Digital Game Technology

Digital Game Technology (DGT) is a Dutch manufacturer of digital chess clocks, electronic chess boards, chess computers and related chess accessories. Based in the Netherlands, the company has been producing the official chess clock of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) since 1993 and describes itself as the global market leader in chess equipment. Its products are sold through retailers and distributors in more than 120 countries, spanning chess specialty stores, online shops, department stores, toy stores and general games outlets. DGT's origins lie in the mid-1980s, when Ben Bulsink, then a student at the University of Twente, built an early digital chess clock that was praised in the Dutch chess federation's magazine as "the perfect chess clock." The handmade device was too expensive for series production, and only around 60 units were made. A few years later Albert Vasse learned that the Amber blind chess tournament in Monaco wanted to use Fischer timing; together with Bulsink he approached tournament sponsor Joop van Oosterom with an offer to build such clocks. This led to the first affordable digital chess clock, which in 1993 became the official FIDE chess clock. The company has since built a broad range of digital chess clocks, boards and other chess-related digital accessories. DGT's product line includes chess clocks such as the DGT1500, DGT2010, DGT2500 (Official FIDE Chess Clock), DGT3000 (FIDE Championship Clock), DGT1001, DGT1002 Bonus Chess Timer, DGT Echo talking chess clock and the DGT North American game timer; home-use electronic boards; electronic chess pieces; chess computers; non-electronic chess sets; tournament e-boards; and bags and cases. The introduction of electronic chess boards caused another revolution in chess, allowing millions of fans to follow tournaments live over the internet and to play online, against chess computers or for training at home using real boards and pieces. DGT positions itself around innovation, quality, sustainability and user experience, aiming to merge the traditional game of chess with 21st-century technology. The company states its mission is to connect people through the power of play with chess products that support a healthy, active mind. It also runs operator seminars and certification for its e-boards, and has served as official chess equipment partner for events such as the GothamChess European Tour 2026.

Digital Game Technology (DGT) traces its origins to the mid-1980s, when Ben Bulsink, then a student at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, built the first digital chess clock. The clock was reviewed in the magazine of the Dutch chess federation as "the perfect chess clock." However, it was handmade and too expensive for production; ultimately only about 60 units of this model were built. A few years later, Albert Vasse learned that the Amber blind chess tournament in Monaco wanted to use Fischer timing. Together with Bulsink, Vasse approached tournament sponsor Joop van Oosterom with an offer to build such clocks. This resulted in the first affordable digital chess clock. In 1993, this DGT clock became the official FIDE chess clock, endorsed by the World Chess Federation. Since then, the company has built a product range of digital chess clocks, boards and other chess-related digital accessories. DGT introduced digital clocks to the chess world at a time when only analogue clocks were used. Since 1993 it has been making the "Official FIDE Chess Clock," and DGT clocks are described by the company as the world's bestselling chess clocks, used everywhere. With the introduction of electronic chess boards, DGT caused another revolution in the chess world: millions of chess lovers can now follow chess tournaments live via the internet. At home, chess fans use the boards to play online, play against chess computers or for training purposes. The company argues that playing chess on a real DGT board with real pieces is a much better experience than looking at a screen. DGT has continued to bring innovative products to the world of chess and describes itself as the global market leader. It states that it challenges status quo thinking to develop new ideas and great products to start the next chess revolution. At DGT, the traditional game of chess is merged with 21st-century technology, creating high-quality products with a focus on user experience, quality and modern design. The company strives to add fun, fairness and excitement to the game and to enhance the experience of its customers. DGT products can be purchased through retailers and distributors in more than 120 countries and in a wide variety of markets: from chess specialty stores to online stores, from department stores to toy stores and from general games stores to many other types of outlets. The company also engages with the chess community through operator seminars and certifications for its electronic boards, and through partnerships such as serving as the Official Chess Equipment Partner of the GothamChess European Tour 2026.

• 2026

  DGT becomes the Official Chess Equipment Partner of the GothamChess European Tour 2026.

• 2026

  DGT holds e-Board Operator Seminars during the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

• 2018

  DGT releases a special DGT3000 Limited Edition to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

• 1993

  The DGT clock becomes the official FIDE chess clock, endorsed by the World Chess Federation.

• 1985

  Ben Bulsink, then a student at the University of Twente, builds the first digital chess clock; about 60 handmade units are eventually produced.

Global market leader in chess equipment, merging traditional chess with 21st-century technology; focus on innovation, quality, sustainability and user experience.

• DGT2500 Official FIDE Chess Clock

  The new official FIDE chess clock, designed to support chess players in every game.

• DGT3000 FIDE Championship Clock

  A FIDE chess clock approved by the International Chess Federation FIDE.

• DGT3000 Limited Edition

  A special DGT3000 Limited Edition released to celebrate DGT's 25th year anniversary.

• DGT2010 Official FIDE Chess Clock

  The official chess clock of the World Chess Federation FIDE.

• DGT1500

  The perfect game timer when every second counts.

• DGT Echo Talking Chess Clock

  A speaking chess clock that, at the touch of a button, informs players of their own remaining time or their opponent's remaining time.

• DGT North American Upgraded Version

  A bestselling all-round chess clock with time, bonus, delay and U.S. Delay functions; only available in the USA.

• DGT1001

  A universal game timer suitable for school, club or home use.

• DGT1002 Bonus Chess Timer

  The simplest chess clock with bonus options available anywhere.

• DGT Chess Box with Clock

  The classic game in a modern design with a clock that adds excitement.

1. 1World-class chess products | Digital Game Technologydigitalgametechnology.com
2. 2Our story | Digital Game Technologydigitalgametechnology.com
3. 3Our world class products | Digital Game Technologydigitalgametechnology.com
4. 4About DGT | Digital Game Technologydigitalgametechnology.com
5. 5Digital Game Technology - Wikidatawikidata.org
6. 6Digital Game Technology - Wikipedia (Dutch)nl.wikipedia.org