May is finally here! We’ve got the Indie Superboost Marketing and Discoverability Bootcamp returning, two separate opportunities to get your game in front of Toronto audiences this summer, a chance to vote for Ontario’s best at the Canadian Game Awards, and funding and market access through TIFF.
A reminder that XP Game Summit 2026 is mere weeks away! We look forward to seeing many of you throughout the event, and a reminder to IO Members to leverage your 30% discount on Conference/VIP Passes. You can find the IO team on MeetToMatch today.
As always, details and deadlines are below.
Marketing and Discoverability Bootcamp Returns!
Applications are now open for the Indie Superboost (ISB) Marketing and Discoverability Bootcamp, an intensive one-day workshop designed to help Ontario indie game studios grow their market presence. Up to two representatives from your studio can attend.
Three expert-led workshops, one jam-packed day of marketing-focused content:
- Market Research and Validation with Chris Chancey, Indie Asylum
- Community Building and Management with Jenny Windom, Wholesome Games
- Brand Marketing and Key Message Architecture with Krysta Yang and Kit Ellis, Never A Minute Marketing
Event Details
- Date: May 20, 2026, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm ET
- Location: Toronto, Ontario (venue TBA)
- Cost: $149 CAD + HST (IO Members), $299+HST CAD (Non-members).
Your fee includes up to two complimentary VIP tickets to XP Game Summit 2026 (May 21 to 22, Hyatt Regency Toronto), a $1,000+ value.
Spots are limited to 10 studios. Deadline to apply is May 8, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET.
Join The Giant Video Games 2026 Indie Zone
Giant Video Games returns June 11, 2026, at the Malting Silos in Toronto. As the official kickoff event for Toronto Games Week and Toronto Video Game Month, this free, all-ages night brings together players, creators, and enthusiasts from across the city.
Want to showcase your game? The Indie Zone offers demo stations for local studios at no cost. Selected studios receive a table, chair, monitor, and electricity. Just bring your own hardware, controllers, and branding, and have someone there on the night.
Note: Participation in the Indie Zone does not include showcasing your title on the projections; this list of games is being tailored by committee.
Submit a separate form for each game you would like considered.
Deadline: May 6, 2026
Toronto Made Projections – Submit Your Game Today
Photo credit: Vlad Lunin
The Canadian Game Awards have partnered with the City of Toronto to create a brand-new immersive experience in Ontario’s capital city. Apply today for an opportunity to showcase your game at the Malting Silos in East Bayfront, one of Toronto’s most prominent waterfront venues, throughout major event nights this summer, including the World Cup period. This is the kind of public-facing exposure that’s hard to come by, and it’s all about showcasing what Ontario’s game development community is building.
Studios based in Toronto and the GTA will also be featured on a dedicated Steam Curator page promoted in connection with the event, adding an online discovery layer on top of the in-person presence.
The event launches June 11.
The official deadline is today, but if you need a little extra time, submissions will remain open informally through the weekend.
This initiative is led by the City of Toronto, with support from the Canadian Game Awards.
ESAC Fan Choice Award – Vote Ontario!
The ESAC Fan Choice Award is live, and there are 50+ incredible games to choose from. The winner is decided entirely by fan votes, so this is your chance to show some love to your favourite Ontario game.
Here’s how it works:
- Vote once per day
- Top 10 finalists revealed May 4th
- Winner is announced live at the Canadian Game Awards!
The Fan Choice Award is brought to you by the Entertainment Software Association of Canada
TIFF: The Market – International Financing & Project Market
TIFF’s International Financing & Project Market is open for applications, and immersive and interactive projects are an eligible category — covering VR, AR, MR, 360 media, spatial experiences, and interactive narrative formats.
Selected participants receive three days of curated industry access during TIFF: The Market 2026, including a minimum of six meetings with key global decision-makers, visibility across TIFF: The Market platforms, access to TIFF’s digital networking tools, and eligibility for awards.
To be eligible, projects must be narrative-driven, in advanced development (not yet completed), and have strong potential for international co-production or financing. A playthrough video and prototype or proof of concept are required. Applicants also need at least one producer credit on a project that has been distributed internationally, screened at a recognized festival, or has equivalent market experience.
If that sounds like a fit, full details and the application can be found below.
Application deadline is May 22, 2026.
IO Member News
Congratulations to Interactive Ontario Member Transitional Forms on the launch of Simia World!
Transitional Forms and FamilyPlayland have officially launched Simia World, a family content series featuring original characters and educational stories, now live in 23M+ households across the United States.
Transitional Forms believes the future of family storytelling should be as safe as it is extraordinary, and we couldn’t agree more.
XP Game Summit Discount – IO Members
A reminder that ALL Interactive Ontario Members receive 30% their XP Game Summit 2026 tickets! We look forward to connecting with you on May 21-22, 2026, and stay tuned for more information regarding Interactive Ontario programming during the event.
Don’t have your discount code? Connect with our team today, or visit the Interactive Ontario Membership Hub to grab your exclusive discount.
Our Mission: To inspire, unite and enable Ontario’s video game and interactive digital media community to achieve long-term growth and prosperity.
