Sector Highlight:

Halifax is a city of creative people who make a business of creative expression.

An historic city with an unusually young population—due in part to a large number of universities—means Halifax is packed with people eager to create, and enjoy others’ creations. We’re rich with live music, public art, galleries, theatre, creative chefs, and yes, digital artists. A lively and welcoming city, we naturally attract creative people. No wonder our gaming, digital content, and interactive media sector is on fire.

Our digital media firms are making a mark for themselves around the world in console video games, mobile games (iOS & Android), VR and AR interactive experiences, VR cinematography, military simulations, and animated movies and TV shows.

Our digital media industry is strong, diversified, and always growing. Our youthful culture attracts creative artists. Our countless incentives attract businesses. Our post-secondary schools’ specialized programs attract the next generation of digital artists. And our focus on innovation and technology drive it all.

The facts of the matter.

• Employment in Nova Scotia’s video game industry has grown by 21% in just 5 years
• Halifax is home to Volta Labs, the largest innovation hub east of Waterloo
• Our fastest-growing demographic is age 25-39
• We host 30+ digital media studios with, collectively, over 500 employees.
• The province is home to more than 20 game development studios (and growing)
• We’re the #1 province in Canada for concentration of university enrolments in tech

Raw talent is polished for digital media excellence.

Digital studios are born here, because a rich talent base is trained here. The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, one of Canada’s oldest independent cultural institutions, is a national centre of excellence dedicated to the visual arts; Dalhousie University offers a specialized degree in graphics, gaming, and media; Nova Scotia Community College offers diplomas in digital animation and game development; and daVinci College’s animation program immerses students in a real production studio setting, with instruction by industry professionals in 3D animation and visual effects.

Halifax is home base for digital media innovation.

Ubisoft
Ubisoft Halifax is the group’s first studio entirely dedicated to Mobile Development in North America.

HB Studios
With offices in Halifax and picturesque Lunenburg, it’s Atlantic Canada’s largest independent video game developer.

WildBrain
With about 13,000 half-hours of filmed entertainment, this animation company inspires imaginations to run wild.

Copernicus Studios
Creative producers original animated content for television, feature film, and digital platforms.

REDspace
A custom software development company that combines scalable back ends with engaging front end user experiences.

In Halifax, we foster digital media excellence with investment.

Our creative culture is only one reason for our high concentration of digital media expertise.  The Digital Animation Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit for costs directly related to the development of digital animation in Nova Scotia. And our digital media tax credit makes this the ideal place for video game development and interactive media.

Contact Discover Halifax to learn more!

Ready to learn more, or to start planning your event in Halifax?  Contact our sector expert today.