'A new industry with a new identity:' How Canadian devs are faring in 2026
in newsletterGame Developer · 7 min read · top_stories
Game developers at Toronto's XP Game Summit reported cautious optimism despite recent industry turbulence in Canada. The Canadian games industry doubled in size between 2013 and 2022 but has suffered recent studio closures and layoffs, including Embracer shutting down Onoma and Ubisoft closing Halifax after unionization. XP Summit founder Jason Lepine said investor activity and contract signings are returning, but emphasized the shift represents "transformation" rather than "recovery"—a new industry identity rather than a return to the old model.
Mentioned entities
Agnito CapitalAndrew CarvalhoBaby GhostsBlack Tabby GamesCanadian Media FundDon't NodEileen Mary HolowkaEmbracer GroupEpic GamesExcution LabsFortniteGame DeveloperJason Della RoccaJason LepineKristian RobertsLaundry BearMathew KumarMontreal International Game SummitNordicityOnomaPocketPairShum SingSlay The PrincessSquare Enix MontrealTencentTorontoUbisoftUbisoft HalifaxVampire SurvivorsXP Game Summit
Appeared in 2026-06-19.