The Visible Minority Network (VMRTN) is proud to announce the launch of GameHaunt, our newest and most innovative Youth Program designed to empower visible minority and newcomer youth in the Greater Toronto Area. As we continue to expand our comprehensive suite of community services, GameHaunt represents a groundbreaking approach to youth development that harnesses the power of gaming and technology to build essential 21st-century skills.
Gaming: More Than Entertainment
For too long, gaming has been dismissed as mere entertainment or, worse, as a distraction from “real” learning. At VMRTN, we see gaming differently. We recognize that the digital natives in our community are already deeply engaged with technology and gaming platforms. Rather than fighting this reality, GameHaunt embraces it, transforming recreational gaming into structured learning experiences that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical abilities.
The statistics speak for themselves: the gaming industry is now worth over $100 billion globally, employing hundreds of thousands of people in roles ranging from programming and design to marketing and business development. In Canada alone, the gaming industry contributes billions to our economy and continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. Yet visible minority youth, particularly newcomers to Canada, often lack access to the networks, mentorship, and resources needed to participate in this thriving sector.
GameHaunt bridges this gap by providing a structured pathway into gaming and technology careers while simultaneously building the soft skills—leadership, teamwork, communication, and cultural competency—that are essential for success in any field.
Meeting Youth Where They Are
Traditional youth programming often struggles to engage today’s digitally native generation. Young people spend hours daily interacting with technology, developing sophisticated digital literacy skills, and building online communities. GameHaunt meets youth where they already are, using their existing interests and competencies as a foundation for deeper learning.
Our approach recognizes that gaming naturally develops many of the skills employers value most: strategic thinking, rapid problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration under pressure. Professional gamers and game developers possess remarkable abilities in project management, creative thinking, and technical implementation. GameHaunt helps youth recognize these transferable skills and provides pathways to apply them in academic and professional contexts.
Through GameHaunt, participants don’t just play games—they learn to create them. They don’t just compete in esports—they organize tournaments, manage teams, and develop leadership skills. They don’t just consume technology—they become creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Three Pillars of GameHaunt Programming
Game Development Workshops
Our signature program teaches youth to create their own games from concept to completion. Participants learn programming languages including Python, JavaScript, and C#, working with industry-standard game engines like Unity and Godot. Beyond technical skills, they develop creative problem-solving abilities through game design thinking, learning to understand player psychology and create engaging experiences.
The workshops emphasize storytelling and narrative development, helping youth find their voice and share their cultural perspectives through interactive media. Art direction and visual communication skills complement programming knowledge, while project management and team collaboration prepare participants for professional environments.
Each workshop culminates in a showcase event where youth present their creations to families, community members, and industry professionals. These presentations build confidence, communication skills, and professional networks while celebrating the diverse voices and experiences within our community.
Esports and Competitive Gaming
GameHaunt’s esports program builds leadership and teamwork skills through organized competition. Rather than simply facilitating gameplay, we focus on the meta-skills that competitive gaming develops: strategic thinking under pressure, effective communication during high-stakes situations, and the ability to analyze performance and implement improvements.
Youth take on leadership roles as team captains and coaches, learning to motivate others, resolve conflicts, and maintain team morale. They develop sportsmanship values and learn to handle both victory and defeat with grace. Performance analysis and improvement planning teach data literacy and strategic thinking applicable far beyond gaming contexts.
Our community engagement component has participants organizing tournaments for younger children, developing event management skills while giving back to the community. Streaming and content creation workshops introduce youth to digital marketing and media production, expanding their skill sets and potential career pathways.
Technology Career Pathways
GameHaunt connects gaming interests to real career opportunities in Canada’s thriving technology sector. We bring in guest speakers from major gaming companies, providing industry insights and mentorship opportunities. Field trips to local tech studios give youth firsthand exposure to professional environments and career possibilities.
Portfolio development and presentation skills prepare participants for post-secondary applications and job interviews, while networking events connect them with industry professionals and potential mentors. We help youth pursue industry-recognized certifications in programming and design, providing concrete credentials for future opportunities.
Our job placement assistance doesn’t end when youth complete the program. GameHaunt maintains ongoing relationships with participants, providing career mentorship and support as they navigate post-secondary education and early career experiences.
Addressing Systemic Barriers
GameHaunt specifically addresses the systemic barriers that prevent visible minority and newcomer youth from accessing technology careers. These barriers include lack of industry connections, limited access to expensive software and hardware, absence of role models who share similar backgrounds, and unfamiliarity with Canadian professional culture.
By providing free access to professional-grade equipment and software, GameHaunt removes financial barriers to entry. Our mentorship program connects youth with successful professionals who understand their cultural experiences and can provide culturally responsive guidance. We explicitly address workplace culture, professional communication, and networking skills that are often taken for granted but critical for career success.
Most importantly, GameHaunt creates a community of peers who support each other’s growth and success. Participants develop lasting friendships and professional networks that extend far beyond the program duration.
Community Impact and Future Vision
Since launching GameHaunt earlier this year, we’ve already seen remarkable outcomes. Participants report increased confidence in their technical abilities and greater clarity about their career goals. Academic performance in STEM subjects has improved among program participants, and several youth have been accepted into competitive post-secondary programs in computer science and game design.
Parents, initially skeptical about a program centered on gaming, have become our strongest advocates as they witness their children’s growth and development. Community partners have expressed interest in collaborating with GameHaunt, recognizing its potential to address youth engagement challenges.
Looking ahead, we envision GameHaunt expanding to serve youth across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. We’re developing partnerships with local schools to integrate gaming-based learning into formal education settings. Industry partnerships will provide internship and job placement opportunities for program graduates.
Join the GameHaunt Revolution
GameHaunt represents VMRTN’s commitment to innovative, responsive programming that meets the evolving needs of our community. By embracing gaming and technology as tools for empowerment, we’re preparing visible minority youth not just to participate in the digital economy, but to lead it.
We invite youth aged 13-18 to join our programs, parents to learn more about this innovative approach to skill development, and community members to support our mission through volunteering and mentorship.
The future of youth development is here, and it’s powered by gaming. Welcome to GameHaunt—where play meets purpose, and every young person has the opportunity to level up their future.
To learn more about GameHaunt or to register for upcoming programs, visit us at VMRTN’s main office or contact our Youth Programs coordinator. GameHaunt is made possible through the generous support of our community partners and the dedication of our volunteer mentors.