The Creative Technologies sector in Canada is in an accelerated phase of rapid growth. Ontario is home to roughly half of Canada’s tech workforce, and is a primary ‘hub’ for Canadian creative tech. The creative tech landscape in Ontario is composed of mostly small, often independent studios (>80%) and some larger tech companies1, representing the video game and interactive media segments. Toronto is one of three major creative tech centres in Ontario, with substantial growth expected over the next several years.

To keep pace with this period of accelerated growth, studios are facing a shortage of skilled professionals that is leading them to look outside Canada to meet talent demands. There is growing awareness that a lack of diversity and representation in the Creative Technologies sector means significant talent remains untapped, in terms of both the number and quality of skilled professionals. Indeed, it is now well established that a diverse, inclusive workforce leads to increased creativity, faster problem solving, better products that appeal to more audiences, and healthier company culture – all of which have a net positive effect on profits.

This study addresses the gap in existing research by presenting the perspectives of creative technology professionals currently working in the sector and those seeking to ‘break in’. This study explores the career and development pathways, employment strategies, and barriers to access experienced by professionals of all identities navigating Toronto’s Creative Technologies sector. These experiences are further examined through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens, to consider how current attitudes and practices may shape the experiences of professionals from underrepresented and equity-deserving communities.