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International leaders, innovators, investors and developers in the evolving world of video games will converge in Toronto on October 20th and 21st at MaRS Discovery District, one of the largest innovation hubs in the world, for GameON: Ventures, a conference that aims to celebrate and explore Canada’s growing $3 Billion gaming industry.

Over the course of two days, the conference will examine topics such as merchandising and other off-screen revenue sources, collaboration with studios from emerging markets and finding the business opportunities in new platforms. Keynotes, panels, presentations, and break-out sessions and workshops will share evolving business models, creative ideas and the latest technologies. New this year, an Interactive Digital Media Expo will give developers and publishers from around the world the opportunity to debut cutting-edge interactive products including video games, mobile games and apps, virtual and augmented reality and eLearning tools, to the public.

Now in its ninth year, the conference is adding a pitch competition to the mix. 10 Canadian and 10 international companies will be selected by a jury of IO staff and industry experts to take part in an intensive pitching workshop. The winners will receive prize packages including cash and in-kind services.

Past editions of GameON: Ventures have featured speakers from companies such as Rovio, Kickstarter, Konami, Capybara Games, Ubisoft, Games for Change Europe and, TapJoy, Microsoft, INDE Appshaker, Skybound Entertainment, Gameloft and Pop Sandbox.

“GameON: Ventures has become a signature conference for the business of gaming in Canada, and we expect to see a lot of exciting international participation this year,” said Christa Dickenson, Executive Director, Interactive Ontario. “Gaming accounts for a huge amount of revenue and job creation in Canada and GameON: Ventures is the only conference of its kind, connecting business thinkers with the creative minds behind some of the world’s most popular games,” said Dickenson.

Tickets for GameON: Ventures are now available at gameonventures.io