GamingWorks
GamingWorks BV is a Dutch vendor of proprietary business simulations (serious games) for ITSM, DevOps, Agile/SAFe, and project management training, delivered globally through a network of 200+ certified partners and 350 trainers across 40+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersBodegraven, Netherlands
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What GamingWorks does
GamingWorks BV is a Dutch private company that designs, develops, and licenses professional business simulations (serious games) used for organizational learning and behavioral change in IT Service Management, DevOps, Agile/Scaled Agile, project management, SIAM, and IT4IT contexts. Its portfolio comprises 13+ proprietary simulations — including Apollo 13 (ITSM), The Phoenix Project (DevOps), MarsLander (next-generation ITSM), Fly4You (SAFe), Challenge of Egypt (project management), Hollywood Dreams (SIAM), CarGO (ITSM essentials), and UBanQ (IT4IT) — built around an experiential learning methodology that combines the proprietary 8-fields evaluation model (derived from Kirkpatrick's four levels) with Kolb's DO-REFLECT-THINK-DECIDE learning cycle and the ABC (Attitude, Behavior, Culture) assessment instrument. Simulations run as multi-round facilitated workshops delivered by certified trainers.
GamingWorks operates an exclusively indirect go-to-market model: it does not sell directly to end customers but instead licenses simulations and runs Train the Trainer certification programs for a global network of 200+ certified partners and 350 trainers across 40+ countries, who deliver the simulations locally with local-language capability. Revenue streams comprise simulation licensing/royalties from partners, Train the Trainer certification fees, and bespoke "Games on Demand" custom simulation development. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; multi-year partner contracts are the norm.
The company is founder-owned and operated by Jan Schilt (MSc HRD), who serves as Owner/Director and architect of the simulation portfolio, supported by a small core team of 1-10 employees based in Amsterdam. Strategic alliances with standards and certification bodies — including Scaled Agile Inc. (Platform Partner), APMG International, DASA Global (Ambassador), and large training resellers such as HPE Education and ITpreneurs — anchor the distribution ecosystem. Marquee end-customer references include Airbus, ING, NXP Semiconductors, Nationale-Nederlanden, Axios Systems, BMC Software, and the University of Texas Health Science Center, typically delivered through partner-led engagements.
GamingWorks firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- GamingWorks
- Legal name
- GamingWorks BV
- Website
- https://gamingworks.nl
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- GamingWorks BV is a Dutch vendor of proprietary business simulations (serious games) for ITSM, DevOps, Agile/SAFe, and project management training, delivered globally through a network of 200+ certified partners and 350 trainers across 40+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
GamingWorks industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Business Simulations / Experiential Learning
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (51321)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Serious Games & Simulation Studios (Training, Defense, Enterprise) (MPAFAAAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Simulation, Scenario & Serious Games Design (EDAGAKAH)
Keywords
Where GamingWorks is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bodegraven
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
GamingWorks business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Simulation Licensing to Partners: GamingWorks licenses their business simulations to certified partners worldwide who pay for the right to deliver simulations to their customers.
- Train the Trainer Certification: GamingWorks certifies trainers through Train the Trainer programs, enabling partners to deliver simulations independently. Certification programs run globally including open sessions in Netherlands, USA, China, Mexico, Finland.
- Custom Simulation Development (Games on Demand): GamingWorks offers custom simulation development services for organizations needing tailored learning solutions. Referenced as 'Games on Demand' in sitemap.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom B2B pricing through partner network |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
GamingWorks product offering
Product offeringCore offering
GamingWorks designs, develops and licenses a portfolio of professional business simulations (serious games) used to drive behavioral change and business results in IT Service Management, DevOps, Agile/SAFe, Project Management, SIAM and IT4IT programs. Simulations are sold through more than 200 certified partners and 350 trainers worldwide, who deliver them in face-to-face and online formats under license. The company also runs Train the Trainer certification and offers custom simulation development ("Games on Demand") to tailor scenarios for specific organizational needs.
Product overview
GamingWorks develops serious business games and simulations for organizational learning and development. The portfolio consists of 13 distinct simulation products covering IT Service Management (Apollo 13, CarGO, MarsLander), DevOps (Phoenix Project variants), Project Management (Challenge of Egypt), Business Agility (Fly4You/SAFe), SIAM (Hollywood Dreams), and IT4IT (UBanQ). Some simulations offer online variants. All products follow a 'learning-by-doing' approach with multi-round game mechanics, reflection cycles, and customizable objectives delivered through a worldwide network of 200+ certified partners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Apollo 13 – An ITSM Case Experience A NASA-themed business simulation in which participants manage Mission Control and guide a crew through the Apollo 13 crisis, learning ITSM best practices, customer focus, and team communication across 4 rounds covering launch, moon trajectory, and splashdown. Designed for IT service management teams adopting ITIL and rolling out ITSM tooling. Format: 1 day, 8–12 participants.
- CarGO – IT Service Management Essentials An IT Service Management essentials simulation for teams learning the fundamentals of ITSM processes (incident, problem, change, and service level management). Used as a foundational learning experience for IT teams new to ITSM frameworks.
- Challenge of Egypt – Agile Project Management An Agile project management simulation themed around building the Egyptian pyramids, used to teach Agile project management principles through experiential gameplay and reflection cycles. Aimed at project teams and PMOs adopting Agile delivery.
- Challenge of Egypt – Traditional Project Management Traditional/waterfall version of the Challenge of Egypt simulation, teaching Prince2-style project management methodologies and project governance through gamified learning. For PMOs and project managers working in plan-driven environments.
- Fly4You – Business Agility (SAFe) Simulation A business agility simulation built on the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), enabling teams to experience and practice scaling Agile across the organization. Certified by Scaled Agile Inc. and delivered through certified partners.
- Hollywood Dreams – SIAM Simulation A Service Integration and Management (SIAM) simulation themed around the entertainment industry, teaching multi-vendor service management, service integration, and governance across supplier ecosystems. Aimed at organizations managing complex outsourced service portfolios.
- MarsLander – Next Generation IT Service Management (face-to-face and online) An advanced ITSM simulation focusing on next-generation, agile service management aligned with ITIL 4 principles. Teaches teams to translate ITIL 4 principles into behaviors and practices. Offered in face-to-face format and as a separate online variant for remote teams.
- The Phoenix Project – DevOps Simulation (face-to-face, online, and business variants) A DevOps-focused business simulation based on The Phoenix Project novel, teaching DevOps principles, practices, and cultural transformation for IT operations teams. Delivered in face-to-face and online formats, with a separate Phoenix Project for Business variant for non-technical business stakeholders.
- UBanQ – IT4IT Business Simulation A business simulation built on the IT4IT reference architecture, teaching value chain management and IT service orchestration concepts. For IT organizations adopting IT4IT as a reference model for managing the IT value stream.
- Train the Trainer Certification Program A certification program in which GamingWorks trains and certifies partner trainers to deliver its business simulations, granting Train the Trainer credentials required to run simulations under license. Open enrollment sessions are run in the Netherlands, USA, China, Mexico, and Finland.
- Custom Simulation Development (Games on Demand) A bespoke simulation development service for organizations needing tailored learning solutions, branded internally as "Games on Demand". GamingWorks builds customized business games aligned to specific organizational challenges, frameworks, or transformation programs.
Quantifiable outcome
- 70-80% of organizations fail to achieve hoped-for benefits from traditional ITIL/ITSM training investments — GamingWorks simulations address this gap by focusing on behavior change and business results
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use GamingWorks
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
GamingWorks technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature10 records
GamingWorks partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, regional and major.
- Scaled Agile Inc.coreGamingWorks is a Scaled Agile Platform Partner and offers Fly4You, a SAFe-certified business simulation. The partnership enables delivery of Scaled Agile Framework training through experiential learning.
- OGD ict-dienstenregionalNew partnership with OGD ict-diensten for delivering business simulations in the Netherlands.
- DASA GlobalcoreGamingWorks became a DASA Global Ambassador, supporting the DevOps Agile Skills Association's mission to advance DevOps and Agile skills globally.
- HPE EducationmajorHPE Education became a global partner for The Phoenix Project DevOps simulation, enabling HPE to deliver the simulation as part of their global training offerings.
- Ranger4majorRanger4 was the first partner to deliver The Phoenix Project simulation, marking the launch of this product in the market.
- TecnoforregionalTecnofor became a GamingWorks partner for Spain, delivering simulations in the Spanish market.
- APMG InternationalcoreGamingWorks signed an agreement with APMG International, a leading examination and certification body for professional frameworks.
- ITpreneursmajorGamingWorks and ITpreneurs signed a partner agreement for delivering business simulations globally.
- OrdinamajorOrdina became a GamingWorks reseller, offering business simulations to their consulting clients in the Dutch and Belgian markets.
- Pink Elephant (ITSM Extreme Makeover)coreGamingWorks participated in the 2011 ITSM Extreme Makeover sponsored by Pink Elephant, Hornbill, HDI, Loyalist, and GamingWorks. The program transformed UTHSC into a customer-focused IT organization.
- Axios SystemsmajorAxios Systems integrated the Apollo 13 simulation into their ITSM tool implementation methodology. The EVP of Axios Systems North America provided a testimonial about using Apollo 13 with their sales and delivery teams.
- BMC SoftwaremajorBMC Software embraced GamingWorks simulations and added an Apollo 13 movie to their website as part of their ITSM enablement materials.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
GamingWorks competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Riverwood Solutions: Management consulting firm with simulation-led offerings for supply chain and operations improvement. Partial overlap with GamingWorks in simulation-based learning methodology, focused on operations use cases rather than IT frameworks.
Broad incumbents
- Pink Elephant: Established ITSM training and consulting firm that is both a GamingWorks partner and a broader ITSM/ITIL training incumbent. Overlaps in ITSM training delivery but offers a much wider portfolio of non-simulation services (consulting, certifications, conferences).
- Skillsoft: Large-scale corporate learning platform providing IT, leadership, and compliance training via digital content. Broad incumbent in enterprise L&D with overlapping buyers (IT departments, training managers) but very different delivery model (digital content vs. facilitated simulations).
- Learning Tree International: Long-established IT and management training provider serving enterprises with instructor-led courses. Overlaps with GamingWorks in IT training buyers but competes via traditional instructor-led delivery rather than experiential simulations.
- Wilson Learning: Global sales and leadership development company combining assessments, workshops, and experiential elements. Adjacent in the experiential-learning-for-organizational-change category, with a stronger focus on sales/leadership than IT frameworks.
Direct peers
- Forio: US-based online platform for building and delivering business simulations and strategy games. Comparable as an enablement layer for serious-game-style learning, with a stronger online/self-service orientation than GamingWorks.
- Inchainge: Dutch-based developer of serious business games and simulations (e.g., The Fresh Connection, The Cool Connection) focused on supply chain and value chain learning. Same Netherlands origin, similar channel-based GTM, same serious-games-for-enterprise-training category.
- Capsim: Provider of business simulations (Capstone, Foundations) used widely in business schools and corporate L&D. Comparable business model of licensed simulation products delivered through certified facilitators for experiential learning.
- Smartsims (Marketplace Simulations): Developer of Marketplace and other business simulations licensed to business schools and corporate trainers. Same product category (business simulations), same licensing model, same facilitator-delivered experiential learning.
- BTS Group: Swedish-founded global leader in business simulations and experiential learning for strategy execution and leadership development. Most directly comparable to GamingWorks in combining proprietary simulation IP with a global delivery network serving enterprises.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
GamingWorks social profiles
Digital presenceGamingWorks financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
GamingWorks leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
GamingWorks funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
GamingWorks M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about GamingWorks
What does GamingWorks do?
GamingWorks designs, develops and licenses a portfolio of professional business simulations (serious games) used to drive behavioral change and business results in IT Service Management, DevOps, Agile/SAFe, Project Management, SIAM and IT4IT programs. Simulations are sold through more than 200 certified partners and 350 trainers worldwide, who deliver them in face-to-face and online formats under license. The company also runs Train the Trainer certification and offers custom simulation development ("Games on Demand") to tailor scenarios for specific organizational needs.
Is GamingWorks a public or private company?
GamingWorks is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was GamingWorks founded?
GamingWorks was founded in 2003. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is GamingWorks based?
GamingWorks is headquartered in Bodegraven, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does GamingWorks make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Simulation Licensing to Partners are the primary driver. The others are train the Trainer Certification and custom Simulation Development (Games on Demand).
Who are GamingWorks's main competitors?
Riverwood Solutions is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Pink Elephant, Skillsoft, Learning Tree International and Wilson Learning. Direct peers are Forio, Inchainge, Capsim, Smartsims (Marketplace Simulations) and BTS Group.
Does GamingWorks have an API?
No public API is recorded for GamingWorks.
What industry is GamingWorks in?
GamingWorks's product category is Business Simulations / Experiential Learning. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAAAH, Serious Games & Simulation Studios (Training, Defense, Enterprise), with a secondary code of EDAGAKAH, Simulation, Scenario & Serious Games Design. Its NAICS code is 51321 and its SIC code is 7372.