As the Montréal International Game Summit (MIGS) returns this year, it continues its legacy as one of Canada’s premier B2B video game conference, held from October 30th to 31st, 2024. The historic Marché Bonsecours in Old Montreal will be the backdrop as leaders unite with innovators, and creatives from across the globe to discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Founded in 2004, the Montréal International Game Summit (MIGS) has grown into one of the most significant B2B events for the gaming industry in North America. Over the past two decades, MIGS has established itself as a key platform for game developers, publishers, and investors to connect, share insights, and foster innovation. Hosted annually in Montréal, a city renowned for its vibrant gaming ecosystem, MIGS has played a crucial role in promoting Québec’s game development industry on the global stage.
A Gathering of Gaming’s Brightest Minds
MIGS 2024, organized by XP Gaming Inc., focuses on the dynamic growth of Québec and Canada’s video game industry. Attendees can look forward to a variety of panels, discussions, and networking events designed to address the evolving landscape of game development, distribution, and business growth.
The two-day summit will feature exclusive networking opportunities, enabling developers, publishers, and investors to forge lasting connections. The event also includes expert speakers who will share insights into emerging trends, innovative technologies, and how studios of all sizes can navigate the industry’s complex economic realities.
Some of this year’s participating companies include
Tripwire Presents – Known for publishing hit action-packed games like Killing Floor and Chivalry series, Tripwire delivers intense gaming experiences.
Serenity Forge – A forward-thinking indie game developer and publisher that focuses on impactful, thought-provoking games like Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!.
PlaySide Publishing – One of Australia’s largest independent game developers, expanding its reach into publishing with successful partnerships in the mobile and PC gaming space.
tinyBuild – A renowned indie game publisher behind popular titles like Hello Neighbor, focused on quirky, unique, and engaging games.
Kepler Interactive – A global game publisher co-owned and operated by its developers, offering a creative haven for studios to build and launch games worldwide.
Fireshine Games – A UK-based video game publisher with a focus on indie and AA titles, known for working on beloved games like Core Keeper.
Akupara Games – A Los Angeles-based indie game publisher and development studio, specializing in creating and launching distinctive, artistic, and story-driven games.
Meta – The tech giant behind the Metaverse, providing cutting-edge technology and platforms for immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences.
Devolver Digital – A bold, boundary-pushing indie game publisher celebrated for its eclectic and critically acclaimed titles like Hotline Miami and Fall Guys.
Agora Gaming Partners – Focused on providing investment and support to game studios, helping them reach new heights and commercial success through strategic partnerships.
Makers Fund – A venture capital fund that focuses on supporting creative ventures in the gaming and interactive entertainment industry.
Xbox Game Studios – Microsoft’s gaming powerhouse, responsible for creating iconic franchises like Halo, Forza, and Minecraft, and pushing the boundaries of gaming innovation.
For information on speakers and programming, visit the official MIGS 2024 schedule.
The Role of External Development in Expanding Studio Capabilities
This year, MIGS will feature the inaugural Game Caviar ExDev Lounge, a dedicated space designed to foster partnerships between service providers and top industry players like 2K Games, Tencent, Riot Games, Microsoft, and Sony PlayStation. As the global gaming industry continues to expand, external development is proving to be a vital component in managing the increasing scale and complexity of game production.
“MIGS plays a critical role in maintaining the strength of Quebec’s gaming sector and encouraging global collaborations. The Game Caviar ExDev Lounge is the perfect opportunity for developers and studios to connect, innovate, and grow together.”
Jean-Jacques Hermans, Executive Director of La Guilde du jeu vidéo du Québec:
External development allows studios to scale their production efforts by outsourcing critical components of game development, such as art, animation, and programming, while maintaining high-quality standards.
Riot Games – The creators of League of Legends and Valorant, Riot Games seeks Ex-Dev partners to support its expansive live service operations and ambitious new projects.
Haven Studios – As a newly acquired part of PlayStation Studios, Haven is located in Montreal and lead by veteran game studio leader Jade Raymond
PlayStation Studios – With a portfolio of iconic titles like God of War and The Last of Us, PlayStation seeks Ex-Dev help to maintain its high production standards and innovate new gameplay mechanics.
The Coalition – Known for the Gears of War franchise, The Coalition is looking for external development partners to help push the boundaries of Unreal Engine and deliver cinematic action experiences.
2K Games – Famous for NBA 2K and Borderlands, 2K Games requires Ex-Dev assistance to enhance their annual franchises and explore new IPs with top-tier production value.
Tencent – As one of the largest global game companies, Tencent seeks external development collaborations to support its vast portfolio of online and mobile games, ensuring scalability and innovation.
MIGS prides itself on accessibility for both industry veterans and emerging indie developers. Pass options include the VIP pass which offers exclusive perks such as priority access to sessions and networking opportunities. The Standard pass provides full access to the summit’s main content.
Meeting Opportunities Through MeetToMatch
This year’s summit will once again offer MeetToMatch, a B2B matchmaking platform that facilitates structured, one-on-one meetings between attendees. With video game publishers, investors, and developers using this tool, the event is sure to foster new partnerships and ventures that will drive the industry forward.
Whether you’re a startup looking to break into the global market or an established player searching for your next big collaboration, MeetToMatch offers a powerful way to connect.
The Heartbeat of Québec’s Gaming Industry
Québec remains a global powerhouse in game development, home to over 300 studios and 14,500 jobs. As the third-largest hub for game production worldwide, the province is renowned for nurturing major titles such as Assassin’s Creed and Batman: Arkham Origins. MIGS continues to champion this thriving ecosystem by spotlighting the talent and innovation that keeps Québec at the forefront of the global gaming industry.
MIGS Indie Pitch Competition
The MIGS Indie Pitch Competition is a unique opportunity for indie game developers to showcase their potential to a global audience. Set to take place during MIGS 2024, the competition will allow five selected studios to pitch their game ideas directly to a panel of renowned game publishers and investors. In preparation for the event, each studio will receive personalized coaching and detailed feedback on their pitch deck, ensuring they are well-prepared to impress the judges. Hosted by Jason Della Rocca, Founder of Execution Labs and a well-known game industry consultant and investor, the competition offers much more than just funding potential.
In addition to professional guidance, studios will vie for the prestigious title of “Best Pitch at MIGS,” along with VIP passes to all XP-produced events in Canada for 2025. For indies looking to elevate their projects and secure partnerships, this competition is an invaluable stepping stone.
As MIGS 2024 approaches, it promises to be an unmissable event for anyone involved in the video game industry. From top-tier networking opportunities and insightful panels to the highly anticipated Indie Pitch Competition, the summit continues to solidify Montréal’s status as a global hub for gaming innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or an emerging indie developer, MIGS 2024 offers the perfect platform to connect, learn, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming. Be sure to mark your calendar, secure your pass, and join the conversation at Canada’s premier B2B gaming conference.
