Updated Mar 23, 2026 by Dutch Games Association
The Dutch games industry grew by 42% between 2011 and 2015, increasing from 320 to 455 companies, though the sector remains dominated by micro-enterprises with an average of only seven employees.
Total industry employment grew from 2,730 to 3,030 professionals, a slower rate of expansion than company formation, highlighting the difficulty studios face in scaling operations.
Financial performance across the industry is modest, with the majority of companies reporting annual profits of less than €100,000.
The Netherlands maintains a strong market position in applied games for training, education, and health, a sector that rebounded sharply in 2015 following volatility between 2013 and 2014.
Studios are increasingly shifting from project-based cycles toward product-based business models and strategic alliances to mitigate the risks of the hit-driven entertainment market.
Despite a 25% increase in game-related educational programs, the industry faces a persistent skills gap, specifically regarding a lack of entrepreneurial and business acumen among potential employees.
The Dutch games industry grew by 42% between 2011 and 2015, increasing from 320 to 455 companies, though the sector remains dominated by micro-enterprises with an average of only seven employees.
Total industry employment grew from 2,730 to 3,030 professionals, a slower rate of expansion than company formation, highlighting the difficulty studios face in scaling operations.
Financial performance across the industry is modest, with the majority of companies reporting annual profits of less than €100,000.
The Netherlands maintains a strong market position in applied games for training, education, and health, a sector that rebounded sharply in 2015 following volatility between 2013 and 2014.
Studios are increasingly shifting from project-based cycles toward product-based business models and strategic alliances to mitigate the risks of the hit-driven entertainment market.
Despite a 25% increase in game-related educational programs, the industry faces a persistent skills gap, specifically regarding a lack of entrepreneurial and business acumen among potential employees.