Kick Off 2026 with IO: Responsible AI Talk, Game Business Masterclass Returns, New Events Calendar, and More

Welcome back, and happy New Year from the Interactive Ontario team. As we begin 2026, we are excited to share what is shaping up to be a strong and active year for Ontario’s interactive entertainment sector.

This year also marks Interactive Ontario’s 25th anniversary. We look forward to celebrating this milestone by continuing to support creators, studios, and the broader ecosystem through our programs, events, and partnerships throughout the year.

Join us on January 28 at 1:00 PM ET for our next Indie Superboost Online Talk, AI and Creative Work: Responsible Use, Risk, and the Road Ahead.

Cindy Pham, AI Ethicist with more than 15 years of experience and most recently with Sony Group Corporation’s AI Governance Office, will explore how AI is shaping creative industries. Topics include regulation, content creation, and IP, youth safety guardrails, and emerging responsible AI frameworks. The session will be moderated by Interactive Ontario AI Committee Co-Chair Zina Rahman.

Indie Superboost talks are designed to encourage open conversation and shared learning, with time reserved for audience questions and discussion.

Interactive Ontario will be opening this particular ISB up to all those interested in attending, as we believe this discussion will be of great benefit to content creators and other industry stakeholders alike. Please vist the link below to learn more, and to register today!

Thank you to Ontario Creates, Canada Media Fund, Xsolla, and Ubisoft Toronto for supporting the Indie Superboost Online Talk Series.

The Indie Superboost Game Business Masterclass returns in 2026 following such a strong reception on last year’s iteration.

Industry veteran Jason Della Rocca, co-founder of Execution Labs, returns to lead a one-day hybrid masterclass on February 17 at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre in Toronto, with an online option available. Starting at 9:30 AM ET, the session will cover funding models, competitive analysis, traction, community-validated deployment, and pitching to publishers.

Participants will gain practical insights into building commercially viable studios and IP, alongside opportunities for in-person networking, real-time discussion, and complimentary meals for on-site attendees.

Following the masterclass, two hours of personalized mentoring and coaching will be offered to 10 Ontario studios, available both in person and online. An application process is required for the coaching component. Registration for this opportunity can be found HERE

Thank you to Ontario Creates, Canada Media Fund, Nordicity, Xsolla, Insert Coin, XP Gaming, Amar-VR Law, LiVECAST, and Ubisoft Toronto for supporting the ISB Game Business Masterclass.

XP Game Summit takes place May 21 to 22, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Toronto and focuses on how game companies build, fund, publish, and scale sustainable businesses. The event brings together studios, publishers, investors, and partners for targeted programming and high-value connections.

As part of our ongoing partnership with XP Game Summit, Interactive Ontario is excited to support this event and encourage participation from across the interactive entertainment ecosystem.

Interactive Ontario members receive exclusive access to the highest available discount on XP Game Summit tickets, with 30% off Conference and VIP passes. This discount stacks on top of current Early Bird pricing.

If you are an Interactive Ontario Member, or are interested in learning more about becoming a member, we encourage you to contact our team to learn more.

Interactive Ontario has officially launched our new Industry Events Calendar via our website.
This centralized resource will highlight Ontario-based interactive entertainment events, along with select online and international events relevant to our community. It is designed to make it easier to discover opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration across the sector.

Please check back often as new events will be added regularly.

If you or someone in your network is hosting an interactive entertainment event and would like it included, we encourage you to reach out to our team.

There is still time to register for our Access to Mentorship Program! Connect with a roster of industry experts, and apply to the program based on your specific business needs. Learn more below.

Interactive Ontario was pleased to participate in a visit by Minister Marc Miller and MP Robert Oliphant to Dark Slope.

Dark Slope, an Expand member of Interactive Ontario, is a standout example of the strength of Canada’s techno-creative ecosystem. Their work in immersive entertainment, motion capture, game engine-driven storytelling, and virtual production demonstrates how combining creative excellence with advanced production technologies creates high-value Canadian content IP that competes globally.

From showcasing CRAVE and Bell’s Heated Rivalry, to location-based immersive experiences and AI-enabled production workflows, Dark Slope continues to innovate and push boundaries.

Thank you to Dark Slope and your partners, Minister Marc Miller and MP Robert Oliphant, along with their teams, and to all participants for contributing to a meaningful exchange that underscores our world-class creative sector.

Are you an IO member with news to share? Please contact us here 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.