Game On: Atlantic Studios Powering Up Exports at Gamescom 2025
News release
Driving growth, forging global partnerships and showcasing Canada’s creative expertise on the world stage
August. 19, 2025 · Moncton, New Brunswick · Governments of Canada and the Atlantic Provinces
The gaming industry has great potential to drive growth, create new jobs and spark innovation across Atlantic Canada. It also offers a path to strengthen and diversify Canada’s trade and investment ties by opening access to new export markets.
The Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Canadian provinces are supporting Digital Nova Scotia to bring 15 video game studios from across the region to Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany. From August 20–24, 2025, these firms will join gaming companies from around the world to boost export readiness, forge new connections, and open doors to untapped markets. Participants will compete in pitch competitions, connect with potential investors, and showcase their latest products to buyers from around the world. They will also meet one‑on‑one with publishers and technology partners to gain fresh insights and build relationships that will help them expand globally.
Supported through the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement (ATIGA), this mission advances the shared commitment of federal and provincial partners to grow trade and investment opportunities by helping businesses build connections in new and emerging markets.
Quotes
“Gamescom 2025 is the ultimate stage for the gaming world, and Atlantic Canadian studios are ready to shine. This is about more than showing off incredible games. It is about building partnerships, sparking new ideas, and creating jobs back home. Our region has a tradition of punching above its weight, and this is a chance to show the world just how much talent and creativity Atlantic Canada has to offer.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Nova Scotia is home to dynamic and talented gaming and digital technology industries. In today’s uncertain environment, all businesses must adapt and diversify their global trade strategies. We are committed to supporting businesses that make Nova Scotia products, deliver in-demand services, and employ people across Nova Scotia.”
– The Honourable Colton LeBlanc, Nova Scotia Minister of Growth and Development
“We are proud to see New Brunswick represented at Gamescom alongside our Atlantic Canadian partners. Supporting local companies as they explore new, global markets in the fast-growing global gaming industry ensures they have the opportunity to showcase their innovation and highlight what’s possible in our province.”
– The Honourable Luke Randall, Minister responsible for Opportunities NB
“The global gaming sector is expanding rapidly, and Prince Edward Island has been demonstrating that it can be a key contributor in that growth. Our local talent is working with international leaders and launching homegrown studios that are making their mark. Gamescom 2025 is an ideal stage to propel PEI companies to the next level, as we showcase this emerging Island sector and highlight why our province is a great place to do business..”
– The Honourable Darlene Compton, Prince Edward Island Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade
“Atlantic Canada’s game industry is punching above its weight, but global reach is critical. Gamescom connects our studios directly to international buyers, investors and media, opening doors they can’t reach alone. With growing uncertainty in international trade relationships, it’s more important than ever to diversify Canada’s export markets.”
– Owen Sagness, CEO, Digital Nova Scotia
Quick facts
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Gamescom 2025 runs August 20–24, 2025 in Cologne, Germany, and welcomed over 335,000 visitors last year.
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ACOA is investing $67,902 and provincial governments are providing $29,101 through ATIGA.
Associated links
Contacts
Natasha Kochhar
Director of Projects and Caucus Relations
Office of the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Natasha.Kochhar@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Shawn Hirtle
Invest Nova Scotia
Government of Nova Scotia
Media@investnovascotia.ca
Opportunities NB
Government of New Brunswick
michel.leblanc@onbcanada.ca
Vicki Tse
Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade
Government of Prince Edward Island
vickitse@gov.pe.ca
Caitlin Patterson
Digital Nova Scotia
caitlin@digitalnovascotia.com