The craze surrounding digital games and esports has grown dramatically around the world in recent years. The repercussions are being felt in Calgary as well, reflecting broader trends in Alberta and Canada. The city’s approach to online gaming has also evolved, opening up new opportunities. With recent developments, it is now possible to both study and pursue a career in the digital gaming industry right here in Calgary.
Educational Initiatives
Seeing the potential, Calgary is investing in education to support the growing gaming industry. Bow Valley College’s Digital Entertainment Nexus (DEN) was unveiled in September 2024 as the city’s first dedicated esports arena. Thanks to the substantial funding, this state-of-the-art facility spans 3,500 square feet and is equipped with 40 competition-ready gaming stations, two full-motion racing simulators, a broadcast suite, and a dedicated varsity esports training room. This arena is expected to train hundreds of individuals and support the growth of local companies.
The DEN offers programs in 3D animation, game development, esports, virtual reality, and podcasting, equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital entertainment sector. These educational initiatives are essential in building a skilled workforce capable of sustaining and advancing Calgary’s position in the global gaming market.
Combining E-sports and Business Management
It’s not just gamers and developers who can dream of making a living from video games. Bow Valley College’s Chiu School of Business welcomed the first cohort of its new eSports Business Management program this past winter, a new path for fans of the thumb-sporting art.
According to the college’s dean, Bart Chudleigh, it will have about 40 members and is expected to expand in the coming years.
Dean Chudleigh saw this program as an opportunity to attract interest in the esports industry. Since no one in the Calgary market was offering this kind of program, the business school took the initiative. It is important to note that the esports discipline generates more than a billion dollars annually worldwide, and this program might be a great initiative to diversify the city’s economy.
Community Engagement and Local Events
Local events and organizations play a vital role in fostering engagement and helping Calgary’s gaming community to grow rapidly. The Alberta Esports Association, for instance, has been instrumental in organizing big events like the Alberta Esports Expo that help promote esports throughout the province. Calgary Expo is another big annual event that attracts enthusiasts of comics, science fiction, gaming, fantasy, horror, and more to Calgary each year. Since its inception in 2006, the Calgary Expo has grown to become one of North America’s largest events of its kind, drawing nearly 100,000 fans.
Interactive Arts Alberta (IAA) is another organization dedicated to games culture and game development in Alberta. Rooted in the province, IAA is committed to inclusivity and breaking down barriers to industry participation globally. One of IAA’s flagship events is the Game Discovery Exhibition (GDX), Canada’s largest indie games festival, which showcases local talent and provides networking opportunities for developers and enthusiasts. The organization believes in contributing to building a better games industry and invites individuals to connect with Alberta’s community of talented game creators, passionate players, and pioneering trailblazers.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
The expansion of digital gaming and esports in Calgary is contributing to the city’s economic diversification. The establishment of facilities like the esports arena and the implementation of educational programs are attracting investments and creating job opportunities in the tech and creative sectors. Over the next few years, the initiatives launched by the Digital Entertainment Nexus are expected to train numerous individuals and support the growth of local companies, leading to the creation of new job opportunities within Calgary.
New Model Is on the Horizon for Alberta’s iGaming Industry
During the 2024 Canadian Gaming Summit, Minister Dale Nally introduced an innovative strategy to modernize Alberta’s digital gaming industry. This plan involves adopting an open online licensing system, taking inspiration from Ontario’s successful framework but with some modifications. Nally emphasized that Alberta’s model will closely resemble Ontario’s approach, yet with adjustments to optimize it for the province’s specific needs. This new direction is expected to attract commercial operators, boost revenue, and drive economic development across Alberta.
A key change in this strategy involves shifting the regulatory responsibilities. Unlike the current system where the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) oversees the market, the updated model will have the Justice Minister regulate iGaming activities. This change is designed to streamline processes and create a more appealing environment for commercial operators, who may have been previously discouraged by AGLC’s tight control. Allowing private operators to control their data means that Alberta will become a more attractive destination for investment, as businesses won’t be required to share data with AGLC or Play Alberta.
Ontario’s Approach to iGaming
Ontario’s approach has already proven effective, with iGaming Ontario (iGO) reporting a substantial growth in online gambling revenues in its second operational year. With a population of 4.8 million, there is potential to replicate this success by allowing private providers to offer online slot games in Alberta. The province’s gaming industry already achieved impressive performance, and a more open gaming framework could leverage this to generate even more economic gains.
Calgary’s Digital Gaming Renaissance
With significant investments in educational programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive community, Calgary is set to become a leading city in this booming industry. Calgary will also benefit from Alberta’s efforts to expand its digital gaming and iGaming frameworks, driving economic growth, diversifying career opportunities, and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem across the entire province. The city’s journey into the digital gaming world is just beginning, and the possibilities are limitless.