TennoCon: A Celebration of Community and Creativity in London, Ontario
Every July, London, Ontario transforms into the epicenter of the global Warframe and Soulframe community as Digital Extremes hosts TennoCon. This event celebrates the acclaimed third-person shooter game and attracts thousands of fans, developers, and content creators from around the world. The 2023 edition, held on July 18-19, promises to be the most ambitious yet, with activities hosted at RBC Place and, for the first time, Canada Life Place. Highlights include a vibrant cosplay environment, community showcases, exclusive developer panels, and sneak peeks into future game updates. A unique addition this year is TennoConcert—an evening dedicated to Warframe-inspired music.
A Unique Focus on Community
Unlike typical gaming expos, TennoCon is a concentrated celebration of two games—Warframe and Soulframe. This specific focus fosters a deep connection within the community, leading to incredible ticket demand; 3,000 seats sold out in just 35 minutes for its 10th anniversary. The event extends its reach even further through livestreams on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Steam, contributing to its status as one of the most-watched gaming events worldwide. Heidi Flynn, Director of Human Resources at Digital Extremes, emphasizes that the event celebrates both fans and employees, highlighting the passionate atmosphere as players meet developers and fellow fans.
Economic Impact on London
The effects of TennoCon ripple through the local economy, with over 4,000 hotel rooms booked and a surge in restaurant and retail business. Digital Extremes collaborates with local companies to host the convention, which is expected to stimulate spending, particularly in nightlife and entertainment venues. The event also prioritizes community giving, with this year’s donation of $100,000 to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Hill Street project, in addition to partnerships with organizations like Make-A-Wish Canada.
Fostering a Creative-Tech Environment
Christina Fox, CEO of TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario, highlights TennoCon as an example of how interactive entertainment can drive both industry growth and local tourism while instilling community pride. The convention showcases London as a world-class hub for innovation, further cemented by Digital Extremes' growth and its ability to attract and cultivate talent from regional institutions. This demonstrates that high-caliber interactive entertainment talent can thrive outside of traditional hotspots like Los Angeles or Tokyo.
Setting a Standard for Gaming Conventions
TennoCon is reshaping the future of gaming conventions by blending digital and in-person experiences while prioritizing community engagement. As events evolve into cultural experiences, TennoCon sets a benchmark in the industry, emphasizing how a community-focused approach can cultivate a successful event. For London, TennoCon is not merely about hosting a significant gathering; it’s about establishing a reputation that supports and celebrates creative technological ventures. As Digital Extremes continues to expand, it becomes a testament to Southwestern Ontario’s role in shaping the future of interactive entertainment.
In culmination, as Sheldon Carter, President of Digital Extremes, articulates, community is the cornerstone of their mission. Their commitment to the local economy and the passionate fanbase reaffirms London’s status as a dynamic and welcoming environment for global audiences. TennoCon serves as a powerful reminder of the strong and far-reaching connections within the gaming community, representing both celebration and innovation.
This website uses cookies to save your preferences, and track popular pages. Cookies ensure we do not require visitors to register, login, or share any identity information.
