Futures Forward Applications Open, New ISB, Ontario at Gamescom, IO Connect Returns

Interactive Ontario, in partnership with Ontario Creates, has officially launched our eighth edition of the Futures Forward Program. This series of workshops is designed to help early-stage studios build the skills they need in business operations, marketing, legal, and more, all while strengthening their business foundations and securing their eligibility to compete for a $20,000 Ontario Creates Futures Forward grant.

For just $250 (+$150 refundable deposit, plus HST), participants receive 8 expert-led workshops, one-on-one coaching, a legal consultation, and more.

Deadline to apply: September 24, 2025
Program runs: October 15 – December 1, 2025

Learn more and apply below

If this program isn’t the right fit for your studio, please share this opportunity with your network!

For this edition of Indie Superboost (ISB), join Amar Sidhu, Lawyer & Chief Legal Officer at Amar-VR Law, for an essential talk on AI clauses in contracts, IP ownership, and the legal risks that game studios can’t ignore.

This session will give studios practical insights into navigating publisher contracts, protecting their IP, and avoiding costly mistakes. Amar brings years of expertise advising game developers and publishers across Canada on complex deals, IP strategy, and long-term business growth.

Date: September 17th, 2025, 1-2 PM ET
Location: Online session
Price: Free for Interactive Ontario/CIAIC members, $35 non-member pricing

Special thanks to Ontario Creates, Canada Media Fund, Xsolla, and Ubisoft Toronto for supporting the Indie Superboost online talk series.

Ontario had a record-breaking presence at gamescom this year, with more Ontario indies on the ground than ever before! Thanks to the incredible support of Ontario Creates, the Trade Commissioner Service, the team at the Embassy of Canada to Germany, the Ontario Commercial team in Germany, and all provincial and federal partners, the Canada Pavilion was a launchpad for high-quality business opportunities and meaningful networking. And thank you to Canadian Heritage, Canada Media Fund, and MeetToMatch for your support.

From Lofty Sky Entertainment and Lunarch Studios pitching to publishers, to BancyCo, Little Buffalo Studios, Kitten Cup Studio, and Behold Studios on the B2C show floor, and over 20 Ontario studios conducting back-to-back meetings with publishers/investors, our province’s talent was front and centre. Add in a packed Canada Reception and a wonderful Ontario Dinner, and it all came together for our most successful gamescom delegation yet.

Interactive Ontario is proud to celebrate this milestone with our amazing community!

IO Members showcased several exciting projects at the Canadian National Exhibition 2025!

Secret Location’s immersive experience MYTHOS, Billy’s Cookies puzzle roguelike Make a Hit, OK_XR Studio’s innovative VR game Archer – Virtual Realms, MosoPlay Games Inc.’s racing fighting game Spar Kart, Mega Power Games party platformer DepowerBall, City From Naught’s automation strategy game Brave New Wonders, and Soft Rains sci-fi action game Ambrosia Sky.

Thank you to Southern Ontario Game Developers for partnering with us for this event.

IO Connect: Holiday Mixer will be returning to the Arcadian Loft for 2025. Tickets will be available in the coming weeks, but we wanted to share the date with you a little early.

December 3rd, 2025

Please save the date, and we look forward to seeing you there for the networking event of the season!

Congratulations to Interactive Ontario Torchbearer Member Snowed In Studios for being named one of the Best Places to Work in Ottawa for the second year in a row. Thank you for continuing to be a shining example of what makes Ontario’s interactive entertainment industry one of the best in the world! More info here.

Big Blue Bubble is celebrating over 13 Years of My Singing Monsters. Congratulations to the team, its vibrant community, and and to many more years of success! More info here.

Are you an IO member with news to share? Please contact us at communications@interactiveontario.com or via Discord to share your story!

AMAR-VR LAW is a Toronto-based firm with a global reach, offering modern, forward-looking legal solutions tailored to the interactive digital media and entertainment industries. With expertise in video games, immersive technologies, AI, and tech, they help studios and businesses navigate contracts, protect IP, and make informed decisions with confidence.

Our Mission: To inspire, unite and enable Ontario’s video game and interactive digital media community to achieve long-term growth and prosperity.