Breda launches B’GAME Incubator for game developers

The launch took place during the Game Art & Design conference as part of Breda's Game Week. Councillor Carla Kranenborg-van Eerd (Economy and Innovation) explained: “Breda is known for its strong creative sector and fast-growing game industry. B’GAME is situated in the heart of the innovation district, a dynamic environment where innovation, creativity, and technology converge. This new space allows young entrepreneurs, creative minds, and experts to experiment and transform groundbreaking concepts into tangible results. Here, they can learn, make mistakes, and grow. A dedicated business developer will assist gaming startups with scalable business models, attracting investors, forging strategic partnerships, organising programmes, and leveraging networks. B’GAME strengthens the game and creative sectors in Breda and beyond.”

A European hub

Breda aims to establish itself as a European hub for the gaming industry and creative entrepreneurship. The B’GAME Incubator is expected to remain in its current location for approximately three years, with the ambition to relocate to a permanent space. This transition will create a stable, independent platform for innovation and entrepreneurship in North Brabant's gaming industry.

“The gaming industry is larger than the film and music industries combined. With the strengths we have in this region, it’s time to seize the opportunities,” said Provincial Executive Martijn van Gruijthuijsen. “Together with businesses and students, we’ll ensure the gaming sector finds a solid footing in Breda and Brabant. This will lay the foundation for a new economic force in the region, use serious games and entrepreneurship to tackle societal challenges, and retain skilled graduates here in Brabant.”

Councillor Kranenborg-van Eerd added: “Games today are much more than entertainment. They have the power to connect people, create new worlds, and solve complex problems.”

National support

The national government is closely following Breda’s developments. The opening of the B’GAME Incubator was preceded by a speech from Barbara Wolfensberger, Director-General for Culture and Media at the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. She remarked:
“During this Game Week, Breda is putting itself on the map as a centre of creativity and innovation. Breda is home to around 4,000 students preparing for careers in the gaming sector. With the B’GAME Incubator, creative talents and professionals have the chance to develop unique, innovative games while securing a strategic position in a rapidly evolving international market. Additionally, they face the challenge of addressing public values in the digital space. I look forward to seeing all the exciting new games and collaborations that will emerge from the B’GAME Incubator.”

First companies to join

The initial companies moving into the B’GAME Incubator include:

• Starbrew Games
• Verdant Games
• Stimmy Up Studios
• Rubber Duck Studios
• Rebelxoft
• Collision Fox Games
• Metaverse Solutions
• Nifty Llama Games/Studio Buwalda

This group comprises a mix of indie game studios, serious game studios, and game development collectives. Many of the talents in these companies are graduates from Breda University of Applied Sciences' game programmes. Looking ahead, the initiative aims to expand its reach. Collaborative projects in serious games and AI are already involving creative education institutions in Breda, including Avans, Curio, and Rooi Pannen.

Supported by key partners

The B’GAME Incubator is an initiative of the Breda municipality, supported by the province of North Brabant and Breda University of Applied Sciences.

Photos: Jeroen van Eijndhoven - Contentvorm