Ontario’s premier student game development event, the Level Up Showcase, is set to return on April 7, 2026, continuing its mission to celebrate and elevate the province’s top post-secondary talent in interactive media. This year’s free event will take place at the Sheraton Centre Toronto, bringing together students, educators, industry professionals, recruiters, and members of the public for an evening dedicated to discovering the future of game development.
Organized by digital media faculty from leading Ontario institutions in partnership with XP Gaming Inc., the Level Up Showcase has become a cornerstone of Ontario’s thriving gaming ecosystem. The event offers students a professional platform to present their work, receive feedback from industry experts, connect with hiring studios, and compete for top honours.
For 2026, Zynga joins as Title Sponsor, underscoring its commitment to supporting emerging talent and investing in the future of game development in Ontario. Additional support comes from Ontario Creates and the City of Toronto, alongside a strong roster of corporate sponsors including Ubisoft Toronto, 2K Games, AMD, Epic Games, Behaviour Interactive, Sledgehammer Games, Uken Games, and others.
More than 3,000 attendees are expected to explore over 150 student-created games developed by participants from more than 22 post-secondary institutions across Ontario. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the creators behind the projects and take part in a closing awards ceremony recognizing standout work.
Canada is home to the third-largest video game industry in the world, with Ontario ranking second nationally in the number of game development companies. The Level Up Showcase plays a critical role in this ecosystem by connecting emerging developers with industry leaders, helping to build a strong talent pipeline and positioning the province as a hub for innovation in interactive entertainment.
The 2026 event is co-hosted by Algonquin College, Brock University, Humber Polytechnic, the University of Toronto, and the Digital Futures program at OCAD University, in collaboration with XP Gaming.
Participating schools span the province and include institutions such as Sheridan College, Seneca College, York University, Ontario Tech University, and many others offering programs in game development and interactive media.
Event Details:
Date: April 7, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Sheraton Centre Toronto
Admission: Free (registration required)
With more than 150 playable games, networking opportunities with leading studios, and a vibrant community of creators and innovators, Level Up Showcase 2026 is the ultimate destination to experience the future of Canada’s video game industry.
Attendees are invited to play, connect, and celebrate the next wave of game development talent shaping the industry.
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