News
For Immediate Release
St. Catharines
07/14/2011
New Support For Digital Tech Sector Creates 80 Jobs: McGuinty Government Helps Expand Gaming Company in St. Catharines
NEWS
Ontario is helping Silicon Knights – a St. Catharines-based video game company – expand its production capabilities, create 80 new jobs and protect 97 existing positions.
With the province’s support, the company is developing the best 3D Game Development Engine that will include new advanced camera systems, improved audio and video and better computing technology. The new 3D tools will help the company develop the next generation of gaming systems and become a self-sustainable, self-publishing company.
Investing in local business is a key component of the McGuinty Government’s plan to create and support jobs for Ontario families and strengthen local economies.
QUOTES
“Our province continues to be an innovative leader in the high-growth, global video game market. Ontario’s support to Silicon Knights will expand production of its unique, next-generation 3D Game Engine, target new markets, and create highly-skilled jobs for St. Catharines and the surrounding community.”
— Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade
“The McGuinty government is helping Silicon Knights, a local St. Catharines success story, continue to develop leading-edge 3D video games. This brings jobs to our community and strengthens Ontario’s world-recognized video game presence.”
— Jim Bradley, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
“With Ontario government support, we are better-positioned to further develop the 8th Art of video games. This will enhance our competitive edge within the highly-competitive video game market, help us become a self-sustainable, self-publishing entity, and allow us to enter lucrative global markets.”
— Denis Dyack, President, Silicon Knights
QUICK FACTS
- Since 1988, Silicon Knights has been developing and distributing video games worldwide. Silicon Knights is one of the world’s most established independent video game developers with a host of ground-breaking titles, including: Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain, Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem, Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes, Too Human and the soon-to-be-released X-Men Destiny.
- 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.
- In June, Ontario had an increase of more than 40,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate declining to 7.7 percent.
LEARN MORE
- See how Ontario's Budget 2011 is supporting job creation and helping the province's economy to turn the corner.
- See programs and services for business.
- Read about Ontario's digital gaming industry.
For more information:
Lauren Tedesco
Minister Pupatello's Office
416-325-6909
Patrick Imlay
Communications Branch
416-325-6998
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