Toronto/CMEDIA: Building reportedly on last year’s proclamation by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Video Game Month returns to Toronto.
“Toronto’s gaming and esports sector continues to grow and create jobs, attract global events and showcase local talent to the world. As we celebrate Video Game Month, we are recognizing the creators, developers, artists and entrepreneurs helping drive innovation and strengthen Toronto’s reputation as a global hub for digital media and technology, Olivia Chow said
Bringing together industry leaders, creators and fans through a diverse lineup of programming, the month-long celebration will range from conferences, talks and workshops to interactive public experiences and showcases.
“Toronto has been a hub for people creating groundbreaking games for decades, and it’s great that there’s now a month to celebrate our most playful arts and culture,” Jim Munroe, co-founder of Toronto Games Week said.
The gaming sector plays a key role in Toronto’s economy with over 50 events, many free or low cost highlighting the city’s Video Game Month with thriving game development sector, one of the largest in North America, by celebrating innovation, emerging local talent and new ideas.
“Toronto Video Game Month celebrates a sector that drives our economy and reflects who we are. Local studios create quality, competitive jobs in a dynamic and growing industry at the intersection of art and technology, where stories are shared and communities are built. The games developed here in Toronto showcase our diversity and demonstrate how homegrown creativity can inspire audiences around the world,” Anthea Foyer, Creative Technology Office, City of Toronto said.
Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to explore the artistry throughout June, and learn the technology and cultural impact of games while connecting with Toronto’s growing gaming community.
Event highlights include:
- Thursday, June 11 will kick off outdoor Giant Video Games & Toronto Games Week inviting attendees at Bathurst Quay Common, alongside an arcade and food vendors to play locally made games projected onto historic Canada Malting Silos.
- Thursday, June 11 to Wednesday, June 17 would kick off The Beautiful Game: A Playable History of Soccer Video Games with its interactive exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum exploring how the world’s most popular sport has been brought to life on screen, with visitors invited to play soccer video games spanning the last 50 years.
- Saturday, June 13 would see the kick off hands-on workshop at University of Toronto’s Bahen Centre for Information Technology introducing game developers to the Torontrons — Hand Eye Society’s custom arcade cabinets — and teaching them how to prepare their games for arcade-style exhibition.
- Sunday, June 14 would kick off Rat Race: Soccer Fever Edition Competitors meet at Union Station’s clock tower before racing through Toronto’s underground PATH network, solving clues and earning bonus points along the way.
- Friday, June 26 would kick off Elden Ring Symphonic Adventure with Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall bringing the world of Elden Ring to life through video montages, lighting and sound effects, synchronized with the game’s score, performed live by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
A full list of the more than 50 events is available on the City’s website.
Supporting the City’s economic and cultural priorities, Video Game Month includes the Sidewalks to Skylines and Culture Connects action plans advancing equity and access, fostering innovation and quality jobs, and celebrating Toronto’s diverse creative industries.
Also contributing to the City’s “Love Local” campaign, Video Game Month throws spotlight homegrown talent and businesses across the digital media landscape.
Being home to more than 180 digital media companies, many among Toronto’s game developers creating content beloved the world over.
With strong ties to the city’s film, animation and visual effects industries, and reinforces its global reputation as a hub for culture and innovation. Across Ontario, more than 270 video game studios employ over 6,000 people, with the majority based in Toronto.
