The highly anticipated IO Connect: Summer Showcase closed out the first-ever Toronto Games Week 2023 earlier this month, kicking off the summer event season in style for the local games industry.

–

Attendees from across the Ontario games industry and beyond were treated to an evening filled with video game appreciation, exclusive networking opportunities, music from DJs Ryan Roth and Ryan Henwood, and delectable food and drinks. The festivities commenced with an exciting showcase featuring a curated selection of games from Ontario indie developers like Alientrap and Mega Power Games, plus notable participants from the 2023 Toronto Game Jam. Following the showcase, attendees had the chance to engage in the networking mixer, amplifying connections within the industry and reminiscing about the week of events that preceded the evening.

–

–

The spectacular Artscape Daniels Launchpad served as the venue. This modern setting offered the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night celebrating Ontario’s thriving video game industry. And to add to the ambiance, guests were provided a wide selection of drinks and appetizers to enjoy while mingling with fellow professionals from the interactive digital media and video game sectors and local indie game scene.

–

–

Moreover, IO Connect: Summer Showcase marked the exciting conclusion of the inaugural Toronto Games Week. This groundbreaking event, which took place from June 1st to June 7th across the city, united numerous organizations, creators, curators, and companies to celebrate the captivating world of playable arts and culture. As the grand finale of this collective coordination, IO Connect: Summer Showcase delivered a perfect evening of celebration and industry camaraderie. Those who attended witnessed the culmination of a remarkable week and became part of the ongoing success story of Ontario’s video game industry.

This latest IO Connect event hosted by Interactive Ontario followed the success of the previous IO Connect gatherings, including the winter event focused on The Future of Video Game Audio and the Networking Mixer that capped off the XP Game Developer Summit. The organization has already announced the next IO Connect event set to take place in the winter of 2023.

–

–

Be sure to check back on The Lodgge for information on the next IO Connect events as it becomes available!