Latest #BelgianGamesIndustry Survey: More Companies Staffed by Less People

The 2020 Belgian Games Industry survey, conducted between June and September 2020, provides a comprehensive overview of the local gaming ecosystem, encompassing developers, publishers, service providers, and educational institutions. The findings reveal a paradox of growth: while the number of registered active game companies in Belgium increased from 95 to 114, the total workforce remained stagnant at 1,100 full-time equivalents (FTEs). This indicates that the industry is expanding in terms of entity count but struggling to scale individual operations, with 84% of companies employing ten or fewer people and 25% operating as one-person entities.

Geographically, the industry remains concentrated in Flanders, which hosts 82 of the 114 companies, followed by Wallonia and Brussels. The sector faces significant structural challenges, including a persistent brain drain of talent to international studios and other industries, alongside high wage costs and limited budgets that hinder growth. Total industry turnover declined to €70 million from €93 million the previous year, a trend largely attributed to the release cycle of major players like Larian Studios.

Despite these hurdles, the industry shows signs of resilience and potential for future expansion. Over 40% of companies reported expectations for increased staff counts in 2020, and more than half anticipated revenue growth. To foster a more robust ecosystem capable of producing large-scale hits, the industry is increasingly looking toward government support, specifically tax shelter mechanisms, to fund future projects. The majority of local production remains focused on entertainment games, with PC, mobile, VR, and Nintendo Switch identified as the most profitable platforms.