The Canadian Game Awards have announced a strategic partnership with XP Gaming to expand the celebration of Canadian-made games.
Beginning in 2026, the Canadian Game Awards gala will be held alongside the XP Game Summit. The move reflects Canada’s $5.1-billion video game industry and aims to spotlight the creators behind that success. As part of the expanded, co-hosted event, players across Canada will also be able to attend the Eh! Game Showcase. The showcase brings developers and players together to talk, collaborate and help build better games for Canadians and audiences worldwide.
“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.”
The XP Game Summit aims to bring game companies from around the world to Canada. The goal is to bring international partners into Canada and connect them with local Canadian studios, talent, and service providers. “The global game industry comes to XP Game Summit to do business with Canada,” said Jason Lepine, CEO of XP Gaming. “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.”
The Canadian Game Awards first aired virtually in 2020 and continued in that format for several years before moving to a hybrid event in 2023. The first in-person gala was held in 2025, when the hit game Balatro won the top honour. Previous winners have included Tunic, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and Cadence of Hyrule. Be sure to tune in to the Canadian Game Awards gala when it airs in May 2026.
