History of INDIGO

INDIGO has been a cornerstone of the Dutch and Benelux game industry for over a decade, growing from a small showcase into a premier business event that connects developers, publishers, and investors. Its journey is closely tied to the history of Dutch Game Garden (DGG), an incubator and accelerator that played a key role in shaping the Dutch game development landscape.

The Early Years (2008 – 2015): The Birth of INDIGO

Dutch Game Garden was founded in 2008 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, with a clear mission: to support the growth of the Dutch game industry by fostering talent, entrepreneurship, and innovation. As a hub for game developers, it provided office space, business mentorship, and networking opportunities for emerging studios. Recognizing the need for a platform where developers could showcase their work to a broader audience, DGG launched INDIGO in 2010.

The first edition of INDIGO was a small but ambitious event, featuring a carefully curated selection of Dutch indie games. Held in Utrecht, the event was designed to provide a space for up-and-coming developers to present their projects to industry professionals and the public. A unique aspect of INDIGO was its arcade-style setup, where attendees could walk up to custom-made cabinets and play a variety of innovative Dutch games.

As INDIGO continued through the early 2010s, its reputation grew. It became a highlight for Dutch game developers, with each edition bringing more attention from international publishers and investors. The event became known for its high-quality selection of indie games, reflecting the creative strength of the Dutch game industry. During this period, DGG also helped incubate several successful game studios, reinforcing its role as a driving force behind INDIGO’s growth.

2016 – 2019: INDIGO Expands Beyond a Showcase

By the mid-2010s, the Dutch game industry had gained international recognition, with studios like Vlambeer, Ronimo Games, Abbey Games, and Guerrilla Games making waves in the global market. With this growth, INDIGO evolved from a pure showcase into a more structured business and networking event.

In 2016, INDIGO moved to a larger venue in Utrecht, marking a shift toward a more professional setup. While it retained its indie roots, the event expanded to include pitching sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for game developers, publishers, and investors.

During these years, Dutch Game Garden actively strengthened the business development side of INDIGO. The INDIGO Talks series was introduced, featuring industry veterans and experts discussing trends, challenges, and opportunities in game development. Meanwhile, the matchmaking aspect of the event grew significantly, helping developers connect with publishers, investors, and other stakeholders.

By 2019, INDIGO had become the premier business event for the Dutch game industry. It was no longer just about showcasing games; it had become a key moment for business deals, funding opportunities, and industry networking.

2020 – 2024: Navigating Change and Adapting to a Hybrid Future

The arrival of 2020 brought unexpected challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing many events, including INDIGO, to rethink their approach. In response, INDIGO rapidly adapted by introducing a hybrid event format, blending in-person and digital experiences.

The move to digital components expanded INDIGO’s reach beyond the Benelux, allowing developers from around the world to participate remotely. Matchmaking, talks, and showcases were now accessible online, making the event more inclusive and increasing opportunities for international collaboration.

Dutch Game Garden continued to support INDIGO during this transition, ensuring that the event maintained its high standards of quality and engagement. While many industry events struggled, INDIGO remained a vital meeting point for game professionals, solidifying its reputation as the most important game business event in the Benelux.

As INDIGO matured, Dutch Game Garden gradually shifted its focus toward its core mission: supporting game startups and fostering entrepreneurship. Discussions began about transferring INDIGO to an organization that could further expand its international ambitions.

2025 – Present: INDIGO Under New Leadership

In 2025, INDIGO transitioned from Dutch Game Garden to the Benelux Games Promotional Initiative (BGPI), a foundation dedicated to promoting game development in the Benelux region on the international stage. This shift marked a new chapter in INDIGO’s history, reinforcing its focus on business development, collaboration, and global exposure.

Under the leadership of BGPI, INDIGO continues to expand its international network, attracting publishers, investors, and industry leaders from around the world. With strong support from the Dutch Games Association (DGA), the municipality of Rotterdam, and the Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF), INDIGO has further cemented its position as a must-attend event for game professionals.

As the Benelux game industry continues to grow, INDIGO remains its most important platform—bringing together developers, businesses, and creative minds to shape the future of gaming.