Flemish Gaming Sector Sees Remarkable Growth in 2024
The Flemish gaming sector experienced significant growth in 2024, with turnover increasing by 20% to 70 million euros, according to the latest annual figures released by the Flemish gaming federation Flega. This increase is attributed to a combination of successful new projects and the continued sales of popular titles like Baldur’s Gate III. Employment in the sector surged by 20%, bringing the total number of full-time jobs to 674. Additionally, the number of gaming companies in Flanders rose from 113 to 128, setting a new record, reports 24brussels.
The positive trends signal a flourishing environment for Flemish game developers. Natascha Rommens, general manager of Flega, emphasized the significance of these figures for the region. “The market of Flemish game developers is a 99% export market and thus strengthens the regional position on the world map,” she stated in a press release.
Despite this achievement, Rommens cautioned that making video games remains a “risky business.” She highlighted the need for government support in creating a fiscally favorable climate to ensure sustainable growth in the sector. “The challenge for the government lies in creating a fiscally favourable climate that can ensure a strong, sustainable sector in Flanders,” Rommens asserted.
In response to the promising outlook, the sector federation is advocating for measures to support continued expansion and promote Flanders as a key player in the international gaming industry. The well-being of the Flemish gaming sector is further reflected by the record attendance of 28 companies at Gamescom in Cologne this year, with Flemish Media Minister Cieltje Van Achter also set to participate.
Gamescom is scheduled for August 20-24, 2024, and for the first time, Flanders and Wallonia will have separate booths. This division allows Wallonia to showcase small projects, while Flanders will highlight multiple larger studios, underscoring the region’s growing stature in the gaming world.
