What opportunities are there for Breda as a game city?
"The gaming and tech industry is growing rapidly; many people are employed in it and there is a lot of development happening quickly. Breda has great potential as a game city, especially considering the presence of educational institutions with tech and creative disciplines at BUas, Avans, Rooi Pannen, KMA, and St. Joost School of Art & Design. This mindset should be promoted much more! It is important to encourage multidisciplinary collaboration and leverage the overlap between different creative sectors, such as film, animation, and games. There is recognition from the municipality, and Playgrounds' focus is to increase these opportunities."

Tell me. What does Playgrounds do to make this connection?
“Playgrounds is an institution and platform that connects international creative communities in the fields of illustration, animation, games, digital design and art. Our goal is to increase creative self-confidence, skills, knowledge and inclusivity within the creative industry. Our events bring people from all corners of the industry together: from creators to teachers and students. I enjoy bringing these communities together and sharing knowledge with each other. In Breda, we have already organised events in many different places, such as at Pier15, in the Koepel and in Chassé.”  

Why is collaboration so important for the gaming industry?
“In gaming, collaboration is always crucial. For example, between sound designers, developers, storytellers and designers. If we want to put Breda on the map as a gaming city, the collaboration between educational institutions and companies is also important. We shouldn't leave everyone isolated, but instead create a larger whole together. We have ambitions for this city, and to build a solid foundation, you need to be visible. The snowball has been made and can now start rolling. Hopefully, this will allow us to organise more events in Breda.”

Why is the gaming and tech industry growing?
"Eighty percent of the Netherlands plays games. There is a whole generation that thinks in playful learning. Games don't have to be just entertaining; when you play a game, you also learn problem-solving. Games can be used in a lot of ways. If a student doesn't quite shine in the classroom at school, it may very well be that they flourish once they play a game."

What is your wish for Breda as a gaming city?
"My wish for Breda is that it becomes a significant player in the field of gaming applications. I hope for product developments, a vibrant market, and a good flow of students into jobs within Breda. The groundwork has been laid, and I hope the city continues this positive development and puts itself on the map internationally as a hub for gaming and technology."

Photos: Willeke Machiels