Federation forms to back Euro devs

The EGDF has been built via a collaboration between a clutch of trade associations – namely UK’s Tiga, France’s APOM, Germany and Austria’s GAME, Benelux’ BGIn, Swedish Spelpan-ASDG, Finnish Neogames and Dutch Producentforeningen.

The Federation claims its total coverage represents ten European countries and 500 games developent companies.

EGDF has three aims as its trade activity ramps up. The first is to establish itself as the representative body for European developers; second is to encourage sharing of best practice among the sector from both a business and production point of view; the third is to use "its combined bargaining power for the benefit of its individual member companies."

The Federation plans to push the European region and hopes to gain cultural recognition and business awareness for the sector by providing a platform to the European Union and games developers.

“The European games industry has had notable successes but faces stiff challenges from rapid globalization,” said EGDF chairman Fred Hasson, who is also Tiga’s CEO.

“A growing number of countries are recognizing the importance of video games as both a cultural medium and an economic sector that bridges creativity and advanced technology. Some are establishing long term policies that include significant support for their local industry. The EGDF members believe Europe needs to respond swiftly to remain in the race, in particular promoting the creation of new Intellectual Property, updating workforce skills, and backing technological research and development.”