Montreal International Game Summit: Political, Economic and Social Momentum for the Industry

Montreal, November 18, 2009 – The Montreal International Game Summit closed this Tuesday on an uplifting note. The yearly gathering of video game industry professionals, which took place at the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure Hotel on November 16th and 17th, has attracted over 1,500 participants from all related sectors and from throughout the world, as well as around a hundred industry decision-makers who took part in the Business Lounge, an exclusive space entirely dedicated to business development.

The sixth edition of this event has shown that the recent dazzling growth of the video games industry has brought forth several issues - not only related to its development, but also regarding its place in a global economic, political, social and cultural ecosystem. For example, regions in the rest of the world have modeled the tax credit system initiated by the Government of Quebec. Former Premier of Quebec, Bernard Landry, arrived at the Summit to explain the original vision of his government when they launched the program. As for the current government, the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Clément Gignac, opened the event by emphasizing the importance that games occupy in the development of Quebec.

Among the key Summit moments, Yoichi Wada, President and CEO of Square Enix, demonstrated the faith of the Japanese giant in our local industry. The event has also distinguished the industry in terms of social awareness. For one of the rare times in its history, the leaders of major studios have discussed social responsibility and sustainable development - during a seminar presented by Samson Bélair/Deloitte et Touche - proving that our industry can innovate while taking due notice of the global issues which flow beyond its boundaries.

Finally, around 80 panelists, all experts in one of the five domains defined by MIGS (business, arts, design, production and technology), have articulated their views on new business models, best practices, technological developments and new artistic tendencies. The Exposition Zone and the Business Lounge have also facilitated increased networking, a vital activity for a growing industry.

Major partners
MIGS, presented in collaboration with Telefilm Canada, relies on the support of Eidos-Montreal as a Gold Sponsor, High Road Communication for public relations and as a Silver Sponsor, on Artificial Mind and Movement, Autodesk, Bug-Tracker, EA and Ubisoft as Bronze Sponsors, on the Governments of Canada and Quebec as public sector partners and on the continuous support of numerous other sponsors and media partners.

About MIGS
MIGS was created in 2004 to serve members of the video games industry, which currently employs more than 7,000 people in Quebec. It aims to develop the transfer of knowledge and expertise, raise the international profile of the Quebec video games industry and cultivate information sharing and dialogue among industry stakeholders. A specialized, top-tier event, MIGS covers a broad range of fields, including artistic creation, design, production, programming and business.

About Alliance numérique
Alliance numérique, Quebec's digital industry network, is dedicated to the sustained growth and competitiveness of the industry. Its members come from the sectors of gaming, eLearning, Internet services and applications and mobile phones. It is a gateway for anyone seeking to work with professionals in the field of interactive digital content.