Breda’s gaming revolution

“With the B’GAME incubator, we are structurally strengthening Breda’s Games & Creative Tech ecosystem,” Joke begins. “We are deliberately focusing on the bigger picture: not only our own initiatives, but also developments in serious games, e-sports, entertainment games and other Creative Tech applications.”

Tim: “We’re currently completely full with twelve startups. We offer them office space, facilities and a solid programme. The central location in the Innovation District makes that much easier: it’s easy to get there by bike or public transport, and you also easily bump into each other outside the building. Collaboration with, for example, B’WISE is also running smoothly, precisely because of that proximity.”

“We’re also working on building a strong community,” Laura adds. “Avans has an office here, BUas joins sessions with lecturers, and St. Joost provides creators who excel in design and storytelling. That cross-pollination with education is indispensable, because making a game brings everything together – from art and animation to business development and publishing.”

Dennis nods: “We notice that too with our indie studio Starbrew. Through B’GAME, we’re working on our first release. Here, we have an affordable place in a prime location, we test each other’s games and receive advice. As a startup, you can sometimes lose sight of the business side, but here they keep us on our toes: go to this event, look into this grant, build and activate your network. Even part-time jobs are becoming more relevant, thanks to the Better Part-Time Job project. Instead of stacking shelves, we’re encouraged to do something with our skills. That not only gives us experience, but also more time and income to invest in the startup.”

Laura: “More attention to serious gaming is important. It is a huge industry, with not only economic but also social significance. A great example from B’GAME is Emotion Detective, a game that helps children recognise emotions and deal with them.” Joke concludes: “The Innovation District makes these kinds of applications visible, and in doing so we are truly putting Breda on the map as the gaming capital of the Netherlands.”