Celebrating Minister Cho’s Commitment & IO Connect: Holiday Mixer Recap & More

Last week, the IO Connect VIP Reception brought together leaders from across Ontario’s interactive entertainment ecosystem for an inspiring evening of connection and shared purpose. A key moment of the night was the Honourable Minister Cho’s reaffirmed commitment to establishing a 12-week service standard for processing the Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (OIDMTC) in 2026, an important step for the long-term competitiveness and growth of Ontario’s video game and XR sector.

Attendees welcomed the opportunity to recognize Minister Cho and the teams at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming, as well as Ontario Creates, for their continued relentless support of the industry. Their collaboration and openness to dialogue underscore the progress being made toward strengthening Ontario’s position as a global leader in interactive entertainment.

The evening reinforced our shared mission to build the future of Canada’s digital economy right here in Ontario.

Thank you to our event partners and sponsors:
City of Toronto, Xsolla, National Bank, XP Gaming, Insert Coin, Nordicity, Interleave, Innoprofits Solutions, and Amar VR Law. Your support makes gatherings like this possible.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for IO Connect: Holiday Mixer 2025. This year’s celebration was one to remember. We were thrilled to welcome so many talented professionals from across the video game, XR, and music communities for an evening filled with great conversation, standout Ontario games, and the holiday spirit!

A special shoutout goes to the studios that brought demos to the event. Soft Rains, Little Buffalo Studios, Alientrap Games, Ravine Studios, and Toronto Film School each brought and showcased their stellar projects. Thank you for sharing your work and helping spotlight the innovation happening across our province.

We also revealed our brand new industry showcase video, produced with Continue Agency and supported by Ontario Creates. This short video features a wide range of Interactive Ontario members, proudly highlighting the incredible work being done across Ontario, and captures the creativity, ambition, and talent that define Ontario’s video game and immersive/XR community. Please share it to help champion our industry, and together, let’s build the next chapter of Ontario’s digital economy!

A huge thank you to photographer Brian Simon for capturing the spirit of the night. Our curated photo gallery is available now for all attendees (check your inbox). If you share any images, please tag Interactive Ontario and use #IOConnect so we can help amplify your posts.

We are grateful to every attendee who helped make the evening vibrant and memorable. Your passion and positivity are why Ontario’s interactive digital media sector continues to shine on the world stage.

Thank you to our sponsors:
Ontario Creates, Xsolla, XP Gaming, Insert Coin, Nordicity, Music Publishers Canada, FACTOR/Government of Canada, FITC, Interleave, Amar VR Law, Innoprofits Solutions, Toronto Film School, Ubisoft Toronto, and Lucky VR. Your support brought this celebration to life.

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.

Apply to the IO Mentorship Program and access the mentors you want, with IO covering $100 per hour for your sessions.

Interactive Ontario Expand Member Big Blue Bubble has been re-certified in the 2025 Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures program by Waterstone Human Capital. This marks the third consecutive year the studio has been recognized for cultivating a unique, inclusive, and supportive workplace.

The Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures program celebrates Canadian organizations that demonstrate strong and effective workplace culture. Congratulations to the entire Big Blue Bubble team on this continued achievement.

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

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