Your own game. One step further.

What is an indie game?

Indie games are computer games made by small, independent developers or development studios. The term comes from independent. These games are created by a single developer or a small development team.

Indie games are often artistic and innovative. Their developers work with limited financial resources, while facing fewer restrictions on their creativity.

Students developing their own indie game can do so with GameLab’s help, provided they meet a number of conditions.

Indie games and GameLab

At GameLab, you can work on your own indie game. You can do so as an internship or graduation project, or alongside your studies, for example during the Game Development & Simulation (GDS) specialisation. We want to give students the space to turn their creativity, drive and enthusiasm into a game that can be published for a wider audience.

The lab provides a workplace, structure, expert guidance and the contacts you need when you release your game.

Please note that not every student or game qualifies for GameLab support. Space is limited, and we only support projects that we believe have potential.

Read more below about the conditions for developing your own indie game at GameLab.

My indie game at GameLab?

When does your indie game qualify for GameLab support? These are the criteria to consider.

• You must already have at least a prototype of your game. This allows us to assess whether the concept you want to develop has potential. A game created during the Game Development minor is a good example of a suitable prototype.
• The game you work on must have a realistic scope.
• You must be your game’s principal developer. Team members may support you; in most cases, this is essential.
• You must be prepared to work on your game without an internship allowance. GameLab cannot pay an allowance when you are developing your own project.
• You must be willing and able to work at our Dutch Innovation Factory location every day. Remote working is only permitted to a limited extent.
• Bring your own hardware and software. We provide desks and docking stations, but you need your own laptop. As a student, you have licences for the main software you need, such as Unity, Unreal and Godot.
• Any internship or graduation placement must still be approved by your university’s placement office. This may be The Hague University of Applied Sciences or another institution.
• Your aim must be to finish and publish your game. This does not have to happen during your internship, but we want you to think about publication, whether free or commercial, as this should be the ultimate goal of every project supported by GameLab.
• You must be interested in the games industry and aspire to work in it. This is understood broadly: applied games, simulation, XR/VR, creative professions and gamification all count. We ask this because GameLab will offer you opportunities in this industry, which therefore need to be relevant to you.
• If you are completing a graduation internship through The Hague University of Applied Sciences, you must have your own company. This can be a sole proprietorship, which is relatively straightforward to set up. You also need a client, who may be someone helping with your project. GameLab acts only as a facilitator, providing a workplace and industry mentoring. The company you work for is your own studio.

These conditions apply if you need intensive guidance and a workplace. You are always welcome to drop in for advice.