Belgian, French Game Companies Form New Non-Profit Collective

A collection of twenty game-related companies from Northern France and Belgium have formed a new non-profit organization devoted to "enhancing business opportunities in the region." Game IN, as the organization is called, includes leading French studio and Dofus developer Ankama, accessory maker Bigben Interactive, game-focused school Supinfogames and other publishers, distributors and independent studios with over €250 million in combined annual revenues. "We are centered in one of the most active regions in France for games, especially in terms of revenues and new business opportunities," said Game IN president and Bigben head of software Benoit Clerc. "Our potential of growth needs to be encouraged, showcased, and confirmed through a non-profit structure gathering games professionals in the Euro region." New operational director Mark Lavigne will guide the organization's day-to-day efforts to establish a communal gameplay testing lab for members, as well as setting up training courses, investment events and other information-sharing get-togethers. A 2009 study by GamesIndustry.com found the platform makeup of the French and Belgian game markets very similar to those in the U.S. and England, with slightly more focus on console play in France. But an August 2009 study saw those countries lagging well behind the U.S. in terms of the proportion of the population that plays games.