MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Ontario is the fastest growing development hub in Canada, according to a report from the country’s Entertainment Software Association.
The vibrant province currently has an above-average expected growth rate of 21 per cent for games companies, and employs around 2,600 developers.
The report also claimed that Ontario has the highest concentration of micro and small companies in Canada at 30 per cent, with more game companies in the province than any other region including the likes of Montreal and Vancouver.
Despite the impressive statistics, the region has a long way to catch up to the likes of Vancouver, despite its troubles, and particularly Montreal, which both house super studios such as EA and Ubisoft. Although the latter publisher however is currently building up its Toronto studio to a planned 800 employees under the stewardship of Jade Raymond.
Other companies to set up in the province and expanding their operations in the region in recent years include the likes of Google, EA, Gameloft and Arkadium.
“While our region’s strengths in digital entertainment have attracted large studio wins like Ubisoft, Ontario’s world class talent and targeted financial incentives have created a powerful concentration of highly innovative companies and a vibrant digital media and video gaming ecosystem," said Ontario Ministry of Econonmic Development, Trade and Employment senior business development specialist Darius Basarab.
"Our message at GDC 2013 is this: If your company is growing quickly and expanding, join us in Ontario.”
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