Building for the Long Game: Lessons from Three Decades in Games

A conversation with Michael Schmalz about what it takes to build a game company that lasts—from the early days of Canada’s games industry to Warframe and today’s rapidly changing landscape. The discussion will explore innovation and commercial risk, building sustainable businesses, maintaining creative ambition as companies grow, and what he would do differently if he were building a Canadian studio today. It will also look at what the industry needs to support the next generation of Canadian studios, including the role of public funding and industry organizations in helping companies build, grow and compete.