Toronto, ON (January 27, 2025) — The Canadian Game Awards and XP Gaming Inc. have announced a strategic partnership that will see the Canadian Game Awards Gala held alongside XP Game Summit beginning in 2026, expanding the public celebration of Canadian-made games in Toronto.
Organizers say the move is designed to put Canadian studios and creators in front of a larger international audience at a time when the global industry is already paying attention to Toronto, reflecting what the announcement describes as the scale of Canada’s $5.1 billion game industry.
What’s changing in 2026
Starting in 2026, the Canadian Game Awards Gala will take place in May alongside XP Game Summit. The organizations say the timing is intended to increase international visibility for Canadian developers by aligning the awards with a major business-focused gathering that draws companies from around the world.
In addition to the Gala, the partnership includes the Eh! Game Showcase, which is positioned as a public-facing experience where players can try Canadian-made games, discover new titles, and meet the teams behind them.
What the organizers are saying
“Holding the Awards alongside XP Game Summit builds on what the Canadian Game Awards have always been about,” said Carl-Edwin Michel, creator and Executive Producer of the Canadian Game Awards. “It gives creators the recognition they deserve and keeps the focus on the games themselves through both the Awards and the Eh! Game Showcase.”
XP Game Summit is designed to connect international partners with Canadian studios, talent, and service providers, with XP Gaming framing the event as a business gateway into Canada’s game ecosystem.
“The global game industry comes to XP Game Summit to do business with Canada. Last year, more than 350 companies representing over 18 countries came to Toronto to connect with Canadian studios and talent. Partnering with the Canadian Game Awards helps show the world the depth of our industry and gives everyone a chance to celebrate it together.”
Jason Lepine, CEO of XP Gaming
What to expect next
Additional details around dates, programming, and public ticketing for the 2026 Canadian Game Awards and the Eh! Game Showcase will be announced in the coming months. The Canadian Game Awards recognize excellence, innovation, and creative achievement in Canada’s video game industry, celebrating work across development, content creation, and esports.
