I remember the first time I heard someone say, “Wait that video game is made in Canada?” My initial instinct was to swipe them across the back of the head in utter disgust at their ignorance.
But how would they know where a video game is made? Who is informing them that StudioMDHR’s Cuphead is based out of Oakville, Ontario or that the adorable fox protagonist in Tunic was created in Halifax, Nova Scotia?
We’ve managed to claim “Hollywood North,” people are no longer astonished that their favourite films and TV shows are made in their own backyard.
Toronto doubles for New York City ALL THE TIME! The city has played New York more than it’s played itself.
Credit: Daily Mail
Canadians know Tinseltown likes to come up north; we’re not surprised by this. However, Canadians ARE surprised by our country’s role in the video games industry!
I often find myself talking to friends and family who have no idea about the games and studios that are powered by maple syrup. I sometimes get, “Ubisoft is in Montreal, right?” but many don’t know the incredible players that have turned this nation into a game-developing heavyweight.
“With close to 1,000 studios from coast to coast, Canada’s video game industry now employs more than 32,000 full-time talented individuals, while supporting an additional 23,000 indirect jobs. Now contributing $5.5b to the country’s GDP, Canada’s video game industry is a national champion that is truly making a global impact.”
– Jayson Hilchie, President & CEO, Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC)
As our games, made by incredible Canadian talent, dominate the global charts, how do we let those who don’t spend their days reading developer news know that we need to lay claim to them on the world stage, much like we have with hockey, poutine, and Keanu Reeves.
While we have outlets like MobileSyrup, The Lodgge, and Canadian Game Devs (Thank You! 🤗) covering the gaming industry through a Canuck lens, we should be doing more to celebrate this space!
Well, excited to say that Canadian Indie Game Awards (CIGA) and Canadian Game Awards (CGA) return this week and will highlight the contributions of the growing Canadian Gaming industry!
And honoured to be back again as one of the selection committee members who have the chance to help shine the light on these games, developers, creators, and artists!
The CIGA/CGA Selection Committee
There were long nights spent playing, reviewing, and discussing this year’s finalists! Meet all the selection committee members and judges .
The CIGA/CGA Categories
Check out the finalists for the Canadian Indie Game Awards and the Canadian Game Awards.
The Canadian Indie Game Awards
The Canadian Indie Awards will take place on April 20th at Artscape Daniels Launchpad and will be followed by the IO Connect Mixer hosted by Interactive Ontario.
The Canadian Game Awards
The red carpet will be rolled out on April 21 for the Canadian Game Awards at Daniel Spectrum and will be a full blown black tie affair!
I am looking forward to getting showered and out of these damn sweatpants for a night out to recognize the hard work and creativity that goes into making the best video games in Canada.
General admission tickets are still available for the Canadian Game Awards! Can’t make it? Watch it on Twitch!
The CIGA and CGA are founded by Carl-Edwin Michel and organized by Northern Arena Productions.
Stephanie Greenall 