video Games Europe (VGE). The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the market, revealing that the European games industry generated approximately €24 billion in revenue during 2024.
Moreover, the sector comprises more than 6,600 studios employing upwards of 95,000 individuals, underscoring its significance as a major employer and economic driver. These figures illustrate the scale and dynamism of the industry, but they also highlight challenges such as talent shortages, funding gaps, and the need for continuous upskilling.
EGDF’s board plans to address these issues through targeted programs: mentorship schemes linking seasoned veterans with emerging creators, grant initiatives that lower financial barriers for innovative projects, and partnerships with educational institutions to align curricula with industry demands. In addition to financial and talent support, the federation will work to improve regulatory conditions across Europe. By engaging with policymakers at both national and EU levels, EGDF aims to streamline licensing processes, protect intellectual property rights, and ensure that tax incentives are accessible and effective for developers of all sizes.
The board’s composition reflects a deliberate balance of geographic representation, from the Netherlands and Finland to Poland, Croatia, and France, ensuring that the diverse needs of the European gaming community are heard. This inclusive approach is expected to foster cross‑border collaborations, joint ventures, and shared research initiatives that can propel the continent’s creative output.
Overall, the re‑election of Hendrik Lesser provides continuity in leadership, while the infusion of new board members injects fresh ideas and regional expertise. As EGDF embarks on its 2026‑2028 mandate, the organization is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient, innovative, and globally competitive European games industry.