You’ve been waiting for it, we know. Great news: the Flanders Game Hub is now ready to onboard its first studios in not one but two incubation programs! Applications for the first round are now open. What’s in it for me, you say? Read on and you’ll be glad you didn’t miss this.

Let’s start with reminding you what the Flanders Game Hub is about. Launched as a brand-new incubation and boost program within Flanders’ game industry, Flanders Game Hub (or FGH) is there to boost talented game companies with a great game project, empower their growth so the entire game community in Flanders will thrive. The coaching programs are one of the many initiatives that the Flanders Game Hub will facilitate and they are two-bound. Depending on the maturity and needs of your studio, you will be part of the SPARK (incubation) or IGNITE (boost) program.

Startups or aspiring startups: the SPARK program is yours!

The SPARK program is designed for young and aspiring studios looking to make their first mark. Over the course of 12 months, Flanders Game Hub will guide you through two important modules: production and business. You’ll work on your project according to production milestones and will work towards an excellent vertical slice and pitch readiness to nail your next funding round. Throughout the program, you’ll receive support and guidance from experienced industry professionals. Moreover, you’ll have a dedicated coach with a proven track record of successful game releases to guide you. All of the experts are 100% paid for by the Flanders Game Hub. Expertise is what the Flanders Game Hub invests in.

Who can apply for FGH SPARK?

• young and ambitious game studios based in Flanders or Flemish companies based in Brussels
• That have an awesome and commercially viable concept for a first game
• Have started or are in the process of starting a company
• Are available for weekly meetings, it being expert sessions or coaching sessions
• And are full-time devoted on developing their game
• Application deadline: September 15th, 2023

More mature projects or studios: IGNITE is your call.

The IGNITE program is for game studios operating for less than 5 years and have released a game. Selected studios can apply for additional technical and business expertise, with Flanders Game Hub financing up to 50% of the expert costs. The IGNITE program focuses on improving your studio’s workflows to a professional standard, empowering you to achieve long-term success.

Who can apply for FGH IGNITE?

• game studios based in Flanders or Flemish companies based in Brussels
• That have been around for some time (more than 2 and less than 5 years),
• That released their first game on a commercial platform,
• Have the budget/time to work on their current game project
• And have the right mindset to professionalize and learn from experts
• Application deadline: September 15th, 2023

Once I apply, what’s next?

After sending in your application via this form, you’ll have an intake call with the Flanders Game Hub Incubation manager to evaluate your goals, needs and motivation. You’ll then start preparing your pitch. On October 11th, a jury of game industry experts will decide which studios will be selected for each of the coaching programs. Both coaching programs are set to begin in the first week of November, 2023.

Great things ahead! So if you want to up your game as a game entrepreneur and nail that first project, head over to the application page and join. For more information, contact the Flanders Game Hub incubation manager.

Flanders Game Hub was founded by the Department of Media, Howest-DAE, Luca School of Arts, DAE Studios, Hangar K, FLEGA, VAF, VLAIO, and FIT. With the support of various actors in the Flemish video game environment, Flanders Game Hub forms the driving force behind a strong game and entertainment XR industry in Flanders.