About Us | Toronto Game Expo

Our Story

Toronto Game Expo began in 2019 as a modest gathering of local indie developers looking for a platform to showcase their creations. Founded by Jordan Chen and Alex Patel, two game development graduates from Ryerson University, the inaugural event took place in a small community center with just 27 exhibitors and around 500 attendees.

What started as a passion project quickly gained momentum. By 2021, Toronto Game Expo had outgrown its original venue, moving to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with over 150 exhibitors and 7,000 attendees. The pandemic years forced us to innovate with virtual showcases that unexpectedly expanded our global reach.

In 2023, we emerged stronger with our first hybrid event, combining physical exhibitions with digital access. Today, Toronto Game Expo stands as Canada's premier gaming event, bringing together the brightest minds in the industry and fostering the next generation of gaming talent in our vibrant city.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

Toronto Game Expo exists to celebrate gaming culture, foster innovation, and create meaningful connections between creators and players. We strive to provide a platform where independent developers can showcase their work alongside industry giants, where competitive gaming is celebrated, and where technological advancement pushes the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

Our goal is to position Toronto as a global hub for game development while making the industry more accessible to diverse voices and perspectives. Through our events, we aim to inspire the next generation of developers and strengthen Canada's position in the global gaming landscape.

Our Core Values

Innovation - We celebrate creative risk-taking and groundbreaking ideas that push gaming forward
Inclusivity - We believe gaming is for everyone and actively work to create welcoming spaces
Community - We foster meaningful connections between creators, players, and industry professionals
Education - We support knowledge sharing and skill development to grow the Canadian gaming industry
Sustainability - We implement environmentally responsible practices in all our events

Meet Our Team

The passionate individuals behind Toronto Game Expo bring diverse expertise from gaming, event management, and technology sectors. Together, we're dedicated to creating Canada's most exciting gaming celebration.

Jordan Chen

Founder & Executive Director

Former indie game developer who founded Toronto Game Expo in 2019. Jordan holds a master's degree in Interactive Media and has developed award-winning mobile games. His vision drives the expo's continued growth and innovation.

Leila Patel

Director of Operations

With 15+ years of experience managing large-scale tech events across North America, Leila ensures Toronto Game Expo runs flawlessly. Her background in project management and logistics has been instrumental in scaling the event to its current size.

Marcus Dawson

Esports Director

Former professional gamer turned esports organizer, Marcus brings competitive gaming expertise to our team. He has organized tournaments for major titles and works closely with teams and sponsors to create thrilling competitive experiences.

Sophie Bergeron

Director of Developer Relations

With a background in both indie and AAA game development, Sophie leads our efforts to support developers participating in the expo. She oversees the indie showcase selection process and builds relationships with studios of all sizes.

Our Achievements

Over the years, Toronto Game Expo has grown from a small local gathering to a nationally recognized gaming event that makes significant impacts on the Canadian gaming industry.

Explosive Growth

From 500 to 25,000+ attendees in 7 years
350+ exhibitors from 28 countries
120+ special events and panels
Expanded from 1 to 4 days of programming

Industry Impact

$12.5M in investment secured for indie studios
78 games signed to publishing deals at TGE
Created 45+ full-time jobs in Canadian gaming
Established Canada's largest indie game fund

Recognition

Named "Best Gaming Event in Canada" (2023-2025)
"Innovation in Events" award from EventTech
Featured in major gaming publications worldwide
Official partner of Toronto International Game Week

What People Say About Us

"Toronto Game Expo completely changed the trajectory of our studio. We showcased our first game in 2021 and caught the attention of three publishers. We signed a deal right at the expo and haven't looked back since. The connections we made there continue to be valuable years later."

Ryan Thompson, Founder of Neon Moose Studios

★★★★★

"As an esports tournament organizer, I've worked with many events, but Toronto Game Expo stands out for their professionalism and attention to player experience. The tournament infrastructure is top-notch, and they understand what competitive gamers need. Our organization considers TGE our most important annual partnership."

Elena Kowalski, Director of Northern Rivals Esports

★★★★★

"I've covered gaming events worldwide for over a decade, and Toronto Game Expo has quickly become one of my favorites to attend. The diversity of games on display is impressive, and the organizers strike a perfect balance between industry networking and fan celebration. It captures the spirit of gaming better than most established events."

Diego Ramirez, Senior Editor at Digital Playground Magazine

★★★★★