Inaugural IO Impact Forum
On April 19th, Interactive Ontario (IO) conducted its inaugural IO Impact Forum, which included a wide range of industry leaders from among our Expand and Torchbearer member studios in the video game/Interactive Digital Media (IDM) sector. Organized by IO and its Advocacy Committee, this policy forum laid the groundwork for developing key recommendations to foster the development of our industry as it continues on its growth trajectory and is making its mark worldwide.
Want to be a part of the conversation? This annual event invites representatives from all Interactive Ontario Expand and Torchbearer studios. Visit our IO Membership page today, or reach out to membership@interactiveontario.com for more information.
IO Impact Forum VIP Cocktail Mixer
The IO Impact Forum was succeeded by our highly anticipated VIP Cocktail Mixer, with special guests the Honourable Minister Neil Lumsden (Tourism, Culture and Sport) and Councillor Shelley Carroll (City of Toronto). Key funders, partners and stakeholders of the Ontario video game/IDM industry joined Minister Lumsden, Councillor Carroll and our Expand and Torchbearer leaders for a memorable networking event. Industry leaders and decision-makers engaged in productive conversations, developing enduring connections that will be integral to the continued growth of our industry.
A special thank you to Xsolla, Habo | strategic studio, the City of Toronto, ACTRA Toronto and the Creative Innovation Studio at the Toronto Metropolitan University for your support.
Certain Affinity Opens New Toronto Facility
Interactive Ontario was excited to welcome Certain Affinity into our province in 2019. Now, in 2023, they have doubled down on their commitment to creating video games in Ontario by opening a new 12k sq ft studio in Toronto. IO was invited to the grand opening of their brand new office, which included remarks from the Honourable Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Toronto City Councillor Shelley Carroll.
Interactive Ontario and The Lodgge at Level Up Showcase
On April 19th, Level Up Showcase came back in full force! Over 100 teams of post-secondary students came out and showcased their video games and VR applications. The energy was high, and The Lodgge was there to cover it all. Interactive Ontario was proud to host two key Parliamentary Assistants (PA) at Level Up, Natalie Pierre, PA to the Minister of Colleges and Universities and MPP for Burlington, and Deepak Anand, PA to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and MPP for Mississauga-Malton. Addressing the crowd of over 2,000 attendees, they encouraged all of the talented student participants to continue on their path to careers in the Ontario video game industry. IO and The Lodgge are already looking forward to what Level Up Showcase 2024 will have to offer!
Interactive Ontario Scale-Up Study
A new report, Insights and Best Practices on Scaling Up Video Game Companies, provides Ontario video game studios with clear examples and practices from successful scale-up companies. Use cases include homegrown Ontario video game studios Digital Extremes and Big Blue Bubble, as well as Behaviour Interactive and East Side Games, both of which have recently expanded into the province. This report will also inform economic development strategies for the video game sector in Ontario. It was produced by Communications MDR and funded by Ontario Creates.
Want to get involved? Visit our IO Partnership Page today, or reach out to partners@interactiveontario.com for more information.
