In July 2005, Alexander Fernandez (Streamline Studios) and Tommy Goffin are first introduced.  Soon after, they realize that they both share a similar interest in creating a unified organization that can represent, stimulate and ultimately leverage the knowledge and know-how throughout the fledgling Benelux Games Industry.  During this time, Robert Bol (Sandfire), Seth Van Der Meer (NLGD), and Pieter Slingerland (Coded Illusions) meet with Tommy and Alexander, and expressed a similar vision.  Together with Hector Fernandez and Harpp Seble (Streamline Studios), preparation for an initiative that is dedicated to the sole purpose of assisting in “putting the Benelux on the map” begins to take form.

In February 2006, the name for the organization is formalized and the Benelux Game Initiative (BGIn) is born.

IMPORTANT DATES
March 2006, Tommy and Alexander are invited to Malmo to represent BGIn during the creation of the EGDF (European Game Developer Federation).  BGIn becomes one of the seven founding members that form the initiative, along with Tiga (UK), APOM (France), GAME (Germany/Austria), Producentforeningen (Dk), Spelplan-ASGD (Swe), and Neogames (Fin).  

The federation represents about 500 studios based in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy,  the Netherlands, and the Nordic Countries, which together employ over 15,500 people.

May 2006, the first public meeting for BGIn occurs in Bilzen, Belgium.  A large number of Benelux developers support the initiative in attendance and contribute with feedback and discussion in conjunction with various partners and supporters to show the need for the organization

June 2006, the official publication of the Benelux Game Initiative bylaws occurs, and BGIn VZW is officially born.

November 2006, BGIn supports the NLGD and lays the ground work for establishing partnerships with both regional and international conferences and conventions.  To date, BGIn has secured discounts for the Game Developers Conference (GDC – San Francisco), Game Connection (GC – San Francisco / Tokyo / Lyon), Games Conference Developers Conference (GCDC - Leipzig) and loads of regional seminars or events such as Noorderslag and the Amsterdam Dance Event.   

March 2007, BGIn organizes the first international showcase of the Benelux Games Industry at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.  The show is a great success and BGIn moves towards establishing greater representation for BGIn members world-wide with governmental support from the EVD and Flanders Investment and Trade.

May 2007, after only one year as an established entity, BGIn memberships top 35, and registered users reach 370.

June 2007,  BGIn hosts its first General Assembly at the offices of Coded Illusions in Rotterdam to elect the first board of BGIn.  Sigurd De Keyser, Pieter Slingerland, Tommy Goffin, Hector Fernandez, and Frank van Oirscho are elected.

September 2007, with continued support of BGIn the EGDF effectively lobbies the EU Media program to include “innovative” interactive works as part of the Media 2007 file, effectively creating an EU Game Prototype fund.  We are very happy to announce that MEDIA 2007 support is now available for “innovating” interactive works for computers, mobile phones, handhelds and game consoles.  – This is a major victory for BGIn members and the EGDF

December 2007, through direct efforts of the EGDF, the EU announces that video games are culture, and eligible for the same production credits as film and television!  A European wide Production Credit up to 35% (as determined by each country) for all production costs related to the development of IP is announced.  BGIn begins working with the Ministry of Culture to ensure that Benelux game developers are entitled to the full amount.
 
December, 12th 2007, BGIn hosts a Christmas borrel and the new interactive portal is unveiled.