research & impactresearch & impact
Our mission extends beyond financial support. We’re advocating for a sector that sees co-ops and worker-centric models as the standard. Our research leads to real, measurable impact.
our work
We’re committed to ethical research, data analysis, and dissemination on cooperative operating models in the Canadian game industry and interactive arts sector. This work comprises:
- Data collection
Reviewing and analyzing business and operating models of existing co-ops and worker-centric studios, and studying how funders support or exclude these models - Community surveys
Probing the ecosystem through community feedback. - Knowledge sharing
Regular blog posts to share what we’ve learned. - Industry engagement
Participation in interviews, panels, and conferences. - Impact measurement
Gauging and narrating our social imprint within the industry.
Our exploration into barriers for Canadian game studios and game arts collectives kicked off with a survey in 2021. We gathered firsthand insights from the heart of the community, learning about the experiences and challenges faced when accessing funding. Read our report.
Our findings were eye-opening. We discovered a stark disparity in access, particularly for marginalized creators, with consequences that cascade throughout the industry. The need for more inclusive funding is obvious. Weird Ghosts continues this research. Our 2024 survey is now live!
conversations with studios
A big aspect of our advocacy is starting conversations with studios to highlight structural roadblocks. We plan to design and propose cooperative models and practices that truly centre artists and founders and their needs, with an emphasis on eliminating common barriers for underrepresented creators.
metrics of change
Our Impact Measurement Framework (IMF) is a tool we designed to evaluate our advocacy efforts. It helps us track the shifts in funding distribution and gauge the industry’s grasp on and response to equity challenges.
academia and industry collaborations
We’re keen to collaborate with academia and sector experts across Canada to build a nationwide narrative on indie game co-ops.
public benefit
The ripple effect of our research and advocacy is a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable Canadian interactive arts sector and video game industry. This means not only new opportunities for creativity to flourish but also a more diverse and representative game arts culture in Canada.