The ongoing “reset” in the video game history has not spared any country. Dutch Game Garden, one of the longest-running game incubators and business centers located in Utrecht, the Netherlands has announced that it will be shutting down in January 2025.
At its peak, the incubator housed over 25 game studios and had the mission of creating job opportunities and economic growth through supporting the Dutch games industry and promoting entrepreneurship. However, the incubator was forced to rethink its existence “due to changes in opportunities and focus for public funding”.
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Dutch Game Garden shared the hard news last weekend on LinkedIn. At the time of writing, the post had attracted over 300 reactions and 32 reposts. Several video game companies have either announced layoffs or closure this year.
“After 17 years of being a leading incubator and cluster organization for the Dutch games industry, Dutch Game Garden regretfully announces that it will close its doors as of January 2025,” wrote the incubator in the announcement. “This decision was made due to changes in opportunities and focus for public funding, which makes it no longer possible to realize a balanced budget that allows the continuation of activities in a responsible manner.”
“Since its foundation in 2008, Dutch Game Garden has developed itself into a cornerstone of the Dutch games industry. The organization has played a crucial role in the growth and development of countless start-ups and established game companies. Over the years, more than 130 companies have participated in its incubation program. More than 150 companies have had an office in Dutch Game Garden’s cluster, allowing them to pursue and realize their creative ideas.”
Several studios owe their success to the Dutch Game Garden including Abbey Games, Tover, and Studio Deloryan. Abbey Games went ahead to create Godhood, a God-like game that was released in 2020. The game has a ‘Mostly Positive’ review on Steam.
Dutch Game Garden executives react to the closure
While it lasted, Dutch Game Garden also held the annual INDIGO event which started as a small showcase for student games before blossoming into a game business event through the span of over 15 editions. The event gave new talents a platform to connect with the entire Dutch games industry.
Reacting to closure, the chairman of the board Peter Laanen said the decision was taken with a heavy heart. However, he expressed gratitude at what the incubator has achieved in its nearly two decades of existence.
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“It is with a heavy heart that we have had to make this decision,” Laanen said. “We are proud of what we have achieved over the past 17 years and the effect that our efforts have had on the Dutch games industry. Unfortunately, we are now forced to close our doors, but we look back with satisfaction on everything we have accomplished together.”
Dutch Game Garden had the backing of the City of Utrecht and the Province of Utrecht while it lasted. The managing director of Dutch Game Garden JP van Seventer highlighted what will happen in the coming months.
“In the coming months, several regular activities, such as the successful Network Lunches, will continue as planned,” Seventer said. “We thank all our partners, employees, companies, and the entire game community for their support and trust during all these years.”
It is hard to tell what will happen to the studios that called Dutch Game Garden a home. However, we hope they all find success and continue to make great games.
