Here we are, the end of the year (already 😳). A time to think about New Year’s resolutions and make plans for the year(s) to come. However, let’s not go too fast too soon. Let us take a step back and contemplate this year. 2022 did count a few important milestones for FLEGA and the entire Flemish game sector. Videogames are gaining momentum and we’re very happy to have contributed to making that happen. Read on for a short recap of 2022 and a sneak peak of some of the things we’re cooking up for 2023 (spoiler alert: you might be in for a party).

2022: hibernation is over

How we all enjoyed being back in the game of fairs, meetups, showcases and physical events. UNWRAP, BIG BROTARU, FACTS and Gameforce were only a few of the events where we were able to make our FLEGA family shine. Moreover, with a careful BelgianGames reboot at GDC, a full blown booth at gamescom and an inspiring mission to Atlanta in the presence of her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, we started spreading our international wings again. We’re thankful for our partner FIT who has your back when it comes to crossing borders.

After 10 years of hard work involving numerous meetings and calls, thousands of documents and position papers, many phone calls and you bearing with us all the time, we will finally FINALLY have a tax shelter for videogames in Belgium.

Topped off with additional VAF|GAME project funding and the Flanders Game Hub, a full blown incubator and accelerator for local videogame studios, we couldn’t be more convinced that the pieces of the puzzle are finally falling into place. Stars align.

We also continued to lobby on a national and international level to get more recognition and support for our sector and to raise our voice in different subject matters. We consulted with our legal counsels on several important legal developments, such as the transposition of the European Copyright Directive and the Digital Content Directive into national laws. Also offering our members a free webinar to explain this complicated legislation, that has direct impact on your business.

The past year brought us some position switches in our Board, with Anissa (imec) leaving us for her dream project and Rik Leenknegt ceding his place to Vicky Vermeulen (HOWEST DAE). A big up for them and our Board for being the best FLEGA ambassadors we could hope for.

So, is there anything left to do in 2023?

At FLEGA we never rest when it comes to boosting our members and the Flemish game sector. Different legal matters could have massive impact. But don’t worry. We’ll speak up for you.

For instance we’ll closely monitor the changes to the fiscal copyright remuneration system, that is scheduled to go into effect as of January 1st and we’ll inform you in due time of what you need to know. Tax Shelter-wise there will be a lot of information coming your way in the form of a FAQ and workshops, to get you up to speed.

Together with VAF|GAME, FIT and other valuable partners, we keep on paving the path to world domination. We’ll make sure you have access to discounts and events and we’ll keep on listening to what you need and try to make that happen. First up: GDC with a record number of companies joining the BelgianGames booth and minister Dalle joining us to boost our sector even more.

On a European level many things should start moving in the right direction as of next year since the Culture Committee in the European Commission recently voted a comprehensive report on our sector, amongst others pushing for videogames to be recognized as culture and aiming for the creation of a specific NACE code for videogame developers.

Happy birthday FLEGA!

In 2023 we’ll be celebrating our 10th anniversary with you. Stay tuned for the party details!

With 10 years of FLEGA history we look back with a mix of gratitude and pride. We’re proud to be part of this vibrant community and to be able to make a difference in your story. And we’re thankful for having awesome partners and wonderful members in the FLEGA family. Without your financial support, your hard work and awesome projects, we would have no reason to exist.

With that said, we wish you Happy Holidays, some quality time with your pets, family and friends and we’ll be back on January 9 for a new and wonderful year of Flemish Games.