Mayor Olivia Chow proclaims June as Video Game Month, launches month-long celebration of gaming innovation and creativity

Mayor Olivia Chow has officially proclaimed June as Video Game Month in Toronto, kicking off a dynamic showcase of the city’s prominent video game and esports industry, featuring indie game showcases, global esports tournaments and leading industry conferences.  

Throughout June, Toronto will mark Video Game Month with more than 40 events, ranging from high-profile esports competitions and professional summits to indie game festivals and creative tech showcases.  

Many events are free and open to the public, offering exciting opportunities to explore, play and connect with Toronto’s dynamic game development and digital media scene. 

A snapshot of featured programming 

• Riot Games VALORANT Masters (Saturday, June 7 to Sunday, June 22): A global esports event featuring art activations and charity initiatives that is expected to attract more than 20,000 attendees and create $40 million in economic impact. 

• Toronto Games Week (Thursday, June 12 to Wednesday, June 18): A citywide indie games celebration featuring Live Action Role Playing games, workshops, talks, exhibits and community-curated experiences. 

• Giant Video Games (Thursday, June 12): A public kickoff to Toronto Games Week, presented by the City, celebrating the local industry in collaboration with OCADU and Interactive Ontario. 

• XP Game Summit (Thursday, June 12 and Friday, June 13): Toronto’s premier B2B video game conference connecting global professionals for networking, sharing knowledge, insights and exploring partnership opportunities. 

• Toronto Tech Week (Monday, June 23 to Friday, June 27): A citywide celebration of Toronto’s booming tech sector, with more than 180 events connecting and celebrating Toronto’s tech community.  

A full list of events is available at the City’s website.

Fueling Toronto’s creative and economic growth 

Toronto is home to more than 180 digital media companies, many of which are game developers creating content enjoyed around the world. With deep connections to the city’s film, animation and visual effects sectors, the video game industry contributes to Toronto’s economic vitality and global reputation as a cultural and innovation hub. In Ontario, there are more than 270 video game studios employing more than 6,000 people, with most headquartered in Toronto.  

Video Game Month aligns with the Sidewalks to Skylines: Action Plan for Toronto’s Economy and Culture Connects: An Action Plan for Culture in Toronto, supporting equity and access, promoting innovation and quality jobs and celebrating Toronto’s diverse creative industries. It also supports the City’s “Love Local” campaign by elevating homegrown talent and businesses across the digital media landscape. 

Quote: 

“Toronto’s gaming industry reflects the best of our city. It is creative, diverse and forward-thinking. Video Game Month is an invitation to celebrate this growing sector and the talented people behind it and to discover how gaming connects with art, innovation and our local communities.”  

– Mayor Olivia Chow 

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.