Halifax conference aims to build up indie video game studios

The 2025 XP Game Connect Atlantic conference is pictured. (Source: XP Gaming Ltd.)

In the wake of the Ubisoft Halifax studio shutting down in January, an upcoming conference aims to give independent video game studios a leg up in the industry.

The XP Game Connect Atlantic conference in Halifax on Friday will bring together developers, publishers and industry leaders to offer tips and advice on how independent companies can grow their businesses in Canada.

“We’re teaching indies how to make a business out of making games,” said Ryan Sno-Wood, communications officer with XP Gaming Ltd. “Gaming is this mixture of art and science, and they’re expected to master all of it. We bring in experts from all over the world.

“The world looks at games as child play, but these are entrepreneurs.”

The Atlantic conference first started last year and XP Gaming decided to bring it to Halifax this year after Ubisoft shut down its studio in the city, leaving 71 people without a job.

Some of the former employees have moved on to other companies, including George Greer, who recently co-founded the video game studio besszong in Nova Scotia.

“There’s never been more need,” Sno-Wood said. “When you’re on your own, there’s nothing but wolves surrounding you. You have this AAA knowledge, but now what do you do?

“Now they have to learn these other things. Constant learning is a feature, not a bug.”

Shawn Woods, vice president of the Interactive Society of Nova Scotia, will be attending the Halifax conference. His group is a non-profit that seeks to advocate for the video game industry in the province.

“We really do have to support each other as a region,” he said. “Bridging the gap with other Atlantic provinces to have a larger voice in Canada in general.”

Woods credited independent Canadian video game studios for punching above their weight and noted there are opportunities in the industry for smaller groups to find big audiences.

“The costs are getting so high in the top companies and there’s disruption,” he said. “The ways games are made are evolving. These AAA games are not succeeding and we’re seeing various shutdowns in the industry.

“There’s still growth overall in the game industry in the world, it’s small but it’s still growth. We’re in a good position here to take advantage of what’s going on in the industry with the rise of indie studios.”

Woods said the Halifax conference gives developers a chance to connect with other talent and potential launch new projects.

“The end goal is a self sustainable games industry that doesn’t have to rely on larger studios,” he said. “I don’t believe it’s all doom and gloom. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.

“The talent will shine through.”

The conference will be held at the Halifax Convention Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

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