We are GameHaunt, a vital program of the Visible Minority Network (VMRTN). We harness the passion for video games to unlock pathways in technology, foster community, and empower visible minority youth to become the next generation of innovators and leaders.
For many visible minority youth in our community, significant barriers stand between them and a future in the tech and creative sectors. A shared passion is the most powerful tool to break down these barriers.
Many youth lack access to high-end technology, stable internet, and the software needed to build critical digital skills.
Visible minorities, while making up over 26% of Canada's population, hold less than 15% of tech sector jobs, creating a lack of visible role models.
A profound need for safe, inclusive spaces where youth feel a true sense of belonging and are supported by peers and mentors.
GameHaunt was born from a simple idea: that the communities built around video games could be a force for profound social good. As a flagship program of the Visible Minority Network (VMRTN), a registered non-profit with a long history of serving communities in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, we were founded to address the specific challenges faced by visible minority youth in the digital age.
Our mission is to ensure that the future of technology is as diverse and vibrant as the world we live in. We leverage the engaging world of video games to provide visible minority youth with critical STEM skills, mentorship, and a supportive community, breaking down barriers to entry in the tech and creative industries.
A future where every young person, regardless of background, has the tools, confidence, and network to become a creator, innovator, and leader in a fully inclusive digital world.
Inclusivity, Empowerment, Community, Innovation, and Fun. These values guide every workshop, event, and interaction at GameHaunt.
GameHaunt is more than a place to play. It's an ecosystem of support designed to transform a hobby into a launchpad for success. We provide a state-of-the-art facility where youth connect with peers, learn from industry mentors, and develop critical skills.
We host coding, game design, and digital art workshops that build real-world STEM skills.
Our in-house leagues teach teamwork, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship in a healthy environment.
We connect youth with professionals for guidance, inspiration, and career-building advice.
The results speak for themselves. Our program is a catalyst for personal and professional growth, creating tangible positive outcomes for the youth we serve.
"GameHaunt gave me more than just a place to play. I learned to code, met my best friends, and connected with a mentor who helped me apply for college. It changed my life."
Alex, Age 17
Program Participant
150+
Youth Engaged Annually
2,000+
Hours of STEM Workshops
90%
of Participants Report Increased Interest in a Tech Career
Our program is built on three core pillars. Participation is free for eligible youth aged 13-19 in the Greater Toronto Area.
This is where passion meets practical skills. Our hands-on workshops are taught by experienced instructors and are designed to be fun, accessible, and challenging. We go beyond gaming to teach the fundamentals of how games are made.
Our community is our greatest strength. We host a wide range of events and structured esports leagues that promote healthy competition, communication, and lasting friendships in a positive, supervised environment.
Navigating a career path can be tough. Our Guild Mentorship Program pairs motivated youth with professionals currently working in the tech and gaming industries. Mentors provide invaluable advice, career guidance, and encouragement.
Registration is simple and free. Click the link below to fill out our application form, and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
Be a Part of GameHaunt todayOur work is only possible through the generous support of individuals and partners who share our vision. Your contribution directly empowers a young person on their journey to success.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. If you have a passion for gaming, technology, or mentoring, we have a role for you.
Partner with GameHaunt to make a tangible impact while achieving your corporate social responsibility goals and connecting with future tech talent.
Quick reads, community highlights, and updates from the GameHaunt team — fresh and friendly.
Blog
A Creative Spark Dimmed by Old Tech Picture this. A Grade 10 student in Oakville—we’ll call her Maya—sits hunched over the family’s hand-me-down laptop, its fan whirring like it’s about to take flight. She’s been assigned a project in 3D animation, and unlike most of her classmates, she doesn’t just want to submit something “good...
Read More →on VMRTNBlog
The Double-Edged Sword of Online Gaming For millions of young people, the glow of a screen isn’t just entertainment—it’s connection. Online gaming has become today’s digital campfire, a place where youth gather after school, trade strategies, and share laughs with friends scattered across neighbourhoods, cities, and even continents. It’s hard to overstate the good. Ask...
Read More →on VMRTNBlog
The Representation Gap Did you know that visible minorities make up over 26% of Canada’s population, yet hold less than 15% of jobs in the technology sector? And when it comes to leadership, the gap widens even further. Despite Canada’s growing diversity, studies have shown that fewer than 5% of executive positions in the tech...
Read More →on VMRTNHave a question or want to learn more about GameHaunt? We'd love to hear from you!