Nordic Game Spring Edition (26-29 May) is an important industry B2B conference in Malmö that brings together developers, publishers, platform holders, and investors. With about 3000 attendees, this is a great opportunity to pitch, demo and connect with (future) business partners in a smaller set-up than GDC or gamescom.
With our partner Flanders Investment & Trade, we are happy to offer you a group booth to explore Nordic Game at its max.
Shared booth
The booth is great to set up meetings with publishers, press and investors and to connect with fellow devs. The booth offers two ways of participating.
Private Demo Station
White display cabinet, 27″ monitor & peripherals, overhead signage panel (2-sided, printing included), bar stool, carpet, electricity and cleaning × 3 days
1 business pass (additional passes can be purchased at a friendly price) with acces to the conference and showcase floor
Access to the Nordic Game Matchmaking tool
Participation in the Nordic Game Mentorship program
Slot on the Pitch Stage
Access to the Nordic Game stream and discord AND the Nordic Steam Sale Event
A joint PR effort via our own extensive PR networks and contacts
Price: 2955,- VAT excl.
Meeting Point
Access to the meeting tables on our shared booth (not a dedicated table; timeslot reservation on site)
1 business pass (additional passes can be purchased at a friendly price) with acces to the conference and showcase floor
Access to the Nordic Game Matchmaking tool
A joint PR effort via our own extensive PR networks and contacts
Price: 650,- VAT excl.
Registrations for the Nordic Game group booth are now open. Secure your place before March 20.
New to Nordic game and don’t know where to start? Check the webinar where we asked our friends at Swedish Games and Flanders Investment and Trade to run you through the essentials to prepare (and survive) your first Nordic Game.
The Games Capital Summit helps venture-ready companies to connect directly with VCs actively investing in games. This event is focused on equity investment, which implies that the investors are interested in funding companies in exchange for shares. Studios looking for a publisher or for project investments are not in scope here. Apply here before April 24th.
During the Executive Summit Senior executive or decision-makers in the games industry step out of the day-to-day thinking of running a studio and discuss critical shifts in studio operations, talent acquisition and hiring, the integration of AI, evolving business models, and more. Only 1 person per studio can apply. Applications close on May 1st and are accessed here.
We couldn’t be happier with the lovely people Flanders Investment and Trade who will take the lead in the B2B booth and who will handle all your booth-related requests.
The Flemish games sector is showing steady growth in 2024, with more companies, higher revenue, and increased employment, according to our most recent market data report for 2024.
Compared to 2023, the number of Flemish game companies has risen from 113 to 128, while both turnover and employment have increased by 20%, reaching €70 million and 674 full-time employees (FTEs), respectively. This growth is in stark contrast to the global trend of layoffs and downsizing. Grab the main takeaways of the report below or download the full report right here.
The Flemish game developers and service providers are seeing their turnover rise from €58.7 million in 2023 to €70 million in 2024 – a growth of almost 20%. While the top 10 companies contribute significantly, the growth isn’t limited to larger players. In 2024, several new games from smaller studios became hits, and a number of larger titles continue to generate revenue even after their launch. Live Operations, which involves further developing games after release by adding new gameplay and content, helps developers keep players engaged and stabilise revenues in the long term.
Innovation and community building
The Flemish games sector’s success can be attributed to several factors, including innovation, careful market analysis, and constant community building. Game companies operate in a competitive international market with demanding gamers and rapidly changing technologies. This requires studios to focus not only on the creative process but also on business models, community building, live operations, and market adaptations.
The increase in employment and the number of startups confirm that the sector is an important driver of work and innovation. However, developing games remains a bold undertaking. Some projects get stuck in the development phase without generating immediate revenue. Making games is a risky business because you’re always aiming for that one hit that becomes a major commercial success. In a competitive international market where hundreds of new titles appear daily on platforms like Steam, the chances of success are unpredictable and often depend on timing, marketing, and the unique character of the game itself.
Internationalisation and policy challenges
The increase in turnover not only emphasises the economic strength of our sector, but also its technological innovation and international ambitions. The market of Flemish game developers is a 99% export market and thus strengthens the regional position on the world map. The question remains how Flanders can continue to support this growth. For larger companies, the focus is often on internationalisation, but the challenge for the government lies in creating a fiscally favourable climate that can ensure a strong, sustainable sector in Flanders. This way, Flanders can soon fully benefit from its game policy and from the talent and expertise that the companies have built up over the years.
Making games: a business of hit or miss
The increase in employment and the number of startups confirm that the sector is an important engine of work and innovation. At the same time, this growth also brings a warning: developing games remains a risky undertaking. Some projects remain stuck in the development phase, without immediately generating revenue. Making games is a risky business, because you are always aiming for the hit that becomes a major commercial success. In a competitive international market where hundreds of new titles appear daily on platforms such as Steam, the chance of success is unpredictable and often depends on timing, marketing and the special character of the game itself. Companies operate in an international market with demanding gamers and rapidly changing technologies. This means that studios must not only focus on the creative process, but also on business models; community building, Live Operations and market adaptations.
A great demand for talent
Although the number of companies has only slightly increased from 113 to 128, the sector is characterised by a strong dynamic. The demand for experienced developers and creative talent is high. Financing problems and the current economic uncertainty sometimes cause projects to be postponed, but new start-ups continue to emerge and often experiment with game technology in other sectors, such as film, animation, healthcare or defence.
With a strong foundation, a growing number of companies and increasing international recognition, the Flemish games sector is more on the map than ever. However, it remains important that policy keeps pace with this. Continuing to invest in a fiscally favourable climate, innovation and talent development and access to financing will further put Flanders on the map as an important player in the international game industry.
Hungry for more insights? Download the report here.
Sources
Every year, FLEGA conducts a survey of all companies active in game development and services in Flanders. This year, for the first time, FLEGA collaborated with the VAF Game knowledge centre to validate some of these figures.
Taking place in Cologne August 20-24, gamescom is the one-stop-shop for any studio or gamemaker looking to broaden their network, get eyes on the project and look for deals. As gamescom is huge and caters to many audiences, we’ve managed to craft a programme that fits many purposes and budgets. With our partners Flanders Investment & Trade and VAF Game in the lead, we are happy to show you an array of options with, for the first time ever, a presence in the B2C area (be quick: deadline there is April 9)
1. Shared booth in the Business Area
The booth is focused on B2B only. Being in the gamescom business area is great to set up meetings with publishers, press and investors and to connect with fellow devs. The booth offers three ways of participating.
A small showcase space on the booth (Product Sample Booth)
A shared booth in the gamescom B2B business area (open August 20-22)
Your dedicated space is approximately 3sqm and has a locker, a high table, 2 chairs a visual and a 32″ screen
2 exhibitor badges to roam around (and yes, these can also be used in the Entertainment Area)
No need to worry about logistics, administration and other boring stuff, we’ve got your back
A joint PR effort via our own extensive PR networks and contacts
A BelgianGames Cafe on Wednesday for you and your most precious contacts at the booth
MeetToMatch accounts to get that meeting schedule going
Price: 1300,- VAT excl. (obligatory gamescom Biz package included)
The gamescom Biz package lists you in the gamescom exhibitor directory and makes you visible for visitors and other exhibitors.
Access to the meeting tables on the BelgianGames booth (not a dedicated table; timeslot reservation on site)
MeetToMatch accounts to get that meeting schedule going
A joint PR effort via our own extensive PR networks and contacts
A BelgianGames Cafe on Wednesday for you and your most precious contacts
Two price options: 350,- VAT excl. for a Basic Meeting Point (1 ticket, 1 meet to match account) and 700,- VAT excl. for a Premium Meeting Point (3 tickets, 2 meet to match accounts)
The gamescom Biz package is not included so you won’t be listed in the gamescom exhibitor directory.
Registrations for the BelgianGames booth are now open. Secure your place at one of the must-be fairs in the world of games. Deadline to join the booth is May 9 but keep in mind that space is limited and spots will be attributed on a first come, first served basis.
2. Indie Arena booth in the Entertainment Area
If you want to show your game to the larger consumer crowds, you’ll be better off in the gamescom entertainment zone. If you can’t afford to set up your own B2C booth there, your best shot is to sign up for the Indie Arena Booth and choose the VAF group stand. Deadline to submit is April 9 and participation depends on the criteria VAF Game and the Indie Arena booth have stipulated.
A booth in the gamescom B2C Entertainment area (open August 20-24)
Booth space is free but application is subject to these criteria:
Your game will be released within 6 to 9 months after gamescom;
Your game has received VAF funding or has been part of the VAF Talent Development program
You have never been part of the Indie Arena Booth before
Your game is innovative or visually appealing
You have a diverse team
The B2B Basic Meeting Point mentioned above is obligatory and is to be purchased separately. 50% of that cost is covered by VAF.
devcom is a substantial part of gamescom. Being the official game developers event of gamescom, devcom takes place August 17-19 and offers a potpourri of talks, panels, fireside chats and workshops as well as a live Twitch stream. It also hosts an Indie Expo and some high-end networking events so this might be your gateway to additional contacts. Besides visiting, we see two ways of participating:
Share your experience, submit a talk and join as a speaker (Deadline for submitting is April 27). Or, be part of the Indie Expo. Submit your game for the Indie Expo before May 31. Participation depends on the jury as they carefully select the games that can be part of the expo.
New to gamescom and don’t know where to start? Check the webinar that our friends at Flanders Game hub have put together with the essentials to prepare (and survive) your first gamescom.
We couldn’t be happier with the lovely people at gamescom and devcom and especially with our partner Flanders Investment and Trade who will take the lead in the B2B booth and VAF Game taking care of the Indie Arena booth.
Managing your game company involves more than just creating outstanding games. It also requires a solid understanding of the rules and regulations to optimize your business. One of those regulations is the revised Copyright Tax Regime. We’ve commissioned KPMG to deliver a detailed overview on incorporating copyright allowances into your business strategy.
Some context
Belgium’s high tax burden on wages pushes employees’ salaries quickly into the 50% tax bracket, to be increased with social security contributions. Creative profiles can transfer (or license) their copyrights to their client/employer (company) using the copyright tax regime. In return, the copyright allowance they receive, benefits from a favourable tax treatment. The copyright allowance – as movable income – is only taxed at a flat rate of 15%. Up to 2023, copyright allowances for employees were also subject to social security contributions.
For many years, in creative sectors, such as the games industry (as well as in the classic software sector), this system was an integral part of employees’ salary package. In tax practice, it was generally assumed that up to 25% of the salary package could be paid out under the form of a copyright allowance.
However, as of 2023, the tax copyright regime was thoroughly reformed. A number of additional conditions were introduced and the aim was to limit this benefit to the “artistic sectors”. Under this reform, the social security was also aligned with the tax regime. As a result, since January 1st 2023, copyright allowances received by employees are now also exempt from social security contributions.
It goes without saying that the revised copyright tax regime sparked considerable debate within the IT sector, especially the games industry. Indeed, the then Finance Minister had argued that the reform meant that employees active in the IT sector were no longer covered by the copyright regime since then. This was also confirmed by the Constitutional Court at the end of last year. At the same time, “creative profiles” (also in the games industry) would however still be able to benefit from the regime.
Until fairly recently, it was however not clear for which profiles in the games industry this regime could still be applied as of 2023. The Ruling Commission – and the new federal government – finally bring light into the darkness.
Audiovisual creative jobs within the IT sector? Ruling Commission said yes!
Employees active within the games industry can generally be divided into two types of job profiles, (i) on the one hand there are the profiles that are engaged in pure software development (e.g. programmers) and (ii) on the other hand there are the profiles that are engaged in the audiovisual aspects of the game (e.g. designers, artists, scripters, …).
Based on a recently published ruling (no. 2024.0599 dd. 22.10.2024), the Ruling Commission is of the opinion that audiovisual functions within the games sector such as designers, artists, writers, scripters and animators etc. fall within the scope of the copyright regime amended since 2023.
Furthermore, this ruling explicitly states the applicable percentages per profile. In doing so, these vary between 7.5% and 21.25% of the salary package (technically the “financial envelope” = gross remuneration subject to employee social security contributions prior to deduction of personal social security contributions). This corresponds to a creative time commitment ranging between 30% and 85%. Per job profile, the percentages of copyright allowance were set in the ruling as follows:
Job Profile
% Copyright Allowance
Designer
85 % X 25 % = 21,25 %
Designer Lead
60 % X 25 % = 15%
Design Director
50 % X 25 % = 12,50 %
Artist
85 % X 25 % = 21,25 %
Artist Lead
70 % X 25 % = 17,50 %
Art Director
40 % X 25 % = 10 %
Writer
85 % X 25 % = 21,25 %
Writing Lead
70 % X 25 % = 17,50 %
Writing Director
50 % X 25 % = 12,50 %
Scripter
60 % X 25 % = 15 %
Scripter Lead
50 % X 25 % = 12,50 %
Scripting Director
30 % X 25 % = 7,50 %
Video producer
75 % X 25 % = 18,75 %
Animator
85 % X 25 % = 21,25 %
Animator Lead
70 % X 25 % = 17,50 %
Animation Director
50 % X 25 % = 12,50 %
The Ruling Commission hence confirmed that many creative profiles in the games industry still qualify for the as of 2023 revised copyright tax regime reformed since 2023. Since no social security contributions are due, the benefit for those profiles is even higher than before 2023.
However, programmers are no longer in scope
Unfortunately, profiles developing software remain excluded under the new regime. Although this was not explicitly addressed in this ruling, we may assume that mixed profiles (those that partly develop software and partly audiovisual works) will be eligible on a pro rata basis (i.e., with a lower percentage of copyright allowance).
Example calculation methodology
Assume an Animation Director receives an annual gross remuneration of 60,000 EUR. The copyright allowance was set at 12.50% of the financial envelope. Consequently, the copyright allowance is determined as follows:
Annual Gross Pay
% CR Allowance
Formula Gross
Pay including CR
CR allowance to be granted
60.000 EUR
12,5%
=60.000 EUR * (100/87,5)
68.571,43 EUR
8.571,43 EUR
More good news thanks to the federal coalition agreement
Thanks to this recent ruling, there is finally clarity that under the 2023 revised regime, at least some of the employees (and freelancers) in the games industry can still enjoy the tax system of copyrights worry-free. Programmers, however, fell by the wayside…
However, even for these job profiles, the federal coalition agreement of January 31st, 2025 brings good news. The federal government is reopening the door to the entire IT sector, i.e. both software developers and audiovisual profiles. Indeed, the coalition agreement states that the copyright tax regime will be extended in order to end the existing discrimination that exists between digital professions and other professions. This would mean that software developers would also be able to benefit from the copyright regime once again.
Patience is key. The provisions of the federal coalition agreement do not yet have immediate effect. They still need to be put into a legal text. It remains to be seen when and in what form the extension of the scope will take effect. To be continued… But in the meantime, the audiovisual profiles in the game industry can already make carefree use of the system that has been reformed since 2023.
Need more info?
KPMG has a team specialised in the taxation of the game industry, closely monitoring further developments. Should you have additional questions regarding the above-mentioned novelties or their practical feasibility, you can always contact them directly: Hendrik Putman (Partner KPMG, hputman@kpmg.com), Nele Steurbaut (Executive Manager, nsteurbaut@kpmg.com) or Ann-Sofie De Groote (Adviser, adegroote@kpmg.com).
Disclaimer: This document provides information only and does not constitute legal advice.
GDC, the largest gathering of game developers on the planet, will take place in San Francisco from March 17 to 21. Together with Flanders Investment & Trade, we’ve got a few incentives for you to cross the ocean and make this event worthwhile. With a brand-new meeting hub and a showcase event on offer, you can choose what fits your business purpose/schedule best.
Flanders will have a united presence close to Moscone with a Meeting Hub powered by Representing Games. If you are a Flemish game company looking to reach out to publishers, investors or other business contacts in a relaxed and professional set-up, this is by far the best offer you’ll get. Claim your spot alongside companies such as Xsolla, Humble games and publishers Kwalee, United Label & VPublishing; to name a few.
Meeting spot at the Representing Games Meeting hub: €500,-
Your own meeting space with a table, chairs, Wifi and electricity.
Location: 431 Tehama Street, San Francisco; 2 blocks from Moscone
5 days access: 17th-21st of March
All logistics are taken care of. You just have to show up to do your business.
Essentials to beat that jetlag, such as (good) coffee and drinks, are provided for.
Access to the Meet2Match tool to schedule meetings upfront.
As usual, Flanders Investment & Trade also secured some free showcase spots at Courage XL, the most informal and friendly Indie Showcase, happening just before GDC kicks off. Over 50 indie developers will present their work at the Great Northern in San Francisco on Sunday evening March 16th, the perfect place to break the ice for a week full of networking, mingling, and partying.
Showcase spot at Courage XL: free
Your own showcase table with Wifi and electricity.
Location: 119 Utah Street, San Francisco
March 16th, 7-11.30 PM
Concept: Play a game, get a beer. You’ll get a few drink tokens to hand out to your contacts/players.
Previous years, the event welcomed over 1000 professionals
We’re well aware that the trip across the Atlantic is expensive and that San Francisco isn’t the cheapest place on earth to spend the night, but keep in mind that Flanders Investment & Trade can offer you a refund up to 50% of your travel & accommodation costs. Please make sure to fill outthe necessary paperwork (link in Dutch) in advance to do so.
The presence of the #FlemishGamesIndustry at GDC25 wouldn’t be possible without the effort of FIT. Thank you!
VAF|GAME announced the results of the final funding call for this year for Artistic, Entertainment, Educational and Serious games. Anxious to submit your next game? The first submission deadline for next year is January 14th.
Artistic Games
Prototype Support
Seafarer Films secured €20.000,- to sketch out the title Plantlife.
Promotional Support
Rabotica was able to secure €67.638,- for Curiosmos.
Entertainment Games
Prototype Support
AlterEyes was able to secure €25.000- to sketch out Beyond Repair.
Studio Kabouterwill be able to prototype their game Draai with a support of €10.000.
Volcaban Studio can start prototyping Echoes of Emperors with €12.000 of funding.
Wall Town Wonders by Cyborn receives €60.000,- for promotional support.
Serious and Educational Games
Dexr secured €17.500,- to sketch out the prototype of Dexr Stage.
Die Keure receives €90.203,4- of vertical slice support for Labo.
Realm Architect takes home €94.000,- for developing a vertical slice of Realm Architect.
Congrats to everyone who succeeded their submission and received valuable support. The calendar of all VAF|GAME submission calls in 2025 is online here. Keep an eye on our socials so you don’t miss out on anything.
Natascha Rommens 
18/02/2026
