Behaviour Interactive opens first studio in Toronto
Behaviour Interactive, Canada’s largest independent video game studio, announces the opening of its new studio in downtown Toronto today as part of its expansion during a milestone year. Today’s opening is the latest growth moment for one of the gaming world’s most active studios, which employs more than 900 people at its Montreal head office and is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Behaviour recently reported record revenues of $225 million for 2021 and revealed at this year’s GDC event that its most popular title, Dead by Daylight, has reached more than 50 million players worldwide.
“We are thrilled to expand our operations to a second office here in Canada, especially as Toronto continues to distinguish itself as an entertainment and production hub in North America. This market has been important to our business and the gaming industry at large,” says Rémi Racine, CEO and Executive Producer, Behaviour Interactive. “The opening of our first Toronto office is not only a testament to Behaviour’s growth potential today but is a key asset for future expansion efforts and partnership opportunities for our company.”
The new studio at 96 Spadina Avenue is the second location for Behaviour, which is headquartered in Montreal’s tech-focused Mile-Ex neighbourhood. The downtown Toronto office will be home to at least 50 employees working across the company. Behaviour’s three core business units focus on the development of original games, on co- and full-development projects for major brands like Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, and on the adaptation of gaming technology for businesses outside of the gaming sector.
Today’s office opening is recognized by politicians supporting Behaviour’s expansion into Ontario, including:
- John Tory, Mayor of Toronto
- Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
- Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of Ontario
- Lisa MacLeod, Ontario’s Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture Industries
“Toronto was one of the fastest growing cities in North America before the pandemic and our growth is continuing as we reopen. We are continuing to attract businesses, people and jobs from all over the world including in our own country,” said Mayor John Tory. “The opening of a new Behaviour Interactive office in our city is another vote of confidence that Toronto is coming back stronger than ever. I look forward to welcoming this new office into our city and seeing the growth of video game development and creation in our city.”
“Congratulations to Behaviour Interactive, Canada’s largest independent game developer and publisher, on their expansion into Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Ontario is the best jurisdiction in Canada for businesses to operate, with our world-class workforce and commitment to job creation. We look forward to seeing Behaviour Interactive grow and build their workforce right here in Ontario.”
“We congratulate Behaviour Interactive on their expansion into Ontario with their new Toronto studio, and the exciting new jobs for our world-leading tech talent they will create,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Our competitive business climate, talented workforce and vibrant tech sector make Ontario the ideal place for homegrown innovators like Behaviour to expand and market their unique gaming technology to the rest of the world.”
“I am excited to welcome Behaviour Interactive to Ontario,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “Toronto’s tech sector provides a wealth of world-class talent and this expansion will create jobs and new opportunities for indie video game developers who contribute a special and unique perspective to the industry. I wish them every success as they join Ontario’s ever-growing video game and interactive digital media sector.”
Behaviour Interactive’s growth strategy includes both investment and acquisition plans, and recently announced the addition of a new partner Haveli Investments. Alongside its first investor, NetEase, these partners will further support Behaviour’s global expansion.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Marie-Eve Boisvert
VP Communications
Behaviour Interactive
meboisvert@bhvr.com
Johnny Santilly
PR Account Director
Youville Haussmann Park
johnny@experience-yhp.com
About Behaviour Interactive
Behaviour Interactive was founded in 1992 and is Canada’s largest independent game developer and publisher. Celebrating its 30th year, and with more than 900 full-time employees, the studio has enjoyed immense success with its original IP Dead by Daylight, which now has more than 50 million players around the world and across all platforms. Behaviour holds co-developer credits for some of the gaming industry’s largest titles (such as Assassin’s Creed, Gears 5 and Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 & 2) and developed an unparalleled, award-winning culture within the gaming industry. Winner of Deloitte Canada’s Enterprise Fast 15 and Best Managed Company awards and listed one of the Best Places to Work – Canada by GamesIndustry.biz in 2021, Behaviour is a leading development studio cultivating career growth and talent development within the gaming industry. Behaviour counts among its partners some of the world’s most renowned brands, including Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, and many more. For more information, visit: bhvr.com