The Canadian Gaming Summit: Keystone in Canada’s Gaming Industry
What is CGS?
The Canadian Gaming Summit, commonly referred to as CGS is a conference and exhibition dedicated exclusively to the gaming and sports betting industry in Canada. Its foundation dates back to 1998, marking its establishment as one of the longest-running gaming events in the nation.
Why is it Canada’s Premier Annual Conference and Exhibition?
CGS is renowned as Canada’s premier gaming event for various reasons:
- Scope: Unlike other conferences that might focus only on one aspect, CGS offers a comprehensive look into all areas of gaming and sports betting.
- Participation: CGS has, over the years, attracted international speakers, giving attendees a global perspective.
- Innovation Showcase: New gaming technologies, betting methods, and industry solutions are frequently unveiled at CGS.
Organizers of CGS
The CGS is a collaborative effort between the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) and MediaEdge Communications.
- Canadian Gaming Association (CGA): Established in 1985, the CGA has been a central figure in advocating for the benefits of the gaming industry in Canada. It has played a vital role in influencing policy-making and creating a favourable environment for gaming in the nation.
- MediaEdge Communications: With over three decades in the industry, MediaEdge has a vast portfolio of producing trade shows, conferences, and publications across various sectors. Their expertise ensures that CGS is organized to global standards.
Attendants and Participants
The range of participants at CGS is vast. It includes game developers, betting companies, tech solution providers, regulators, policymakers, and even academic researchers. These attendees come from diverse backgrounds but share a passion for understanding and shaping the future of gaming in Canada.
Key Figures and Companies
Over the years, stalwarts like Betsoft Gaming, Microgaming, and NetEnt have graced the event. Local giants like the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) also mark their regular presence.
Many attendees have lauded CGS for the networking opportunities it provides. Sarah Thompson, a game developer from Vancouver, once mentioned in an interview, “CGS is the place to be if you’re in gaming in Canada. The insights, the contacts, and the sheer energy are unparalleled.”
Interesting Facts on CGS
- Growth Over the Years: CGS started with a modest gathering of just over 200 professionals in 1998. By 2019, it was drawing over 3,000 attendees from across the globe.
- Notable Happenings: The 2017 edition saw the unveiling of Canada’s first AI-driven poker game, marking a significant advancement in the integration of AI in gaming.
- Financial Numbers: Financially, CGS has seen consistent growth. Sponsorship deals have increased by an average of 15% YoY since 2015. The 2021 event generated an estimated revenue of CAD 2.5 million, a testament to its growing influence and significance.
Other Gaming Conventions and Expos in Canada
Capital Gaming Expo
The Capital Gaming Expo (CGE) is an annual event held in Ottawa, Ontario, dedicated to bringing together game developers, industry professionals, and gaming enthusiasts. Launched in 2015, CGE offers a combination of keynote sessions, panels, and workshops, highlighting both the national and regional gaming scene.
CGE vs. CGS
While both CGE and the Canadian Gaming Summit (CGS) are significant events in the Canadian gaming calendar, they have distinct features:
| Aspect | CGE | CGS |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Primarily video games and development | Broadly encompasses gaming and sports betting |
| Audience | Game developers, students, enthusiasts | Industry professionals, policymakers, developers |
| Event Duration | 2-3 days | 3-5 days |
| Location | Ottawa | Rotates annually among major Canadian cities |
CGX: Canada’s Premier Gaming Platform
What is CGX?
CGX (Canadian Gaming Expo) stands as a beacon for Canada’s flourishing gaming community. Originating as a national conference, it serves as a confluence point, uniting game developers from coast to coast. But CGX is more than just a congregation of developers. Through its meticulously designed panels, hands-on workshops, and CGX video presentations, it offers an immersive dive into the intricacies of game design and the challenges developers face in today’s dynamic industry landscape.
One of the key pillars of CGX is mentorship. Recognizing the myriad challenges budding developers face, CGX has prioritized providing mentorship opportunities, ensuring that emerging talent receives the guidance and resources necessary to flourish in the industry.
Diversity and Inclusivity at CGX
What sets CGX apart, making it more than just another gaming expo, is its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusivity. In an industry that’s often criticized for its lack of representation, CGX stands out as a proactive agent of change, ensuring that diverse voices are not only heard but celebrated.
CGX’s Technological Prowess
2015 was a pivotal year for CGX. At the Canada Expo that year, a spotlight was shone on the technological advancements making waves in the gaming realm. The standout attraction? Virtual Reality (VR). This wasn’t just a glimpse into the future of gaming—it was a deep dive. CGX games presented in VR formats showcased the potential of immersive gaming experiences, leaving attendees in awe. Renowned VR developers took to the stage, showcasing their prototypes and highlighting the transformative potential of VR in reshaping the gaming experience.
CGX Locations
As for CGX locations, they are strategically chosen to be accessible to developers, fans, and industry professionals. With the latest iteration being dubbed CGX 4, anticipation is building around where the next expo will be hosted and what innovative surprises it will bring to the table.
Video Game Conventions and Their Impact on the Industry
The years 2016 and 2017 were particularly robust for the Canadian gaming scene. Notable events included Toronto’s EGLX (Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo) and Montreal’s MEGA (Montreal Expo Gaming Arcade) video game conventions.
| Event Name | City | Significant Years | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGLX (Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo) | Toronto | 2017 | Canada’s premier video game expo, featuring e-sports, panel discussions, and game previews. |
| TCAF’s Comics x Games | Toronto | 2018 | Focuses on the intersection of comics and video games. Particularly emphasizes indie developers and their projects. |
| MEGA (Montreal Expo Gaming Arcade) | Montreal | 2019 | Known for its inclusivity, it emphasizes family-friendly games and experiences. It showcases Montreal’s gaming culture, with the city being the home to major game studios like Ubisoft Montreal. |
Game Development Industry: Game Studios in Canada
Canada has solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in the global game development scene. With prominent game studios such as Ubisoft Montreal, known for epic titles like the Assassin’s Creed series, and Vancouver’s EA Canada, the brains behind the universally popular FIFA series, the Canadian gaming landscape has never been more active.
Indie Game Studios in Toronto
Beyond the these titles, Canada is also renowned for its indie game scene, especially in Toronto. This city has seen a surge in indie game studios like DrinkBox Studios, the creators of the much-celebrated game, Guacamelee!. These studios have carved a niche for themselves, often bringing fresh perspectives and innovative gameplay mechanics to the global gaming stage.
Ottawa as a Gaming Hub: Events and Trends
Ottawa, while smaller in comparison to gaming hubs like Toronto and Montreal, boasts a lively gaming scene. The Ottawa game developers community is tight-knit, regularly hosting Montreal gaming events and video game developer conferences. Events like Ottawa Expo and GDC Ottawa further enhance the city’s gaming profile. The community also leans heavily into the growing trend of Canada games streaming, where local developers showcase their creations to a global audience in real-time.
One standout feature of Ottawa’s gaming landscape is Games to Go Ottawa. This initiative has played a pivotal role in popularizing the second-hand gaming market, making used video games in Ottawa more accessible to gamers on a budget. Beyond traditional retail, there’s a rise in digital platforms and community-led groups that offer an array of traditional Canadian games, modern hits, and indie gems.