B.C. Studios Go Global at PGC

Summary:

What is driving British Columbia’s growing global presence in the gaming sector? British Columbia strengthened its global presence in the games industry through strong participation at Pocket Gamer Connects London 2026, supported by coordinated trade efforts and meaningful international engagement.

• Creative Strengths: British Columbia is a leading global hub for creative and interactive media, with strengths in digital media, film and television, VFX, animation, post‑production and interactive gaming across multiple platforms.
• Conference Participation: From January 19 to 21, 2026, 12 B.C. companies attended Pocket Gamer Connects London 2026, a major global games industry conference with approximately 3,000 attendees from more than 60 countries, facilitating roughly 300 business meetings.
• Strategic Support: Trade and Invest BC supported the delegation through a branded booth, business meetings, panel participation, a Canadian Embassy networking event, and promotion of Web Summit Vancouver, strengthening international connections and visibility.

British Columbia is a major creative production hub in Canada, recognized globally for its strengths in digital media, film and television, visual effects (VFX), animation and post-production. The province also hosts a thriving interactive gaming sector, home to world-class studios developing for mobile, PC, console and emerging platforms. Together, these capabilities position B.C. at the forefront of the global creative economy.

From January 19 to 21, 2026, B.C. companies brought this expertise to Pocket Gamer Connects (PGC) London 2026, one of the leading international conferences for the games industry. The event attracted approximately 4,000 attendees from more than 60 countries and featured over 250 global industry experts covering mobile, PC, console, XR, AI and Web3 gaming.

Since its launch in 2014, the Pocket Gamer Connects series has welcomed more than 67,000 industry professionals worldwide. The London edition continues to serve as a strategic meeting point for developers, publishers, investors and service providers seeking new partnerships and market insights.

Strong and Growing B.C. Presence

In 2026, 12 B.C. companies participated in the conference, including three first-time attendees. Their presence demonstrated both the depth and ongoing expansion of the province’s interactive digital media ecosystem.

To support business development, Trade and Invest BC hosted a branded booth that served as a central hub for meetings and industry engagement. The delegation also attended a networking reception at the Canadian Embassy in London, strengthening relationships with European partners.

Across the three-day conference, approximately 300 meetings were facilitated, helping advance commercial opportunities and reinforce strategic alignment between B.C. companies and European markets.

Showcasing Provincial Capabilities on a Global Stage

Several B.C. companies participated in a panel session showcasing the province’s strengths in interactive entertainment. Five B.C. firms also joined global industry leaders for a broader discussion focused on sector development, innovation and international collaboration.

The event additionally provided an opportunity to promote Web Summit Vancouver to the European gaming community, further positioning B.C. as a global destination for technology and creative industries.

Coordinated Support Through Trade and Invest B.C.

The B.C. booth offered a well‑organized, productive environment for partnership meetings. On‑the‑ground support from Trade and Invest B.C.’s Europe Trade and Investment Representative added significant value to the delegation. Drawing on deep sector expertise, established industry relationships and coordinated leadership, the TIR helped maximize engagement and strengthen market access outcomes.

Trade and Invest BC, a division of the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth, maintains a global network of Trade and Investment Representatives (TIRs) located in China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, India, Europe, Mexico and the United States. These representatives play a vital role in connecting B.C. businesses with international markets while assisting global companies in accessing the province’s talent, resources and innovation ecosystem.

Expanding Global Momentum

Participation in Pocket Gamer Connects London 2026 reinforced British Columbia’s position as a competitive and collaborative player in the global games industry. By deepening engagement with European markets and strengthening international partnerships, B.C.’s interactive digital media sector continues to build long‑term growth and global visibility.

B.C. companies seeking to expand internationally are encouraged to engage with Trade and Invest B.C. to access global market intelligence, business introductions and direct, in-market support through its worldwide network of TIRs. Learn more about Trade and Invest B.C.’s international support services.