EQ Toronto: Register Today!
Join us for a two-day interprovincial networking and business development event for studios creating digital/immersive experiences in Ontario and Quebec. Connect with leading buyers, professionals, and network with dozens of industry-leading talent. It will take place March 23–24, 2026 at The Bentway in Toronto.
The deadline is tomorrow, March 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. Register today at the link below
What to Expect
Day 1 – Ecosystem Connections (March 23)
The first day will feature talks, case studies, roundtables, and workshops, as well as targeted networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful exchanges and spark future collaborations between Ontario and Quebec participants.
A networking cocktail and lunch are also included as part of your Day 1 ticket, offering all attendees an excellent opportunity to connect with other professionals in the field.
Day 2 – Business Development (March 24)
Studios may apply to participate in B2B meetings with buyers of digital/immersive experiences. It is a selective process. Studios will be selected and matched based on the relevance of their expertise to targeted buyers. Priority will be given to studios and professionals with demonstrated experience in:
- Public art
- Interactive installations
- Immersive experiences and entertainment
- Projects and services developed for museums, events, and cultural venues
In addition to buyer meetings, Day 2 may also include curated one-on-one meetings focused on co-production or partnership opportunities between studios.
Note: Eligibility criteria and cost information can also be found in the form.
This initiative, L’Effet Quebec, is spearheaded by Xn Quebec, and is made possible thanks to the financial support of SODEC, the City of Montreal, the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications, the City of Toronto, and the Canada Media Fund.
Interactive Ontario supports this interprovincial initiative, as it has the potential to create meaningful co-production opportunities and also expands access to buyers from both provinces.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us
We hope to see you there!
New Date & Networking Mixer – ISB Games Masterclass
Prep for XP Game Summit 2026! We are excited to share new information regarding our upcoming Games Business Masterclass. We have also added a networking meet-up to the agenda, with a complimentary beverage for all participants included in your ticket price!
- Ontario Investment and Trade Centre, Toronto, ON
- Tuesday, Apr 21 at 9:30 am
- The Networking Mixer will take place at 3 Brasseurs MicroBrewery, Toronto, ON (drink ticket included)
Industry Veteran, Jason Della Rocca (Co-Founder of Execution Labs), will deliver a jam-packed one-day hybrid Game Business Masterclass, equipping your studio with all the tools you’ll need to succeed, including leveraging industry events such as XP Game Summit. Participate in this crash course to prepare your studio for the conference and beyond!
The masterclass will include five modules:
- Funding Models (project vs venture financing)
- Competitive Analysis (understanding the market)
- Traction (building evidence that success is possible)
- Community Validated Deployment (building launch momentum)
- Pitching to publishers (process and pitch deck template)
Following the masterclass, two hours of personalized mentoring and coaching will be provided to 10 Ontario studios (in-person or online). To apply for personalized coaching, please submit an application HERE.
The personalized mentoring and coaching efforts will be focused on the following key areas:
- Increasing the commercial viability of their original IP
- Marketing and community development strategy
- Studio scaffolding and vision setting
- Fundraising timeline and project vs studio funding determination
- Pitch deck refinement
A reminder that ALL INTERACTIVE ONTARIO MEMBERS receive a 30% discount code for XP Game Summit, the steepest discount available anywhere. If you are a member and are unable to find your code, please contact our team today!
Toronto Games Week 2026: Run Your Own Event/Volunteer!
Toronto Games Week (TGW) returns with what is sure to be another exciting slate of industry events. From June 11-17, join us in celebrating all things games, community, and fun!
TGW is a collective coordination of events organized independently by dozens of organizations, curators, companies, creators, and communities.
Want to run your own event?:
Toronto Games Week is providing honorariums for new games event organizers to put toward their labour or material costs. They are also able to connect you with venues and an experienced organizer to advise and guide you as needed. Your event will also be promoted as part of the official Toronto Games Week schedule!
Deadline for applications is Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. Apply Here
Looking to volunteer?
Toronto Games Week is made up of independently organized events. As a volunteer you may be working with one or more of these event organizers.
Deadline for Volunteer applications is Monday, May 12th, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. Apply Here
Thank you to Marie LeBlanc Flanagan, Jim Munroe, and all of the incredible folks who make Toronto Games Week a reality! Interactive Ontario is honoured to be among the original group of advisors for this initiative.
IO Member News
Velan Studios, the powerhouse behind Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit and Midnight Murder Club, is expanding with a brand new studio in Toronto, Ontario. They have also joined Interactive Ontario as our newest member.
We’re thrilled to welcome them to our province and greatly look forward to their contributions to Ontario’s interactive entertainment ecosystem. The new Toronto office will support self-published original games alongside new installments in some of the industry’s biggest IP franchises.
As Mayor Olivia Chow said in their recent press release, “Toronto is a global hub for digital media and game development, driven by unmatched talent, creativity and a highly skilled workforce.” Velan is ready to tap into exactly that, bringing hybrid and onsite opportunities to local talent eager to build the next generation of breakthrough games.
Interactive Ontario would like to congratulate Lofty Sky Games for receiving their Best In Play Award at GDC 2026 for their narrative-focused RPG Sky of Tides! A well-deserved award for a leading Ontario team.
Our Mission: To inspire, unite and enable Ontario’s video game and interactive digital media community to achieve long-term growth and prosperity.
