After two years of virtual events, the Canadian Game Developers Conference (CGDC) has announced it will return to an in-person format for its 2023 event. The conference, scheduled for September in Montreal, is expected to draw thousands of industry professionals from across Canada and around the world.
CGDC organizers announced the news during a livestream yesterday, citing improving public health conditions and strong demand from attendees and exhibitors for face-to-face networking opportunities.
A Canadian Industry Showcase
The CGDC has long been the premier event for Canada's thriving game development community. Since its inception in 2008, the conference has provided a platform for showcasing Canadian talent, fostering business connections, and sharing knowledge across the industry.
"We're incredibly excited to bring the community back together in person," said Marie Lavoie, Executive Director of the CGDC. "While our virtual events allowed us to maintain connections during challenging times, there's simply no substitute for the energy and spontaneous interactions of a physical conference."
The 2023 event will be held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal from September 12-15. Organizers expect more than 5,000 attendees, including developers, publishers, investors, and service providers from across the gaming ecosystem.
Program Highlights
This year's conference theme is "Building the Future of Play," with programming focused on emerging technologies, innovative gameplay mechanics, and the evolution of game narratives.
The main program will feature more than 150 sessions across eight tracks, including technical development, art and design, business and marketing, and career development. Notable additions for 2023 include dedicated tracks for virtual reality/augmented reality and artificial intelligence in games.
"We've worked hard to create a program that addresses the most pressing challenges and opportunities in game development today," explained Program Director Alex Chen. "Whether you're an indie developer working on your first title or a studio executive planning your next AAA release, you'll find valuable insights and practical knowledge."
Keynote Speakers
The conference has announced its first round of keynote speakers, including several prominent figures in the Canadian game development scene:
- Jade Raymond, founder of Haven Studios and veteran of Ubisoft and Electronic Arts
- Raphael Colantonio, founder of WolfEye Studios and former president of Arkane Studios
- Brenda Bailey, Executive Director of DigiBC and co-founder of Silicon Sisters Interactive
- Louis-Pierre Pharand, founder of Ubisoft's User Research Lab
Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks, with the full program expected to be revealed by early July.
Industry Expo
A highlight of the conference will be the expanded exhibition floor, featuring more than 200 companies showcasing the latest games, technologies, and services. The expo will include dedicated areas for indie developers, educational institutions, and regional development hubs from across Canada.
"The expo is always a hub of activity and discovery," said Lavoie. "This year, we've redesigned the floor plan to create more opportunities for meaningful connections between exhibitors and attendees."
Several major Canadian studios have already confirmed their participation, including Ubisoft Montreal, EA Vancouver, and BioWare Edmonton. The expo will also feature international companies looking to establish or strengthen connections with the Canadian game development community.
Supporting New Talent
The 2023 CGDC will continue its tradition of supporting emerging developers through several initiatives. The Student Showcase will highlight outstanding projects from game development programs across the country, while the Career Fair will connect job seekers with studios actively hiring.
New for this year is the Mentorship Program, which will pair early-career developers with industry veterans for one-on-one guidance and advice.
"We recognize the importance of nurturing the next generation of Canadian game developers," Chen emphasized. "These programs provide tangible opportunities for students and early-career professionals to gain visibility, make connections, and advance their careers."
COVID-19 Considerations
While returning to an in-person format, CGDC organizers acknowledge that health and safety remain important considerations. The conference will implement measures based on public health guidance at the time of the event, which may include enhanced ventilation, sanitization stations, and optional masking areas.
"We're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and safe," said Lavoie. "We'll continue to monitor public health recommendations and adjust our protocols accordingly."
For those unable to attend in person, select sessions will be streamed online, though the primary focus will be on the physical event.
Economic Impact
Beyond its significance for the game development community, the return of CGDC in person represents an economic boost for Montreal. According to Tourism Montreal, the conference is expected to generate approximately $7.5 million in economic activity for the city.
"Events like CGDC not only showcase Montreal's status as a game development powerhouse but also contribute significantly to our local economy," noted Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourism Montreal. "We're thrilled to welcome developers from across Canada and around the world to experience our city's unique culture and hospitality."
Registration for CGDC 2023 opens on June 1, with early bird discounts available until July 15. More information about the conference program, exhibitors, and registration can be found on the official CGDC website.
