News
For Immediate Release
London
04/15/2011
Digital Extremes Plays To Win In Ontario: McGuinty Government Helps Create 30 New Jobs, Protect 53 Jobs In London
NEWS
Ontario is turning the corner and helping a London-based video game studio create 30 new jobs and protect 53 existing jobs, with more than 120 people currently working at the studio.
Digital Extremes is developing a “3D Evolution Game Engine” that automates programming work required to create a new 3D video game. The technology will reduce the time and cost involved in bringing new games to market, helping Digital Extremes grow its business and making Ontario’s digital media sector more competitive.
Partnering with local business is a key component of the plan laid out in Ontario’s 2011 Budget — Turning the Corner, to create and support 10,000 new and existing jobs for Ontario families and strengthen local economies.
QUOTES
“As Ontario continues to turn the corner, our province has a terrific story to tell as a place to develop video games: a vibrant supply of top-notch talent, targeted digital media and R&D tax credits, strong ties with the film industry, and a proactive approach to supporting the industry.”
— Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade
“We’re helping a London-based success story like Digital Extremes move to the next level and create jobs in the fast-growing video game sector which employs more than 16,000 Ontarians.”
— Khalil Ramal, MPP for London-Fanshawe
“We believe the 3D Evolution Game Engine we’re developing here in London will provide an enhanced platform allowing other videogame developers to fully leverage the creative talents of their teams. This investment signals an exciting new phase for our company.”
—Michael Schmalz, President, Digital Extremes
QUICK FACTS
- Digital Extremes is investing nearly $36 million in the project, including a $2.5-million grant from the province.
- The company was the co-creator of Epic’s award winning Unreal franchise and has recently worked on THQ’s Homefront and 2K Game’s BioShock franchise.
- Digital Extremes’ original game, Dark Sector was released in 2008, selling more than one million copies.
- Ontario is home to about 1,000 interactive digital media companies that contribute almost $1.5 billion annually to Ontario's economy and employ around 16,000 people.
- The Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit was valued at close to $20 million in 2009-10.
- So far, Ontario has recovered 93 per cent of the jobs lost in the recession.
- As a result of the tax changes implemented in Ontario, taxes on business investment were cut in half, making Ontario more competitive and encouraging business growth.
LEARN MORE
- See how Ontario's Budget 2011 is supporting job creation and helping the province's economy to turn the corner.
- Read about Ontario's digital gaming industry.
- Creative? Consider taking interactive digital media courses.
- Watch Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as she experiences made in Ontario technology during her 2010 tour of Pinewood Studios in Toronto.
- Find out more about the Ontario Media Development Corporation.
For more information:
Tim Weber
Minister's Office
416-325-4520
Neil Trotter
Communications Branch
416-325-6716
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