It’s an exciting time for Ontario’s interactive entertainment sector! From the return of IO Connect to new Interactive Ontario programming involving industry mentorship, accessing publishers, and learning all about your player’s motivations, there’s so much to look forward to this season. Also, a brand new study from ESAC provides invaluable data that crushes gaming stereotypes, have your voice heard in the Make it Work survey, and learn more about Interactive Ontario partner Music Publishers Canada. Finally, don’t forget to nominate your favourite Canadian-made games for this year’s Canadian Game Awards!
IO Connect: Holiday Mixer 2025: Tickets on Sale Now
Join us for IO Connect: Holiday Mixer 2025, an evening celebrating music in games and XR at the Arcadian Loft in downtown Toronto.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
- Time: 6:30 PM – 12:00 AM EST
- Location: Arcadian Loft, 401 Bay Street, 8th Floor, Toronto
- Attire: Business Casual (includes holiday sweaters!)
Connect with professionals from Ontario’s video game, XR, interactive entertainment, and music industries.
Highlights
- Industry networking
- Drink ticket(s) and complimentary provisions
- Video Game demo stations
- Views overlooking the Holiday Cavalcade of Lights
IO Member Offer
- 60% off general tickets for Interactive Ontario Members by selecting the IO Member/Partner ticket option
- Bundle Deal: Buy 4, get 1 free (available to all employees of member studios)
We can’t wait to see you all this holiday season at IO Connect!
This project is funded/supported in part by Music Publishers Canada, FACTOR, Government of Canada, Ontario Creates, Xsolla, Ubisoft Toronto, FITC and Toronto Film School.
Access to Mentorship: A Brand New ISB Program
Interactive Ontario’s Access to Mentorship Program connects video game and XR studio leaders with experienced industry mentors for tailored, one-on-one consultations. Participants receive strategic guidance on business development, marketing, and funding models customized to their specific needs.
Program Details
When: October 2025 to March 2026
Where: Virtual
Who: Independent video game and XR studios (up to two senior team members per studio)
Pricing: Varies depending on the mentor selected, ranging between $100 – $350 / per hour for IO members and $200-$450 per hour for Non-members. IO will contribute at least $100 per hour of mentorship for IO members.
Limited Capacity: Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, pending eligibility and mentor availability.
Learn more about our mentors and registration at the link below
Access to Publishers & Investors: A Returning Favourite ISB Program
Interactive Ontario’s ISB Access to Publishers/Investors Program helps Ontario video game and XR studios connect with international publishers and investors to expand their reach and grow their business.
This four-month virtual program provides participants with:
- Personalized introductions to five or more targeted publishers/investors
- Pitch review sessions with expert feedback
- One-on-one consultations to refine strategy and prepare for meetings
- Ongoing support and communication from Representing Games
Program Details
- When: November 2025 to March 2026
- Kickoff: November 20, 2025 (10 – 11 a.m. ET)
- Where: Virtual
- Who: Independent Ontario video game studios (up to two senior representatives per studio)
- Price: $500 +HST (IO Members) or $899 +HST (Non-Members)
- Limited Spots Available: Spots are limited to a maximum of 5 participating studios.
Indie Superboost: The Ten Player Motives
Join us for the next Indie Superboost (ISB) session featuring Chris Bateman, Founder and Chief Consultant at International Hobo.
Chris will explore the ten key motives that drive players to enjoy different games and how understanding these motives can help studios design more engaging experiences for wider audiences.
About the Speaker
Chris Bateman is an award-winning game and narrative designer with over 30 years of experience and has worked on more than 100 published titles.
New International Video Game Study from ESAC & The ESA
This new study from Entertainment Software Association of Canada and Entertainment Software Association includes highlights of the incredible impact that video games have on millions of Canadians across the country. This report provides data that crushes stereotypes, and reveals just how meaningful games are to our nation.
A few key highlights:
- 76% of players in Canada say games help them feel less stressed
- 70% say gaming makes them feel happier
- Over 50% of Canadian players are women
- 60% of Canadians play online socially at least once a month
We encourage everyone to share this study with your community and help more people understand not only who plays, but why we play.
Have Your Say: Make It Work 2025 Survey
Work in Culture have launched Making It Work 2025, a province-wide survey profiling Ontario’s arts, culture, and creative sector workforce.
This new research builds on Work in Culture’s successful 2019 study, updating our collective understanding of the sector in a post-pandemic landscape. The survey explores topics such as skills gaps, precarious work, the impact of AI, and barriers to building sustainable creative careers.
The survey is open to anyone working in Ontario’s arts, culture, and creative sector, including independent creators, cultural workers, and creative business owners.
Your input matters. The results will help inform future programs, policies, and supports that strengthen Ontario’s creative economy.
Deadline: October 27, 2025
Canadian Game Awards 2025: Nominations Open!
Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Canadian Game Awards, recognizing the innovation, artistry, and talent that make Canada one of the top game development hubs in the world.
From Best Game to Indie Game of the Year and everything in between, the CGAs shine a spotlight on the studios and creators shaping our industry’s future.
- Eligible Titles: Released between January 1 and December 31, 2025. To learn about submission guidelines and eligibility requirements, please visit here
- Deadline: November 30, 2025
- Winners Announced: February 21, 2026 at TIFF Bell Lightbox, Toronto (alongside the Eh! Game Expo)
Show your support for Canadian games and submit your nominations today.
IO Member News
Interactive Ontario Expand Member Games by Stitch has announced their new game, First Moon of Mercury. “It is 2066: 36 years after a catastrophic geomagnetic storm disrupted the world’s power supply and caused worldwide chaos.” Congratulations to the team, and wishlist below!
Are you an IO member with news to share? Please contact us at communications@interactiveontario.com or via Discord to share your story!
Title
Music Publishers Canada (MPC) is a non-profit organization that represents music publishers nationwide. MPC creates business opportunities for and promotes its members and their songwriting partners through advocacy, education, and collaboration with the gaming, interactive, film, and television industries. There is a song for every scene.
Our Mission: To inspire, unite and enable Ontario’s video game and interactive digital media community to achieve long-term growth and prosperity.
