Game Con Canada is set to return to Edmonton this June with a larger footprint, combining fan-focused gaming events with industry networking in what organisers are positioning as one of the countryâs most ambitious gaming weekends. The three-day convention will run from June 19 to June 21 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, featuring hundreds of playable games, competitive tournaments, and a headline $10,000 cosplay prize pool.
The event is gaining traction not only for its scale but also for its timing alongside the North American Games Industry Summit (NAGIS), which will take place on June 18 and 19 at the same venue. The overlap effectively turns the week into a hybrid of consumer gaming expo and industry marketplace, bringing together players, developers, publishers and investors under one roof.
Game Con Canada will open on Friday from 11 am to 7 pm MDT, followed by weekend hours from 10 am to 6 pm, with extended after-hours gaming running until midnight on the first two days. Organisers say attendees can expect access to a wide mix of video games and tabletop experiences, alongside guided TTRPG sessions led by community creators, some of which will be ticketed separately.
Prizes, competitions and large-scale staging
This yearâs programme places a stronger emphasis on interactive competitions and live experiences. Tournaments are planned for titles including Warhammer 40k and Riftbound: League of Legends, while the cosplay competition â judged by industry professionals such as actor Mark Meer and veteran prop maker Evil Ted â will feature a total prize pool of $10,000.
One of the more distinctive additions is the Coin Quest, a scavenger-style challenge where attendees must locate 14 coins hidden across the convention using clues and social media engagement. The initiative carries a $4,000 prize pack, reflecting a broader push to blend gaming with real-world participation and community interaction.
At the centre of the event will be a 130-foot-long, 24-foot-tall 9K LED MEGA stage, designed to host major showcases, AAA game features and live competitions. The stage will also serve as the venue for the 3rd annual Game Con Canada Indie Game Awards, hosted by CGMagazine, highlighting independent developers alongside larger studio presentations.
Hardware will also play a visible role at the event, with Intel expected to showcase its latest technology, signalling continued interest from major tech partners in live gaming expos as a platform for consumer engagement.
Tickets, guests and industry expansion
Ticket pricing reflects a tiered approach aimed at a broad audience. Adult day passes are priced at 47.25 CAD, while weekend passes cost 113.40 CAD, with reduced pricing available for younger attendees. Additional costs apply for specialised workshops such as foam armour crafting and miniature painting, indicating that the overall spend for attendees may extend beyond general admission.
The guest lineup includes Deborah Ann Woll, YDB, Ginny Di and Noura Ibrahim, reflecting a mix of actors, creators and community figures that underline how gaming conventions are increasingly shaped by online personalities and cross-media talent.
Running in parallel, NAGIS is designed to serve the business side of the industry, offering pitch meetings, executive sessions and deal-making opportunities. Student tickets are priced at $100 CAD, while industry access costs $235 and VIP passes reach $350, positioning the summit as a more focused, professional environment alongside the public-facing expo.
The pairing of Game Con Canada with an industry summit highlights a broader shift in how gaming events are structured. Organisers are no longer targeting only fans, but also aiming to attract investment, partnerships and long-term growth opportunities within the same space.
More details on tickets and programming are available via the official Game Con Canada website, as Edmonton prepares to host what is shaping up to be one of its most expansive gaming gatherings to date.
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