Breda Game City: René Otto speaks
In a city with so much gaming talent, the opportunities are abundant. René Otto felt that it was time to seize them with both hands. With Breda Game City, he aims to put Breda on the international video game map, as a significant home base for gaming talent. “By contributing to the development of game studios in the city, we hope to retain the talent here,” René explains. “And also to attract other gaming companies here.”
Why do those opportunities for the game industry lie specifically in Breda?
“Breda University of Applied Sciences is one of the best game design schools in the world. This means that students from all over the world come to Breda to pursue a game education here. Unfortunately, many of them move to large, well-known game studios after their studies – and therefore away from Breda."
Yet there are also many graduates who do not want to work for a large game company. They prefer to use the techniques they have learned for their own business, but often do not know where to start. This is where Breda Game City comes in. It is up to us to create an ecosystem and establish partnerships. And to create facilities to make it easier for young talent to start a business here.”
What makes Breda such a nice city to work in for the game industry?
“You really find a piece of Brabant's conviviality here. Breda has all the amenities of a city, but it is not as crowded as the Randstad. Everything feels a bit closer here. This fits in nicely with the character of the game industry. We like to connect with each other. Competition or competitiveness? That's not something we know here."
In Breda, everything feels a bit closer. This aligns well with the character of the gaming industry, where we like to gather together.
What is the vision of Breda Game City?
“We want game studios to be more successful, happier, and healthier here. Thanks to the friendly character of Breda and the opportunities offered by BUas, many studios can collaborate here in a pleasant and successful way. In addition to BUas, the Municipality of Breda is also involved as a partner. Breda has the ambition to become the hub of the south for applied technology and creativity. The different puzzle pieces are there – now it's a matter of connecting them together."
The culture at Breda Game City is very friendly and affable. But at the same time, there is a real 'no-nonsense' mentality here. We are passionate doers. The Breda character is mostly reflected in how we interact with each other. It's warm, open, and personal. This fits nicely with gaming culture. Here, we are more likely to greet each other with a high-five or a hug rather than a handshake."
What does Breda Game City actually contribute to the city?
"While individual companies focus primarily on their own business, we focus on the development of the city. We create facilities by bringing together a network. We truly focus on the city, the region, and the needs of the companies based here.
The added value for the city? As the number of game studios in Breda grows, employment also increases. The more studios there are, the better the city's economy fares. By retaining talent here, we stimulate innovation in Breda. For example, elements that originate in games are also being applied in healthcare. So, it is also beneficial for the city's knowledge level."
What message would you like to convey to young talent?
"Do you dream of working in the game industry but don't know where to start? We are here to help you. And everyone is welcome, even if you have a completely different background. As long as you have a passion for gaming and want to do something with it, you are in the right place with us. Together, we make it possible!"
