Among the notable speakers were Michael Schmalz, former president of Digital Extremes; Kate Edwards, CEO of Geogrify; Xalavier Nelson Jr., founder of Strange Scaffold; Jason Della Rocca, founder of Execution Labs; and Daniel Posner, CEO at Finish Line Games. The summit also featured a panel discussion moderated by Amir Satvat, director of business development at Tencent Games, along with Christine Kev, board member at Women in Games France, and Kim Gibson, program consultant at Interactive Digital Media Ontario Creates. The panel discussed game job resources and the importance of sustaining game communities during challenging times.
According to Satvat, job seekers who use his resources are 84% more likely to find a job in the gaming industry. However, the unfortunate reality is that 92% of job seekers will still struggle to secure a role in games within a year.
Despite the challenges faced by job seekers, Toronto’s game industry continues to thrive. Jason Lepine, CEO of XP Gaming, revealed that there are over 300 game companies in Toronto alone, making it a robust game ecosystem. While this number is smaller than the 500-plus companies in Montreal, Toronto’s growth in the industry is impressive.
Lepine’s journey with XP Gaming began in 2019 when he left his role at Enthusiast Gaming, the host of Canada’s largest video game convention EGLX. He started XP Game Summit with the aim of creating a developer-focused event that catered to the needs of the industry. The first event was scheduled for 2020 but had to be canceled due to the pandemic. In subsequent years, the summit took place virtually before finally transitioning to an in-person event in 2023.
The attendance at the summit has steadily grown over the years, attracting decision-makers, business leaders, and developers alike. This year, the event drew around 750 attendees, with more than 10 countries represented. The international attention received by the summit reflects the industry’s desire to connect and gather at smaller, more intimate events.
Toronto’s game studios have a distinct makeup compared to those in Montreal. While Montreal is home to most of Canada’s triple-A studios, Toronto has a thriving independent scene with over 300 studios. The needs of these studios differ, with Montreal focusing more on larger deals and outsourcing partnerships, while Toronto’s smaller studios seek funding, partners, publishers, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Toronto’s game industry has seen the establishment of notable studios like Ubisoft, Certain Affinity, Zynga, Rockstar, Sledgehammer, and Behaviour Interactive. The city’s favorable tax credit support, along with its international accessibility, has attracted game developers from outside Toronto and Canada.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also influenced the way companies decide where to set up their hubs and hire employees. Remote work has become an option that companies consider when determining their locations. Tax incentives offered by different provinces and countries play a role in these decisions, but challenges still exist in terms of registering companies and employees in specific locations.
While XP Gaming itself does not qualify for tax credits or grants, the company receives support from the city of Toronto, which recognizes the impact of the event on attracting businesses and nurturing the local game industry.
Looking ahead, XP Gaming aims to expand its reach beyond Canada and connect the global video game industry. The company is exploring platforms and technologies to facilitate connections outside of events. One recent partnership is with Game Caviar, a platform that connects developers with service providers year-round.
In conclusion, XP Gaming’s annual summit in Toronto continues to be a significant event for the game industry, bringing together industry leaders, fostering connections, and providing valuable insights and opportunities for game developers. The growth of Toronto’s game industry and its distinct characteristics compared to Montreal reflect the city’s potential as an international hub for the gaming industry.
