Mixing It Up: A Festive Night of Games, Music, and Connections at IO Connect: Holiday Mixer 2024!
On December 4th, 2024, the IO Connect Holiday Mixer, hosted by Interactive Ontario and Music Publishers Canada, turned the Arcadian Loft in Toronto into a buzzing hub of creativity and camaraderie. This event celebrated the amazing talent in Ontario’s video game, XR, interactive digital media, and music industries—and did not disappoint!
From the moment we stepped into the venue, with its stunning views of Nathan Phillips Square lit up for the holidays, we knew we were in for a great night. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, filled with laughter, holiday cheer, and chatter as everyone enjoyed complimentary snacks and drinks. It was the perfect setting to catch up with old friends and meet new faces from across the industry.
Marcel and I had a fantastic time reconnecting with familiar faces while also making some new connections. These mixers are such a valuable opportunity to network in Toronto’s vibrant creative scene. One of the highlights of the evening was definitely the video game demo stations, which showcased some fascinating upcoming titles from Canadian developers.
I was particularly impressed by Hazardous Hardware. This game takes players on an adrenaline-fueled journey through a chaotic, dystopian factory where they face all sorts of clever challenges. Players learn the ropes in a tutorial-like Furnace Room before diving into dynamic environments like the Factory Floor and Testing Room.
Another game that caught my eye was Reply All, a single-player roguelike deck builder where emails are used as turn-based combat. It’s such a clever concept! Players use cards to compose emails, create combos, and battle against middle managers. It made me chuckle and gave me a slight dread about my 9-to-5, Slack notifications included. The art style is fun and engaging, and I’m definitely looking forward to its launch on Steam. The game is available to wishlist now!
The night was made even better by a live DJ who kept the energy high and encouraged everyone to let loose a bit. Seeing so many talented individuals come together to celebrate our shared passion for Canadian games was terrific.
Overall, the IO Connect Holiday Mixer was more than just an event; it was a reminder of how strong our community is in Ontario’s creative industries. Nights like these are crucial for fostering connections and inspiring collaboration among all of us, especially in a time where the industry does seem a bit uncertain. I left feeling energized and excited about what lies ahead for our industry—and I can’t wait for the next chance to connect with everyone again!
