The Dutch video game industry has been boosted through the creation of the start-up incubator, Dutch Game Garden, which provides an innovative networking space and services for industry leaders and new talent.
- 14 July 2016
Dutch Game Garden has rapidly grown into a well-known concept both within and outside the Netherlands. It’s a space full of game and technology companies, powered by a start-up support programme, numerous networking events, hundreds of publications and new locations popping up all over the country. This combination of mutually reinforcing activities makes us unique in the Netherlands and abroad.
The Netherlands has invested in its video games industry with the creation of Dutch Game Garden (DGG), an innovative start-up incubator aimed at promoting talent in the sector. Since its inception in 2008, DGG has developed into a vibrant community, attracting an array of innovative companies and expertise in the sector.
A unique concept
A start-up incubator and events hub dedicated to the video games industry is a unique concept both in the Netherlands and internationally, says DGG's Communications Manager Eline Muijres. Prior to 2008, the industry suffered from a lack of visibility and was unable to coordinate and provide support for video games start-ups, she says. DGG, she says, allowed the Netherlands to create a network of industry professionals as well as attract new talent.
Some 75 companies have been located at DGG's headquarters in Utrecht, as well as in Hilversum and Breda between the 2008-2014 period. It has resulted in the creation of more than 200 jobs and the generation of EUR 6 million in revenues. It has supported over 500 companies, offering advice, consultation and matchmaking services.
Video game A-listers
DGG hosts a series of events, including its trademark network lunch, which brings together potential clients, students, teachers and investors. Its annual Indigo event provides top Dutch creators with a showcase for their work. Other activities include master classes for up-and-coming talent, game "jams" and workshops. The Summer Game Dev event also provides an entry point for Dutch students interested in video game development. In total, over 22 000 people have attended DGG events.
A number of highly successful companies have benefitted from DGG's facilities, including Abbey Games (creators of games such as Reus and Renowned Explorers), Vlambeer (Luftrausers, Ridiculous Fishing, Nuclear Throne), RageSquid (Action Henk), Digital Dreams (Metrico), Self Made Miracle (Penarium) and Ronimo Games (Awesomenauts, Swords & Soldiers).
DGG houses a large variety of game companies, both large and small, and international. They can be both entertainment-focused or applied games. DGG has been a leading supporter of ‘serious games’ – a category that uses gaming techniques to train or educate users on specific topics, such as elderly care and patient safety. It has also diversified to mentor companies in app development, online campaigns, and interactive design as well as games.
DGG used project funding to focus on providing more support and wider incubator services to a larger number of companies, and to relocate to larger, more modern premises. There has also been a drive to encourage Dutch sector presence at international trade fairs and increase the visibility of the industry through participation in more than 1250 articles on websites, newspapers, magazines, and radio and television items.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Dutch Game Garden” is EUR 4 000 000, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 1 600 000 through the “West Netherlands” Employment and Competitiveness Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Innovation and entrepreneurship”.