We Need to Create More Game Jobs in Belgium

The Flemish Games Association (FLEGA) advocates for strategic policy interventions to bolster the Belgian game development sector, arguing that the industry requires targeted support to remain competitive on a global scale. By synthesizing international industry data presented at Casual Connect 2017 with local market statistics, the analysis highlights a significant disparity between Belgium and established gaming hubs. While the global landscape has been democratized by mobile platforms and accessible development engines, the most successful regions continue to rely on a combination of robust government funding, strong educational pipelines, and a favorable environment for international talent.

Data from 2017 indicates that while the United States leads with over 65,000 industry jobs across 2,457 studios, and countries like Germany and Canada maintain substantial footprints, Belgium’s domestic industry remains in a nascent stage. As of 2016, the Belgian market comprised 72 studios and 656 total jobs. The analysis posits that while Belgium possesses high-quality educational institutions and international appeal, it lacks the structural financial incentives found in more successful regions.

The primary conclusion is that the Belgian games industry is currently under-supported and risks falling behind international peers without proactive measures. Specifically, the association calls for the implementation of a tax shelter for the games industry, mirroring successful models in countries like Finland. By adopting such fiscal policies and fostering a more supportive ecosystem, Belgium could effectively scale its local industry, increase job creation, and secure a more prominent position within the global gaming market.