8Bit/Digi

During the second day of the Game Developers Conference, a small group of journalists and analysts were invited to join a group from Belgium’s game industry for a special lunch event at Hakkasan.

We were all guest of Wim Sohier, the Science & Tech Counselor of the Consulate General of Belgium in San Francisco and the Flanders Investment & Trade organization (which also included representatives from the Flanders D.C.). This was an opportunity to meet all the key players and leaders of Belgium’s game industry in the Flanders Region and to highlight the work Unity has been doing in the country.

The lunch event started with guests meeting up in the Dragon Room for a short networking over some champagne. Sohier arrived and took the time to personally learn more about his guests. Other journalists took the time to develop a relationship with the delegation.

Prior to the start of our meal; Global Director of Evangelism for Unity Technologies Carl Callewaret gave a speech highlighting the work the company has been doing for the Belgium game industry. Most notably how 70% of the game studios in the region use Unity (including 60% of all AR/VR titles). He also noted the engines many uses outside the gaming industry.

This was followed by a speech by David Verbruggen that highlighted the growth of the game industry in Belgium and need to promote more creativity. He also encouraged everyone to visit the Flanders Investment & Trade booth on the Expo floor.

With the presentations having come to an end, it was time for us to enjoy our meal. Besides enjoying the delicious selections, the media guests got to mingle with representatives of the Flanders Investment & Trade and the Flanders D.C.

This special report is part of 8Bit/Digi‘s coverage of the Game Developers Conference 2019. If you attended the event, please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: GDC provided me with press credentials for the week.