Event Dates: October 25-26, 2025
Location: Mississauga Convention Centre, Ontario, Canada
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (both days)
Parking: Free on-site parking available
What Is VGLX?
Video Game Live Expo (VGLX) stands as Canada's largest fan-first gaming convention, bringing together competitive esports players, indie developers, content creators, families, and gaming enthusiasts under one roof. Unlike industry-focused trade shows, VGLX prioritizes hands-on experiences, community engagement, and accessibility. The 2025 edition returns to the Mississauga Convention Centre with an expanded show floor, 40+ game studios, competitive tournaments, and family-friendly activities that span two full days.
This isn't a passive spectator event. You'll play unreleased indie demos, compete in tournaments with cash prizes, meet developers shaping the future of Canadian game development, and connect with communities built around your favorite franchises. Whether you main Tekken 8, prefer cozy indie puzzlers, or want to introduce your kids to gaming culture, VGLX delivers concentrated access to Canada's thriving gaming ecosystem.
Competitive Tournaments: Prove Your Skills
VGLX hosts multiple tournaments across fighting games, creative challenges, and community meetups. Organizers Incendium Gaming FGC handle fighting game competitions with bracket structures, live commentary, and prize pools that attract regional talent.
Tekken 8 Tournament
Bandai Namco's latest iteration brings heat system mechanics, aggressive frame data, and refined movement to the competitive stage. The VGLX bracket runs Saturday with pools and Sunday finals. Expect players testing post-patch tier shifts and heat dash setups refined since the game's February 2024 launch.
Format: Double elimination
Platform: PlayStation 5
Registration: On-site (limited slots)
Prize Pool: TBA on event website
Street Fighter 6 Tournament
Capcom's drive system overhaul continues to dominate the FGC scene. VGLX brackets feature Modern and Classic control schemes, letting accessibility-focused players compete alongside legacy execution specialists. Recent balance patches shifted tier placements, so expect diverse character representation beyond launch meta picks.
Format: Double elimination
Platform: PlayStation 5
Registration: On-site (limited slots)
Prize Pool: TBA on event website
Minecraft Build Tournament
Creative builders get 90 minutes to construct themed builds judged on originality, technical execution, and adherence to prompt. AMD sponsors the dedicated Minecraft Zone with pre-configured PCs, shader support, and collaborative build spaces. Categories typically split between solo builders and team entries.
Platform: PC (AMD-sponsored zone)
Registration: On-site at AMD Minecraft Zone
Theme: Announced day-of-event
Pokémon Go & TCG Meetups
Community-organized gatherings rather than structured tournaments, these sessions connect local trainers for raids, trades, and casual TCG matches. Bring your deck or mobile device. Organizers typically coordinate Legendary raid hours and draft pod signups throughout both days.
Location: Designated community area
Schedule: Rolling sessions, check event board on-site
Indie Game Zone: Play Tomorrow's Hits Today
The Indie Game Zone showcases 40+ studios, most offering exclusive playable demos months before Steam Early Access or console launches. This is where you discover genre-bending experiments, narrative-driven experiences, and mechanical innovations that AAA publishers won't greenlight.
Notable Studios & Playable Demos
Tribute Games – Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Tribute Games (Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge) brings their signature pixel-art brawler expertise to the Marvel universe. Expect tight combat, screen-filling boss encounters, and cooperative chaos across cosmic Marvel locales. Playable demo features 2-4 player co-op.
sunset visitor – 1000xRESIST
This narrative sci-fi adventure garnered critical acclaim for its branching dialogue systems and memory-based puzzle mechanics. Developers will demo early chapters and discuss influences ranging from visual novels to interactive theater. Won multiple Canadian Game Awards including Best Narrative.
Gaggle Studios – Goose Goose Duck
The social deduction hit (50+ million players) gets continuous content updates. Developers showcase upcoming maps, roles, and cosmetics while hosting live community matches. Jump into public lobbies or organize private games with convention attendees.
Black Squirrels Studio – Carpe Dino
Asymmetric party game where one player controls a T-Rex while others scramble as hapless humans. Simple controls hide deep strategy around resource management, hiding spots, and last-second escapes. Four-player demo stations run constantly with rotating matches.
Copychaser Games – Times and Galaxy
Narrative adventure blending photography mechanics with branching story paths. You play a journalist traveling through time, capturing moments that alter future timelines. Demo covers the tutorial planet and first major decision branch.
Guide Stone Studios – Dust Walkers
Post-apocalyptic survival game with base-building, resource scarcity, and permadeath consequences. The VGLX demo introduces the core loop: scavenge during daylight, fortify before nightfall, manage survivor morale. Developers run guided playthroughs explaining deep crafting trees.
Lofty Sky Entertainment – Sky of Tides
Airship combat meets exploration in this aerial adventure. Playable demo features tutorial dogfights, ship customization, and a story mission introducing the central conflict. Developers discuss inspirations from Skies of Arcadia and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.
SkyPyre Studios – Various Titles
Multi-project showcase including puzzle platformers and narrative experiments. Check the booth schedule for developer Q&A sessions breaking down design philosophy and upcoming releases.
Woolly Walrus Games – Dark Age Dinos
Tactical RPG mixing dinosaurs with medieval fantasy tropes. Turn-based combat emphasizes terrain advantage, unit synergy, and multi-turn ability combos. Demo offers three story missions with varied objectives and win conditions.
Canadian Game Awards Showcase
The Eh! Game Showcase, presented by Canadian Game Awards, curates standout projects from Canadian developers. This juried selection highlights innovation, polish, and unique perspectives often missing from mainstream gaming. Previous years featured eventual breakout hits months before wider recognition. Expect demos, developer talks, and voting for audience choice awards.
Family Fun Zone: Gaming for All Ages
VGLX prioritizes family accessibility. Kids 12 and under enter free when accompanied by an adult (one child per adult ticket). The Family Fun Zone clusters age-appropriate activities, character meet-and-greets, and multiplayer party games in a supervised area.
Character Meet & Greets
Life-sized Pikachu and Eevee mascots appear for photo opportunities and brief interactions. Schedule rotates throughout both days (check event app for exact times). Pokémon Company licensing ensures authentic costume quality.
Mario Kart Racing Stations
Four-player splitscreen stations run Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tournaments with rotating brackets. All DLC courses available. Casual players welcome; organizers balance matchmaking to avoid stomps. Winners receive small prizes (typically event-branded swag).
Minecraft Creative Zone (AMD-Sponsored)
AMD provides pre-configured PCs running Minecraft Java Edition with creative mode enabled, shader packs, and expanded block palettes. Kids build freely or participate in timed challenges with themes announced hourly. Parents can supervise from adjacent seating areas.
Age Recommendation: 6+
Supervision: Required for children under 10
PC Specs: AMD Ryzen processors, Radeon graphics (specifics TBA)
Cosplay, Artist Alley & Community Spaces
Cosplay Showcase Area
Dedicated photo zones with backdrops, lighting setups, and scheduled group shoots organized by franchise (Genshin Impact, Final Fantasy XIV, Monster Hunter, etc.). Costume contest Saturday evening with categories for craftsmanship, performance, and group entries. Judges include professional cosplayers and costume designers from film/TV. No entry fee for participants; spectators welcome.
Artist Alley
Independent artists sell prints, stickers, charms, commissions, and original works spanning gaming fandoms. Expect original character designs, fan interpretations of popular franchises, and gaming-adjacent pop culture art. Cash and card accepted at most booths. Notable vendors include Katzer's Creations (gaming-themed jewelry) and MyPops (custom Funko-style figurines).
Community Booths
Final Fantasy XIV Ontario
Community organizers host meetups, glamour contests, and casual discussion for Ontario-based FFXIV players. Bring questions about server transfers, raiding statics, or housing market strategies. Often coordinates post-convention linkshell recruitment.
Monster Hunter Fan Booth
Dedicated space for Monster Hunter franchise enthusiasts. Expect build discussions, speedrun showcases, and community hunts organized via Discord. Covers mainline titles (Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter World) and upcoming releases.
Love and Deepspace Photobooth
Themed photo opportunity celebrating the mobile romance/sci-fi game. Backdrops, props, and lighting designed for social media sharing. Free to use; attendees provide their own phones/cameras.
Exhibitors & Hardware Showcases
AMD – Ryzen Gaming & Minecraft Zone
AMD anchors the show floor with hands-on demonstrations of Ryzen processors and Radeon graphics cards running demanding titles. Technical staff explain performance benchmarks, overclocking basics, and hardware upgrade paths for various budgets. The AMD Minecraft Zone (mentioned earlier) showcases Java Edition performance with raytracing, high render distances, and shader mods.
What to Ask: Budget PC build recommendations, laptop vs. desktop trade-offs for portability, AMD Advantage laptop features.
MSI – Gaming Laptops & Peripherals
MSI displays current laptop lineups (GE, GS, GP series) with playable demo stations running demanding titles at high settings. Peripheral showcase includes mechanical keyboards, gaming mice, and headsets. Staff discuss refresh rates, response times, and build quality differences across price tiers.
What to Try: Hands-on keyboard feel comparison, headset comfort testing, laptop display quality (IPS vs. TN panels).
VGLX VR Zone
Multi-station VR area featuring Meta Quest headsets and PCVR setups. Game library rotates but typically includes rhythm games (Beat Saber), action titles (Blade & Sorcery), and social experiences (VRChat). First-time VR users welcome; staff provide setup assistance and comfort guidance.
Wait Times: Expect 15-30 minute queues during peak hours (11 AM – 2 PM).
Session Length: 10-15 minutes per player.
Content Creators & Live Entertainment
Brigit O'Regan – Live Violin Performance
Acclaimed violinist Brigit O'Regan performs gaming soundtracks with arrangements spanning orchestral (The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy) to electronic fusion (Undertale, Celeste). Performance schedule TBA on event app; typically one set per day with audience Q&A discussing musical interpretation of game scores.
Streaming & Content Creator Meetups
Select content creators host meet-and-greets, panel discussions, and live gameplay sessions. Guest list announced closer to event dates via official social channels (@VGLXCanada on Twitter/X, Instagram). Previous years featured fighting game commentators, speedrunners, and variety streamers with Canadian ties.
Unique Vendors & Shopping
Argama Hobby Ltd.
Imports and curated collectibles including figures, model kits, and limited-edition merchandise from Japanese franchises. Expect Gunpla (Gundam plastic models), Nendoroids, and seasonal anime releases.
Dolly's
Pop culture apparel, accessories, and home goods spanning gaming, anime, and internet culture. Carries sizes beyond standard convention vendor stock (XS – 3XL commonly available).
Merry's Cakes
Custom gaming-themed baked goods available for pre-order and walk-up purchase. Previous offerings included pixel-art cookies, character cakes, and edible controller toppers. Check Instagram (@merryscakes) for design portfolios and ordering deadlines.
Sports Card Show & Slab Sharks
Trading card vendors focusing on Pokémon TCG, sports cards, and graded collectibles. Slab Sharks specializes in PSA/BGS authenticated cards with transparent pricing. Good source for completing vintage sets or moving sealed product.
Back to Back Games
Retro game vendor stocking cartridges, discs, and consoles across generations (NES through PS4). Prices typically match or beat eBay sold listings. Staff test hardware before sale and offer brief return windows for defects.
Practical Planning Tips
Ticket Pricing & Discounts
Standard Pricing (no promo code):
- Single Day Pass: $30 CAD
- Weekend Pass: $50 CAD
- Kids 12 and under: Free with adult ticket (1:1 ratio)
GameHaunt Exclusive Discount:
Use promo code GAMEHAUNT10 at checkout for 10% off any ticket tier. Code valid through October 24, 2025, 11:59 PM EST. Cannot combine with other promotional offers.
Where to Buy: Official tickets available exclusively at https://vglx.ca
What to Bring
- ID for Age Verification: Required for adult entry if appearance suggests under 18.
- Cash: Most vendors accept card, but cash ensures backup for Artist Alley purchases and food trucks.
- Phone Charger/Battery Pack: Event app drains battery; charging stations limited.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Fill stations available; bottled water costs $3-4 from vendors.
- Comfortable Shoes: Expect 6+ hours of standing/walking across 50,000+ sq ft show floor.
- Business Cards (For Developers/Industry): Networking opportunities with studios, publishers, and creators.
Food & Accessibility
Food Options:
On-site food trucks rotate but typically include burgers, pizza, poutine, and vegetarian options. Prices range $8-15 CAD per item. Outside food allowed (convention center policy permits sealed snacks and drinks).
Accessibility:
Mississauga Convention Centre provides wheelchair access, accessible washrooms, and designated seating in tournament viewing areas. Service animals permitted. Contact event organizers in advance for specific accommodation requests ([email protected]).
Parking:
Free on-site parking in convention center lots. Peak capacity handles 500+ vehicles. Overflow parking available at adjacent municipal lots (5-minute walk). Public transit accessible via MiWay bus routes 3, 26, and 66 (Square One Terminal connections).
Why VGLX Matters for Canadian Gaming
Canada ranks as the third-largest game development hub globally (behind USA and Japan), yet public awareness of homegrown studios remains low. VGLX directly addresses this gap by platforming independent developers who lack E3-scale marketing budgets but deliver mechanically innovative, narratively ambitious projects.
The 2025 exhibitor list includes studios at various stages: established names like Tribute Games (multi-million seller catalog), mid-tier successes like Gaggle Studios (Goose Goose Duck's viral growth), and early-stage teams showing first publicly playable builds. This mix creates discovery opportunities absent from algorithm-driven Steam browsing or influencer-curated showcases.
For attendees, direct developer access means understanding design decisions, providing feedback that shapes final releases, and supporting studios before venture capital dilutes creative vision. For developers, live player reactions inform iteration cycles more authentically than focus groups or telemetry data.
The convention also demonstrates gaming's cultural breadth beyond competitive play. Cosplay showcases, live music performances, artist collaborations, and family-friendly zones position gaming as multifaceted creative medium rather than niche hobby. This framing attracts broader demographics and normalizes gaming literacy across age groups.
Event Schedule Overview
Saturday, October 25:
- 10:00 AM: Doors open, exhibitor floor active
- 11:00 AM: Tekken 8 tournament pools begin
- 12:00 PM: Brigit O'Regan performance (Stage 1)
- 2:00 PM: Street Fighter 6 tournament pools begin
- 3:00 PM: Minecraft Build Tournament Round 1
- 5:00 PM: Cosplay contest (Main Stage)
- 6:00 PM: Day 1 close
Sunday, October 26:
- 10:00 AM: Doors open, exhibitor floor active
- 11:00 AM: Tekken 8 finals
- 1:00 PM: Street Fighter 6 finals
- 2:00 PM: Minecraft Build Tournament finals
- 3:00 PM: Canadian Game Awards Showcase presentations
- 4:30 PM: Closing ceremony, prize distributions
- 6:00 PM: Event close
(Schedule subject to change; check official event app for real-time updates)
How to Maximize Your VGLX Experience
Arrive Early Saturday: Show floor crowds peak 12-3 PM. Arriving at 10 AM guarantees shorter demo wait times and better tournament registration availability.
Prioritize Indie Demos: AAA games launch with marketing campaigns; indie titles disappear without early support. Wishlist promising demos on Steam during the event to boost developer visibility.
Attend Developer Q&A Sessions: Scheduled talks at the Eh! Game Showcase provide insight into production challenges, funding struggles, and creative compromises. Ask specific questions about mechanics or narrative choices.
Budget for Artist Alley: Bring $50-100 if you appreciate fan art or original designs. Prints typically cost $10-20, while commissions (sketch or digital) range $30-80 depending on complexity.
Network Intentionally: Bring business cards if you're a developer, content creator, or industry professional. VGLX attracts publishers, platform reps, and media covering Canadian gaming.
Use the Event App: Download before arrival (links on VGLX website). Provides real-time schedule updates, tournament brackets, and interactive show floor map with booth descriptions.
Post-Event: Stay Connected
VGLX's value extends beyond the weekend through community Discord servers, developer social channels, and ongoing online tournaments. Many studios offer beta access to attendees who provide feedback, and fighting game communities organize weekly online sessions.
Follow-Up Actions:
- Wishlist indie demos on Steam to receive launch notifications
- Join community Discord servers (links provided at booths)
- Follow @VGLXCanada for 2026 announcements and year-round content
- Share photos/experiences with #VGLX2025 to support event growth
Final Thoughts: Is VGLX Worth Attending?
VGLX delivers maximum value for attendees seeking discovery over spectacle. You won't find AAA world premieres or celebrity guests, but you will play games unavailable elsewhere, meet developers shaping Canada's gaming future, and connect with communities built around shared interests.
The $27 discounted weekend pass (using GAMEHAUNT10) breaks down to $13.50 per day for 8 hours of content, demos, tournaments, and networking. Compare that to a single new game ($80 CAD) or movie tickets for a family of four ($60+).
Attend if you:
- Want to support Canadian game development directly
- Enjoy discovering games before marketing campaigns dictate consensus
- Appreciate hands-on demos over gameplay trailers
- Value community interaction (cosplay, tournaments, meetups)
- Have kids interested in gaming culture beyond Fortnite and Roblox
Skip if you:
- Expect AAA reveals or next-gen hardware announcements
- Prefer watching gaming events via stream over in-person participation
- Live outside Ontario and can't justify travel costs for a regional event
- Dislike crowds or prefer curated, appointment-based experiences
For Ontario-based gamers, VGLX represents the highest concentration of playable demos, developer access, and community gathering in Canada. The event scales up annually, suggesting strong regional demand and potential national expansion.
Get Your Tickets Now
Secure your spot at VGLX 2025 before capacity limits trigger sellouts. Weekend passes historically sell out 72 hours before the event during peak years.
Purchase Link: https://vglx.ca
Discount Code: GAMEHAUNT10 (10% off all ticket tiers)
Code Expiration: October 24, 2025, 11:59 PM EST
See you at the Mississauga Convention Centre on October 25-26. Bring curiosity, comfortable shoes, and an open mind for games you've never heard of. That's where the best discoveries happen.
Article Word Count: 2,847 words
Last Updated: October 21, 2025
Event Information Source: VGLX official website and exhibitor announcements
Affiliate Disclosure: GameHaunt receives compensation when readers purchase VGLX tickets using our promotional code (GAMEHAUNT10). This partnership does not influence our editorial coverage, event descriptions, or ticket recommendations. All opinions and event details reflect our independent analysis and publicly available information from VGLX organizers.
