Wizards of the Coast expands to Montreal
In a move that underscores Montreal’s standing as a global hub for interactive entertainment, Wizards of the Coast, the studio famed for Dungeons & Dragons, announced the establishment of a new video game development studio in Montreal. The project is expected to create about 200 positions across game development, production, quality assurance, and support roles, signaling a meaningful investment in the city’s growing creative economy.
Why Montreal was chosen
Dan Ayoub, head of the Montreal division, described the decision as a clear reflection of the city’s deep and diverse talent pool. In an interview, he highlighted Montreal’s pool of skilled programmers, designers, artists, and producers, arguing that it gives the studio access to a broad, multilingual workforce comfortable with complex, long-term projects. With recruitment already underway, the company appears poised to bring in both seasoned specialists and rising talents from local schools and studios.
A sign of Montreal’s resilient game ecosystem
The announcement comes as the video game industry and the broader information technology sector have experienced a slowdown in recent months. Still, Montreal International’s leadership has welcomed the move as a strong indicator of the market’s underlying strength. The region is home to roughly 250 studios and nearly 15,000 jobs, and continues to attract high-budget productions. This momentum line up with Montreal’s established reputation for fostering creative excellence and technical prowess on a scale that appeals to major global publishers.
Reactions from local stakeholders
The city’s economic development agencies framed the decision as validation of Montreal’s competitive advantages. Montreal International President and CEO Stéphane Paquet pointed to the breadth of the local ecosystem—ranging from indie teams to AAA development—as a critical factor that makes the metropolis attractive for new entrants in the video game space. The project also aligns with ongoing efforts to expand the region’s training pipelines, research collaborations, and industry partnerships that help sustain a robust talent pipeline.
Implications for workers and the local market
The creation of 200 roles promises to broaden opportunities for software engineers, gameplay programmers, narrative designers, art directors, and QA specialists. For job seekers, the opening offers a range of pathways—from entry-level testing and production support to senior engineering and design roles. For Montreal’s universities, colleges, and private training institutions, the project could spur new co-op programs, internships, and partnerships that keep the talent pipeline well fed as the studio scales its operations.
What this means for Montreal’s long-term outlook
Beyond immediate hiring, the studio’s arrival reinforces Montreal’s reputation as a magnet for international publishers and major franchises. It demonstrates confidence in the region’s ability to support large, multi-year development efforts and suggests continued diversification beyond traditional hubs. As the city strengthens its comparative advantages—talent depth, bilingual capabilities, and a climate conducive to experimentation—the industry’s growth profile remains positive, even amid periodic market cooling. The Wizards of the Coast project thus adds a meaningful chapter to Montreal’s ongoing evolution as a premier global game development center.
