Belgian Game Developers Making Waves

When it comes to mobile game development, Belgium may not be the first country that springs to mind. However, in recent years, Belgian developers have been making significant inroads in the global gaming market, creating innovative titles that are garnering international acclaim.

From indie studios operating out of converted warehouses in Brussels to established teams in Antwerp and Ghent, Belgium's game development scene is thriving like never before. In this article, we'll spotlight some of the Belgian studios that are making waves in the mobile gaming world and explore what makes their games special.

Larian Studios: From PC Powerhouse to Mobile Innovation

While Ghent-based Larian Studios is primarily known for its critically acclaimed PC RPGs like Divinity: Original Sin and Baldur's Gate 3, the company has been making strategic moves into the mobile space with impressive results.

Their mobile adaptation of Divinity: Original Sin 2 for iPads showcased that complex, deep RPG experiences can thrive on touchscreen devices when thoughtfully designed. Building on this success, Larian has recently established a dedicated mobile team to develop original IPs specifically for smartphones and tablets.

"We've always believed that great storytelling and deep gameplay can work on any platform," says Swen Vincke, founder of Larian Studios. "Our venture into mobile gaming isn't about simplifying our approach—it's about reimagining how complex games can work with touch controls and on-the-go play sessions."

Their upcoming mobile-exclusive title, Rivenhall Chronicles, promises to bring a tactical RPG experience to smartphones with a unique Belgian twist, incorporating elements of Flemish folklore and history.

LuGus Studios: Pioneering Drone Racing Games

Hasselt-based LuGus Studios has carved out a unique niche in the mobile gaming market with their acclaimed drone racing simulator, Liftoff: Micro Drones. What began as a PC simulation has evolved into one of the most popular mobile drone racing games, with over 2 million downloads worldwide.

The studio's success stems from their close collaboration with professional drone pilots and manufacturers, ensuring an authentic experience that appeals to both casual gamers and drone enthusiasts.

"Belgium has a surprisingly active drone racing community," explains Kevin Haelterman, co-founder of LuGus Studios. "We've been able to tap into that expertise while developing our games, which gives us an edge in creating realistic physics and flight models."

Their innovative use of smartphone gyroscopic controls has been particularly praised, offering an intuitive control scheme that mimics real drone controllers. The studio is now expanding into AR drone experiences, allowing players to race virtual drones through real-world environments using their phone cameras.

Fishing Cactus: Educational Gaming Pioneers

Mons-based Fishing Cactus has established itself as a leader in educational mobile games that don't sacrifice entertainment value. Their award-winning typing adventure game Epistory made a successful transition to mobile, where its innovative typing mechanics were reimagined for touchscreens.

The studio's mobile adaptation of Algo Bot, a puzzle game that teaches programming concepts, has been adopted by schools across Belgium and France as a teaching tool. What sets Fishing Cactus apart is their commitment to making learning genuinely engaging.

"We don't see educational games and entertainment as separate categories," says Bruno Urbain, CEO of Fishing Cactus. "The best learning happens when people are having fun and don't even realize they're developing new skills."

Their latest mobile release, Nanotale Pocket, continues this tradition by blending adventure gameplay with typing mechanics that improve language skills. The game features Belgian linguistic elements, celebrating the country's multilingual heritage.

Crazy Monkey Studios: Reinventing Belgian Comics for Mobile

Antwerp-based Crazy Monkey Studios has found success by tapping into Belgium's rich comic book tradition. Their mobile game Guns, Gore & Cannoli: Pocket Mafia translates the distinctive visual style of Belgian comics into an action-packed mobile experience.

The studio has secured partnerships with established Belgian comic publishers to bring beloved characters to mobile platforms, introducing these cultural icons to new international audiences.

"Belgium has this incredible comic heritage that's well-known in Europe but hasn't fully broken through globally," says Jeroen Janssen, co-founder of Crazy Monkey Studios. "Mobile games give us a chance to introduce these characters and artistic styles to players worldwide."

Their upcoming collaboration with comic artist Brecht Evens will bring his distinctive watercolor style to a narrative adventure game, showcasing how Belgian artistic traditions can be reimagined for interactive media.

PreviewLabs: The Rapid Prototyping Specialists

Ghent-based PreviewLabs has established a unique position in the Belgian game development ecosystem as rapid prototyping specialists. Founded by Bernard Francois, the company helps other developers quickly test gameplay ideas before committing to full production.

This innovative approach has made them an essential partner for many successful Belgian mobile games, allowing developers to iterate quickly and find the fun in their concepts.

"Mobile games need to hook players within seconds," explains Francois. "Our prototyping process helps developers identify what works and what doesn't before they invest in full development. It's about failing fast and pivoting to success."

Beyond their work with other studios, PreviewLabs has begun developing their own mobile titles, with their debut game Pixel Prophets combining AR technology with location-based gameplay to turn Belgian cities into virtual playgrounds.

The Secret to Belgian Success

What unites these diverse studios is a distinctly Belgian approach to game development that emphasizes quality over quantity, cultural authenticity, and thoughtful innovation. Several factors have contributed to the country's emergence as a mobile gaming hub:

Government Support

The Belgian Tax Shelter for video games, introduced in 2023, provides significant tax incentives for game development, allowing studios to take more creative risks. Regional grants from Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels provide additional funding opportunities.

Strong Education Pipeline

Digital Arts and Entertainment at Howest University and game development programs at other Belgian institutions have created a steady supply of talented developers who understand both the technical and artistic aspects of game creation.

Collaborative Culture

Belgium's compact size facilitates collaboration between studios, with regular meetups in major cities allowing developers to share knowledge and resources. The FLEGA (Flemish Games Association) and its Wallonian counterpart WALGA have been instrumental in building this community.

International Perspective

As a multilingual country at the heart of Europe, Belgian developers naturally think internationally, designing games that can appeal across cultural boundaries while still maintaining distinctive Belgian elements.

Looking to the Future

As mobile gaming continues to evolve, Belgian developers are positioning themselves at the forefront of emerging trends. Several studios are exploring the intersection of mobile gaming with location-based technologies, leveraging Belgium's dense urban centers and historical landmarks.

The integration of Belgian cultural elements—from its surrealist art tradition to its medieval history—provides these games with unique flavors that help them stand out in crowded app stores.

With continued government support, a growing talent pool, and increasing international recognition, Belgium's mobile game development scene is poised for even greater success in the coming years. The country's studios have demonstrated that small teams can make a big impact when they combine technical expertise with cultural authenticity and innovative gameplay.

For gamers looking for something fresh and different in the mobile space, keeping an eye on releases from these Belgian studios promises to be rewarding. And for aspiring developers, Belgium's thriving game development ecosystem offers inspiring examples of how to succeed in the competitive mobile gaming market while staying true to local roots.