The Dutch Games Association (DGA) has launched a mentor network for the Dutch game industry called Dutch Game Mentors. DGA Chairman Jeroen Derwort kicked off this initiative at Dutch Game Day 2024 in Hilversum. Game professionals and studio owners who want to further grow in their career, get inspired or share lessons learned with seasoned entrepreneurs, can apply for a mentor through this network. In addition, mentors are being sought. Read on to find out what this network can offer you and how you can apply.
Why a mentor network?
Dutch Game Mentors aims to provide professionals and studio owners in the game industry with easier access to knowledge, contacts, and experience. There is a wealth of experience in the Netherlands, but the barrier can be high for newcomers. With Dutch Game Mentors, we aim to address this.
We do not intend to compete with (paid) advisors and consultants, who add value in their own fields of experience. The mentors are generally available for a few hours per year for discussion, coaching and sharing lessons learned. These will be highly valuable hours, as they have faced the same challenges their mentees are dealing with. Those in need of more coaching and advice can turn to other channels.
Dutch Game Mentors is inspired by the mentor network nlgroeit for entrepreneurs and Limit Break UK, a network for game professionals in the United Kingdom. The Netherlands previously did not have a similar initiative for the game industry.
Who is Dutch Game Mentors for?
Dutch Game Mentors is for anyone active in the Dutch game industry, whether as a (freelance) professional or as a studio owner. The mentor network is relevant for both beginners and experienced professionals. We believe that everyone can benefit from having a mentor to brainstorm with.
Anyone developing games in the Netherlands or for a Dutch branch of a company is eligible to request a mentor.
Both studio owners and (freelance) professionals can apply, with our goal being to provide mentoring across the board. This means that there are game company founders with backgrounds in applied, entertainment, or independent game development, who will share their experiences about different phases of building up a studio, professionalization, fund raising, etc.
Professionals can, for example, learn from producers, programmers, game designers, artists, marketers, and sound designers/composers who are further along in their careers.
Students are currently excluded from requesting a mentor. The reason is that it would demand too much capacity from our mentors, and educational institutions already provide guidance. We advise students who want a mentor to either graduate first or build a strong enough track record for us to make an exception.
Why the Dutch Games Association?
As an industry association, the DGA’s goal is to further support the Dutch games industry. The mentor network aligns well with this goal.
Additionally, the DGA has extensive connections with Dutch game studios and professionals who are members, ensuring that we can attract the best mentors.
What does Dutch Game Mentors do?
Dutch Game Mentors provides access to the network of mentors and handles the matchmaking process.
Anyone wanting a mentor can apply through the application form. A matchmaker will review the request and evaluate it. In consultation with the mentee, a mentor will then be found to match their profile. They are paired, and a guide is shared to ensure the mentoring process runs smoothly.
The mentor and mentee will then shape their own process, making mutual agreements on how to structure their contact.
Who are the mentors?
The mentors participating in the program collectively bring a wealth of practical experience that they are eager to share with emerging game talent. At launch, the network consists of 26 mentors and will be further expanded.
All mentors have at least 8 years of experience in the games industry and are recognized as authorities in their fields. These mentors offer their knowledge and experience on a voluntary basis, for which we are very grateful.
Among the mentors are experienced indie entrepreneurs, scale-up studio owners like Peter de Jong (Behaviour), Joost van Dongen (Galaxy Grove), Koen Deetman (KeokeN Interactive), and Rami Ismail (Vlambeer).
From the applied games sector, mentors like Olivier Hokke (Game Tailors) and Emily Jacometti (Flavour) are connected to the network.
Game professionals in specific areas can also find a mentor. For instance, if you want to brainstorm with an experienced Game Producer, you might be matched with Sly Emenike (CoolGames) or Alex Rietveld (Miniclip).
Visit the website for the full list of mentors in the network. Interested in becoming a mentor? You can find more information here.
How do I request a mentor?
Are you a (freelance) professional or studio owner in the Dutch game industry and want to be matched with one of the mentors in the network? Visit the website and submit an application. Whether you can be matched depends on the availability of the mentors.
You do not need to be a member of the Dutch Games Association to request a mentor, although we would of course appreciate it.
This was the earlier announcement of the mentor network for Dutch Game Day.