Interactive Ontario’s Indie Superboost (ISB) Building Lasting IP & Brands Program is a four-month virtual program that provides Ontario video game/XR studios with personalized IP and Brand coaching. The goal of the program is to transition studios from simply making games to also building lasting IPs. It focuses on crafting ownable IPs with emotional resonance, strategic clarity, and long-term vision. Studios will work directly with Leverage virtually.

• When: The program kicks off April 8th 2025, at 10 am – 12 pm ET with an online session open to all members on building IPs and brands. One selected studio will then embark on a 3-month program to develop their IP vision.
• Where: Virtual
• Who: Independent Ontario video game companies (additional criteria below). Up to two leading members from each studio to participate in this program (ie. Founders, Managers, or Leads).
• Price:  $500 CAD + HST (IO Members) or $1000 CAD + HST (Non-members).

An introduction to the goals and methods of IP building, with actionable insights on:

• Long-term value creation through IPs
• Value-bearing pillars and processes
• The dialogue between Artistic Vision and Business Strategy
• Building emotional connections with players
• Challenges of shifting from “making games” to “building IPs”
• Defining the IP vision

Outcome: Foundational knowledge of IP building, with the selected team ready to participate in Phase 2.

The selected studio’s IP and brand goals, challenges and opportunities are mapped and defined over two x 90 minute online workshops.

• The studio sends in existing game materials (design docs, concept art, etc).
• Team presents their IP concepts, goals, and competitive positioning
• Feedback & sparring on opportunities and challenges
• Clarifications and refinements are tasked to the studio between each session.

Duration: 1 month.

Outcome: Clearly defined IP-development goals and understanding of the project’s potential, challenges and risks.

A detailed IP vision outline is developed over three online sessions of 90 minutes each

• Based on the output from phase 2, the studio presents and refines the initial IP outline, including characters, world-building, emotional journeys, and market positioning.
• IP development tasks will be assigned between sessions.

Duration: 2 months

Outcome: Comprehensive vision outlines, ready for implementation and commercialization.

Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

• Participants must be developing an entertainment video game for PC/Console.
• Studio size of at least 25 employees preferred.
• Preferably in conception or pre-production phase.
• Participants must hold a senior leadership position in their organization (ie. Founder, executive).
• Participants must be from an Ontario studio.
• Leaders of this company must demonstrate their commitment to business growth and sustainability. They must also have a strong interest in building long-term value through IPs and brands.
• Candidates who are under-represented members of the community (ie. BIPOC,  2SLGBTQIA+, and women) will receive extra consideration and priority.

Program participants are expected to:

• Pay the program fee of $500 CAD +HST (IO members) or $1000 +HST (Non-members). You can become an IO Build Tier Member for $500 CAD +HST.
• Attend a virtual program launch session on April 8, 2025 at 10 am – 12 pm ET, followed by a one-on-one sessions with Leverage with up to two key representatives from your studio (e.g., Founders, executives).
• Complete any assigned tasks throughout the program duration.
• Respond promptly to all email communications with IO & Leverage.
• Provide feedback to IO by completing a post-program survey.
• All participants are required to adhere to IO’s Code of Conduct. We are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive space for our community. All participants must treat others courteously, respect privacy, and engage constructively. Harassment, discrimination, or harmful behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated. Please keep language clean and professional at all times.

Deadline to apply: March 26, 2025 at 5:00 pm ET. Spots are limited to a maximum of 1 participating studio. Decisions on the final selected participants will be made by IO and notifications will be sent by April 2, 2025.