Gaming

The game industry in the Netherlands has increased tenfold since 2002, when the industry counted at most 200 developers. In 2009, there were nearly 2000. The game industry encompasses entertainment, casual, online and serious games. Utrecht has become a hotspot for game companies because of the excellent educational programs offered by Utrecht University, the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht and the Utrecht School of the Arts; a strong network of research centers; and a talented group of young game developers. In addition, the Dutch game market is very demanding, which makes it an ideal test pilot for newly released games. Download factsheet

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Leading companies such as Game Entertainment Europe, Nintendo and Ubisoft have their Benelux headquarters in the province of Utrecht. Additionally, a large group of domestic game development companies and game-related companies call Utrecht home. Examples of Dutch pioneers include Fourcelabs, Sonicpicnic, Sticky Studios, U-Trax and X-form. A great example of Dutch creativity is the WiiWare game titled Swords & Soldiers created by Utrecht based studio Ronimo Games, also known for the original IP of De Blob.

Research Institutes

The industry is thriving in the province due to unique collaborations between educational institutes, research centers and businesses. World-class gaming research institutes are clustered in the province of Utrecht, including Game Research for Training and Entertainment (GATE), Center for Advanced Gaming and Simulation (AGS), and the Expertise Center on Games and Game Design.

• Game Research for Training and Entertainment (GATE)

Utrecht University (UU) is home to the multi-partner programme Game Research for Training and Entertainment (GATE) which aims to extend the benefits of game technology beyond the entertainment industry and show its relevance to the public sector.

• Center for Advanced Gaming and Simulation (AGS)

The aim of the AGS is to create technology for effective learning and training experiences by applying game technology to simulation of events, thus extending the application of game technology to a more ‘serious’ level. Game and simulation applications are currently mainly used in the sectors: healthcare, energy, defense, urban planning and emergency services.

• Expertise Center on Games and Game Design

The center intends to match customers (companies interested in using games) and game developers. They also provide companies and institutes with information on the potential applications of the game industry.

Education

Utrecht’s educational institutes offer various degrees in game design and related fields. For instance, the Utrecht School of the Arts, one of the largest universities of Applied Sciences specialized in Arts and Culture in Europe, offers various degrees in Games and Interaction Design. Furthermore, the Dutch labor force ranks among the most multilingual in the world and is qualified to develop game contents in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and more.

Initiatives and events

The game industry is actively supported by the regional and national government. Examples of initiatives are the Dutch Game Garden and the NLGD.

• Dutch Game Garden

This incubator and business center provides wide-range support for starting and established game developers. They recently moved into a new building right in downtown Utrecht. The Developers Club, brings together students of the various game design, media, arts and programming courses to collaborate, innovate and develop new business (currently over 400 active members). The Game Incubator supports young entrepreneurs seeking to set up game development studios or game-related businesses. The Game Development Business Centers provide facilities for existing and growing game companies in the Netherlands. The Game Incubator and the Business Center house the biggest concentration of game companies in The Netherlands.

• NLGD

The NLGD shows by means of activities, publications and events that games and the game-industry have a huge social, economic and cultural impact. The NLGD Festival of Games, organized by the NLGD, is an internationally-recognized industry event held yearly in Utrecht. This leading event brings together different companies, from all over the world, active in the game industry. It’s a great chance to do business and stay on top of new developments.

• Dutch Games Association

The Dutch Games Association (DGA) is an umbrella organization that welcomes every company and individual involved in the game industry and works closely with existing branche organizations such as the Benelux Game Initiative (BGIn) and the Simulation and Gaming Association Netherlands (Saganet). DGA’s office is located in Utrecht.

The province of Utrecht also hosts ‘Game in the City’ (Amersfoort), the Dutch Game Awards and a Global Game Jam.

Media highlight:

Control is the Dutch magazine for game developers. Distributed to 2.000 professionals and students, it’s the only medium that reaches the entire Dutch game development community. In 2008 the editorial staff decided to leave Amsterdam and moved their offices to Utrecht. Their primary motivation was the proximity to Utrecht’s many game studios.

More highlights of the Dutch and Utrecht game industry at Dutch Games Go global.

Incentives

The Netherlands provides various kinds of industry support, including financial incentives and subsidies, to stimulate R&D activities. Examples include the WBSO, a tax reduction for R&D wage costs and the innovation box. For more information please click here or contact us.