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Post: Why video game developer, New World Interactive, picked Calgary over Toronto for new studio
Why Video Game Developer New World Interactive Chose Calgary Over Toronto for Their New Studio
As cities across Canada work to diversify their economies, Calgary has recently made headlines with the exciting news that New World Interactive (NWI), a U.S. video game developer, has chosen it as the home for its new Canadian studio. The announcement caused a stir across social media and ignited conversations about the city’s growing potential in the tech sector. This marks an important step in Calgary’s quest to attract talent and build a future beyond its traditional reliance on oil and gas.
In this article, we explore why New World Interactive picked Calgary over other Canadian cities like Toronto and the broader impact this decision could have on the local economy and gaming industry.
Why Calgary? The Key Factors Behind NWI’s Decision
New World Interactive’s decision to establish a new studio in Calgary is a significant milestone for the city’s tech landscape. While Calgary has long been associated with the oil and gas sector, this move highlights the city’s evolving economic focus. Several key factors contributed to NWI’s decision to choose Calgary over other major cities like Toronto.
Affordable Cost of Living and Quality of Life
One of the main reasons why New World Interactive chose Calgary was the affordable cost of living. In comparison to Toronto, where real estate prices and living expenses have skyrocketed, Calgary offers more reasonable costs for both businesses and employees. According to Keith Warner, president of NWI, “If I’d announced in Toronto I’m going to have 50 people, I might have been lucky if I got a yawn. And, by the way, good luck finding space and good luck to my guys getting a livable place at a reasonable cost.”
The affordable housing and real estate market, coupled with Calgary’s high quality of life, makes it an attractive destination for businesses seeking to recruit top talent. This is a significant contrast to the housing challenges faced by tech companies in Toronto, where the demand for housing often exceeds supply.
A Warm Welcome for Tech Companies
Another key factor was Calgary’s openness and support for new businesses. The city’s economic development department provided crucial support to NWI, offering programs like the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, designed to help businesses like NWI establish themselves. The combination of financial incentives, strong government support, and the city’s positive approach to newcomers made Calgary a standout choice.
The Right Talent Pool
Though Calgary is not traditionally known as a tech hub, NWI’s leadership team was impressed by the city’s growing pool of potential candidates. Warner initially thought there might not be enough talent in the city, but he was pleasantly surprised by the available workforce. “At first, my thought was there aren’t going to be the right people here, but I do think that there is a pretty good population of potential candidates,” he said.
While Calgary’s gaming and tech sector is still in its early stages, the city boasts a growing community of animators, game developers, and other creative professionals. This makes it an ideal location for companies like NWI looking to tap into emerging talent.
Calgary’s Efforts to Diversify Its Economy
For decades, Calgary has been synonymous with oil and gas. However, the city is now making an intentional effort to diversify its economy and embrace new industries such as tech, gaming, and digital arts. The announcement of NWI’s new studio is part of a broader strategy to position Calgary as a city that fosters innovation and creativity.
A Pioneering Spirit in Calgary’s Tech Community
Peter Hemminger, executive director of the Quickdraw Animation Society, noted that Calgary has a huge opportunity to establish itself as a hub for digital art and animation. Hemminger stated, “It’s surprising in the sense that the established industry in Canada is very much in Montreal, Vancouver, and you have BioWare up in Edmonton — that’s also a massive player in that industry. When you’re moving here [to Calgary], you’re really pioneering it.”
The presence of NWI in Calgary is a sign that the city is beginning to attract creative talent and establish itself in the growing gaming industry. The influx of companies like NWI could help to build a strong community of game developers, animators, and other professionals, keeping local talent in the city rather than forcing them to move to other regions with more established industries.
Supporting the Digital Arts Community
In addition to bringing new job opportunities, the gaming industry can help nurture and grow Calgary’s digital arts community. Animators and game designers play a crucial role in developing games, and Calgary is home to many talented artists eager to contribute to the sector. By supporting the expansion of gaming studios like NWI, Calgary is setting the stage for the growth of a thriving creative sector that can help retain local talent.
NWI’s Expansion Plans in Calgary: Job Creation and Future Growth
New World Interactive has ambitious plans for its Calgary studio. Initially, the company plans to hire between 12 and 15 people for the new office, with positions spanning from gameplay programmers and UI developers to character animators and marketing support. The company is eager to grow and expects to quadruple its team size in the coming years.
A Focus on Local Talent
While NWI initially looked outside of Calgary for talent, Warner expressed confidence that the city has a growing pool of qualified professionals. The company plans to prioritize local hiring, followed by national recruitment, and will only look internationally if necessary. NWI’s preference is to hire from within Canada, a strategy that will help support the growth of Calgary’s tech community.
A Broader Impact on Calgary’s Economy
Beyond the immediate creation of job opportunities, NWI’s expansion in Calgary is expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy. By bringing in professionals from around the world, the company will help raise Calgary’s profile in the global gaming industry. As the gaming community grows, so too will the opportunities for investment, innovation, and collaboration.
In the future, Warner envisions a larger Calgary operation, potentially employing 50 to 60 people. He also believes that NWI’s presence could help attract other companies in the gaming and tech sectors to Calgary. The company’s success in the city could encourage further investment in Calgary’s growing creative industries.
Calgary: A City Ready for Tech Innovation
The decision by New World Interactive to open a new studio in Calgary signals a promising future for the city’s gaming sector. Calgary’s efforts to diversify its economy and attract talent from various creative industries are beginning to pay off. With its affordable cost of living, supportive government incentives, and growing community of digital artists, the city is well-positioned to become a leader in the gaming industry.
For NWI, Calgary’s welcoming business environment and the potential for future growth were key factors in the decision. As the city continues to foster a strong tech ecosystem, it could become a major player in the Canadian gaming industry, alongside established hubs like Montreal and Vancouver.
Conclusion: Calgary’s Bright Future in Gaming and Tech
As New World Interactive continues to expand its presence in Calgary, the city’s growing tech community will undoubtedly benefit. NWI’s new studio serves as a symbol of the city’s ability to attract new industries and foster innovation. The gaming industry is just one example of how Calgary is evolving, and with more companies like NWI setting up shop, the city’s economy is set to become more diverse and resilient.
The decision by New World Interactive to choose Calgary over Toronto reflects the growing appeal of Calgary as a hub for creative industries and tech innovation. As the city continues to develop its reputation in the gaming industry, it is poised to become a key player in the digital economy, attracting more talent, investment, and job opportunities for the future.
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About the Author: Bernard Aybout (Virii8)
