British video-game startup opens office in Edmonton

A steady stream of top-class technology graduates and a tax credit aimed at the industry have led a British video game startup to establish its first Canadian office in Edmonton.

The company, headquartered in London, is called Improbable.

Founded in 2012 by a couple of recent Cambridge graduates, it now employs around 300 people to develop virtual and simulation technology for video game makers.

With offices in San Francisco and Washington D.C., the company is now eyeing the Great White North.

Improbable’s new office is being led by Aaryn Flynn — the former general manager of game developer and Alberta success story BioWare — who considers Edmonton his hometown.

Looking out of his downtown office window on 102 Avenue Tuesday, Flynn said Edmonton’s reputation as somewhat of a technology hub is well-founded.

In particular, he points to the growth in the University of Alberta’s technology programs, and the flood of talented graduates who are eager, passionate and trained in the latest trends.

“We’re starting to see a number of really interesting startups and cash momentum in the marketplace,” Flynn said.

“From there you’re creating what will hopefully be critical mass of that kind of technology companies and talent which will keep things going.”

For Flynn, the new role is a chance to get his hands dirty on the programming side again by “messing around with some really cool technology.”

It takes only a few minutes with Flynn to grasp his enthusiasm for his craft and the tech industry. With support through the likes of tax credits, he said, it can help diversify Alberta’s economy.

Economic Development Minister Deron Bilous said Improbable setting up shop in Edmonton is “an exciting development,” particularly given his government’s efforts to amp up Alberta’s technology sector.

Take Bill 2, passed in the spring. It provides $43 million over the next five years to add 3,000 techfocused post-secondary spots, and an interactive digital media tax credit that gives companies a 25 per cent refundable tax credit for salaries and wages.

“This is demonstrating we’ve got all the right ingredients to continue to support our digital media and interactive companies,” he said.

“It’s really exciting to see. This is about growing our industry, but it’s also about retaining the talent.”