Nova Scotia Builds Games. We Support the People Who Make Them.

Nova Scotia is an established production community with experienced teams shipping work across console, PC, mobile, immersive media, and interactive technology.

Studios here have contributed to internationally published sports titles, original independent IP, multiplayer platforms, and applied 3D training systems used around the world.

The Interactive Society of Nova Scotia represents the studios and professionals working in this sector. We focus on practical outcomes: stable policy, strong talent pipelines, meaningful industry connections, and sustainable growth.

Talent is trained here. Studios are built here. Projects ship from here.

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Nova Scotia: A Global Hub for Interactive Media and Animation

Over the past decade, Nova Scotia has developed into one of Canada’s recognized interactive media and animation clusters. The province combines experienced production talent, competitive incentives, and direct access to North American and European markets.

This is a working industry supported by founders, senior producers, engineers, artists, and educators who continue to build companies and train the next generation.

ISNS exists to support that work in a focused and practical way.

No NPCs in This Industry

Halifax was recently ranked among North America’s top emerging tech talent markets and continues to grow as one of Canada’s fastest expanding urban technology centres. This is a real production ecosystem powered by experienced developers, artists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

A Rich Training Ground

Studios are born here because talent is trained here.

Nova Scotia’s universities and colleges including NSCC and Dalhousie University offer specialized programs in game development, digital animation, interactive media, computer science, and creative technology. Each year, highly qualified graduates enter the workforce ready to contribute to production pipelines.

A Screen Friendly Location

Nova Scotia attracts and retains top talent thanks to:

• Highly ranked post secondary institutions
• Exceptional quality of life
• A collaborative industry culture
• Competitive business costs

Studios benefit from generous incentives including:

• Nova Scotia Digital Media Tax Credit
• Digital Animation Tax Credit
• Nova Scotia Payroll Rebate

Nova Scotia offers the highest Digital Media Tax Credit in Canada, helping reduce production costs and increase runway for growth.

The Dollars Make Sense

Nova Scotia’s affordable lifestyle and competitive operating costs make it a strategic location for both Canadian and international studios.

• Halifax ranked 1st among 15 global video game clusters for cost to operate after government incentives
• Lower office and operating costs compared to major Canadian and US hubs
• Proximity to US markets for business development and publishing access
• Immigration programs including the Atlantic Immigration Program to attract global talent

Deep Technical Talent

Nova Scotia is home to more than 15,000 professionals with skills in AI, data science, and data analytics. This strengthens game development, advanced pipelines, immersive technologies, and emerging platforms.

Industry Snapshot

• 750+ professionals across interactive media and game development
• 20+ active studios and growing
• Fourth largest provincial game workforce in Canada by headcount
• Strength across console, PC, mobile, XR, and service production
• Strong export orientation and global client base

Primary industry focus areas include:

• Video game development
• Interactive digital media
• Animation and cinematic production
• Applied AI and advanced technology pipelines

Big Names, Big Success

Nova Scotia is home to notable interactive media, animation, and video game studios including:

HB Studios (Take-Two Interactive)
Developers of leading sports titles including The Golf Club series, which evolved into PGA TOUR 2K.

Gamemode One
A leading Minecraft partner studio creating official content, branded experiences, and large-scale educational and entertainment worlds within the Minecraft ecosystem.

Vesuvius Media
Creators of tabletop games, digital adaptations, and interactive storytelling experiences.

Swarmio Media
Gaming technology platforms enhancing multiplayer experiences and cloud gaming infrastructure.

Modest Tree
Developers of interactive and immersive 3D training solutions serving aerospace and defence sectors.

The province’s history includes multiple generations of studios that have worked on internationally recognized projects, launched original IP, and trained senior leaders who continue to build new ventures today.

A History of Resilience and Advocacy

The Interactive Society of Nova Scotia was founded in October 2017 during a pivotal moment for the industry. Through focused advocacy, ISNS played a critical role in preserving and strengthening Nova Scotia’s Digital Media Tax Credit and supporting long term sector stability.

The industry has weathered global market shifts, studio acquisitions, and structural change, yet continues to regenerate through independent founders, experienced production leaders, and new creative startups.

Nova Scotia’s interactive media sector is resilient, diversified, and growing.

Trade Missions — Take Your Studio Global

ISNS supports members and the broader industry in accessing international markets through strategic trade missions in collaboration with Digital Nova Scotia.

One key opportunity is the Atlantic Canadian delegation to Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany, the world’s largest video game trade event.

Participation includes:

• Access to the Canadian Pavilion
• Curated B2B meetings with publishers and investors
• International networking opportunities
• Market expansion and export development support

Learn more and explore participation at: https://digitalnovascotia.com/programs/trade-missions/gamescom-2025/

Upcoming Events

Gamescom 2026 Cologne, Germany | August 26–30, 2026

Industry roundtables, networking sessions, and additional trade opportunities will be announced throughout the year.

Join the Industry Movement

ISNS exists to advocate, connect, and elevate Nova Scotia’s interactive media sector.

Become a Member:

• Shape provincial policy
• Access industry roundtables and events
• Collaborate with studios and partners
• Support talent development
• Strengthen the collective voice of the industry

JOIN ISNS. Build studios. Grow talent. Shape the future.