It has been another banner year for Ontario’s video games and XR industries, one full of commercial successes and global recognition in the form of high-profile awards and showcases. Here are just a few of the incredible highlights from 2024:

Ontario Wows at GDC Best in Play 2024

In 2024, Ontario stole the show at the GDC Best in Play Showcase, with local studios earning seven out of eight awards. This remarkable achievement showcased the unparalleled talent, creativity, and innovation of Ontario developers on a global stage. It’s a year-defining moment that cemented the province’s reputation as a leader in the gaming industry.  

Here are this year’s Best in Play winners from Ontario:

• Hill Agency: PURITYdecay (Achimostawinan Games)
• Pekoe (Kitten Cup Studio)
• Astronomics (Numizmatic)
• Fera: The Sundered Tribes (Massive Damage Games)
• Keyword2: Nightfall (City From Naught Inc)
• Little Learning Machines (Transitional Forms)
• Broken Spectre (Games by Stitch)

Learn more about all the 2024 GDC Best in Play winners here

2024 Canadian Screen Awards Wins

Ontario studios made waves at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards, earning seven nominations and two wins (Survivorman VR and Venba) across the ‘Best Immersive Experience’ and ‘Best Video Game’ categories. These accolades highlight the province’s expertise in blending technology and storytelling to create unforgettable experiences. This year, Ontario reaffirmed its place at the forefront of Canada’s gaming and immersive media industries.  

See all the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards winners here

Indie Spotlight: Hilltop Studios & Black Tabby Games

2024 was a banner year for Ontario’s indie scene. Toronto’s Hilltop Studios gained widespread acclaim with Lil’ Guardsman, a title that captivated players and critics alike. Meanwhile, Black Tabby Games’ Slay the Princess – The Pristine Cut emerged as a breakout hit, showcasing Ontario’s strength in fostering independent developers who bring fresh and innovative ideas to the industry.

Play Slay the Princess – The Pristine Cut on Steam here
Play Lil’ Guardsman on Steam here

Ontario Talent Shines in a Galaxy Far, Far Away in Star Wars Outlaws

One of the year’s biggest AAA gaming releases, Star Wars Outlaws, exemplified the power of international collaboration. Ontario’s Ubisoft Toronto partnered with Sweden’s Massive Entertainment to deliver a galactic adventure rich in storytelling and scoundrel action. This partnership underscored Ontario’s continued ability to contribute meaningfully to high-profile global game titles.

Learn more about Star Wars Outlaws here

Events Recap: XP Game Summit & Toronto Games Week

This year’s XP Game Summit cemented its place as one of the world’s premiere gaming conferences, becoming the second-largest event of its kind in the world after GDC. The summit brought together top talent and industry leaders to celebrate excellence and innovation.

Complementing this was Toronto Games Week, which transformed the city into a gaming and play culture hub. The week-long festivities included esports tournaments, community meetups, interactive exhibitions, film screenings, exclusive game previews, and partnerships that brought the industry and players closer together. These events marked a pivotal year for Ontario’s gaming community, showcasing the province as an engine for creativity, collaboration, and celebration.

2024 has been a year of groundbreaking achievements for Ontario’s video games industry. Here’s to another year of innovation and success in 2025! 

Stay tuned to The Lodgge for more updates, industry news, and behind-the-scenes insights from Ontario’s thriving games and XR industries!  

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