The Toronto Game Expo 2025 Autumn Edition Changes Location, Yet Retains Its Typical Special Features

The second installment of the Toronto Game Expo 2025 for the year is scheduled for next weekend, running from Saturday, November 22, to Sunday, November 23, 2025. In an unexpected twist, the venue has shifted from the Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place to the Better Living Centre, also located within Exhibition Place. Regardless of the venue change, the expo assures an impressive lineup of special features, boasting over 600 exhibitor tables, cosplay guests and activities, a free-play arcade and console section called Pixel Paradise, tournaments, an indie developers showcase, and additional attractions.

This edition will showcase celebrity guests such as Nicholas Picholas, Alicyn Packard, Michael Benyaer, and Paul Castro Jr. Attendees will likely recognize Picholas as the host of “Video & Arcade Top 10,” the beloved YTV series that aired from 1991 to 2006. Packard is an acclaimed voice actor known for roles in titles like “Monster Hunter Wilds” and “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.” Benyaer is best recognized for his portrayal of Bob in “Reboot,” along with appearances in “Starfield” and “Dune: Awakening.” Castro Jr. is a versatile actor, writer, producer, and director, celebrated for voicing characters in “Genshin Impact,” “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX,” and “Honkai: Star Rail.” Both days will include dedicated panels featuring each special guest.

Similar to the March edition, the Toronto Game Expo 2025 in November will provide numerous chances to engage in various games and either compete in or observe tournaments. Planned tournaments feature “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” “Super Smash Bros. Melee,” a “Ms. Pac-Man” points challenge, and a “Duck Hunt” points challenge. Each day will wrap up with a raffle draw, granting attendees the opportunity to win exciting prizes. Special panels and workshops will also be conducted to assist guests and aspiring gaming content creators in finding their voices.

Attendees of the Toronto Game Expo 2025 autumn edition will also have the opportunity to experience cosplay talent from Toronto Peter Quill, Binrad, Reed & Niamh, Eclipse Cosplay, and Banshee Queen Cosplay. These cosplayers exhibit high proficiency and talent in their craft, showcasing characters from universes such as “Batman,” “Kingdom Hearts,” and “World of Warcraft.” Cosplayers attending the event are encouraged to visit the Cosplay Meetup Space for special meetups and photo sessions, featuring themes related to realms like HoYoverse games, “Final Fantasy,” “My Hero Academia,” “One Piece,” and more.

Visitors can meet cosplay icons and learn how to become one themselves. Workshop Areas A and B will offer a variety of sessions aimed at improving cosplay skills, including cosplay makeup, 3D printing, leather tooling, and more. The Toronto Game Expo also serves as an excellent networking venue to connect with fellow creators and refine cosplay skills and creations. Don’t forget to explore the Artist Alley and Exhibitor booths to buy local merchandise and art.

Pre-show tickets are still up for grabs on the official website, with single-day passes priced at $32 on Saturday and $28 on Sunday, while Super VIP Weekend Passes are available for up to $200. For those interested in enhanced social interaction, the Toronto Game Expo Cafe Social: Game Devs presents a splendid opportunity. This pop-up social gathering allows guests to network with indie game developers and industry professionals, with coffee and refreshments provided. This exclusive access event incurs a $15 cover charge alongside the Sunday access fee. Embrace the gaming spirit this November at the Toronto Game Expo 2025 autumn edition!

**Allegations of Union-Busting Target Rockstar North Following Employee Terminations**

Rockstar North, the prestigious studio responsible for the Grand Theft Auto franchise, finds itself in a storm of controversy after 31 employees were terminated at its UK facilities. The dismissals, which took place on October 30, have been described by more than 200 staff members as “a flagrant, unapologetic act of aggressive union suppression.” The company argues that the firings were due to employees leaking confidential information, but this rationale has faced doubt and criticism from both within the organization and the wider gaming community.

The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has stepped in, orchestrating a letter backed by over 200 employees calling for the reinstatement of those who were fired. Additionally, the IWGB has organized protests in London and Edinburgh to demonstrate support for the impacted workers. The union has accused Rockstar of unjustly terminating employees involved in union activities and blacklisting its members. Nevertheless, Rockstar has reportedly chosen not to enter into discussions with the IWGB.

This controversy unfolds as employees attempt to create The Rockstar Games Workers Union, which seeks to enhance working conditions, particularly with the impending launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. The IWGB President, Alex Marshall, has pledged to take legal action, claiming that the dismissals represent a clear instance of union busting and cautioning other employers in the sector against analogous behaviors.

An unnamed employee, identified as Peter, voiced solidarity with the dismissed colleagues, underscoring the need for management accountability and acknowledging the skill and commitment of Rockstar’s developers. Currently, Rockstar Games has not provided an official response to the IWGB’s initiatives or the ongoing demonstrations.

**The Mighty Nein: A New Era in Critical Role’s Animated Realm**

Enthusiasts of Critical Role have cause for jubilation as “The Mighty Nein,” the eagerly awaited adult animated series inspired by the group’s second campaign, has premiered early. The complete first episode is now accessible for free on Prime Video’s YouTube channel, providing a preview of the escapades of this cherished ensemble of characters. The entire series is set to launch on November 19, 2025, solely on Amazon Prime Video.

Building on the triumph of “The Legend of Vox Machina,” which adapted Critical Role’s first campaign, “The Mighty Nein” vividly portrays the narrative of the second campaign. This series chronicles a band of outcasts, rogues, and misfits who find themselves united when a formidable arcane artifact known as “The Beacon” is taken by wizard assassins. This act of theft ignites a colossal border explosion, bringing the land of Wildemount to the edge of chaos. The Mighty Nein must then step up, becoming the unexpected champions charged with averting the collapse of reality itself.

The series pledges a more somber tone in comparison to “The Legend of Vox Machina,” and although only one season has been announced, the sustained popularity of its predecessor hints at possibilities for additional installments. The entire original ensemble from Critical Role reprises their roles, featuring Laura Bailey as Jester Lavorre, Marisha Ray as Beauregard “Beau” Lionett, Matthew Mercer as Essek Tehlyss, and Liam O’Brien as Caleb Widogast.

Tasha Huo, recognized for her contributions to Netflix’s animated adaptations “The Witcher: Blood Origin” and “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft,” assumes the role of showrunner, infusing her proficiency into this new endeavor.

As fans anticipate the full release on November 19, “The Mighty Nein” ushers in an exciting new chapter within the continually expanding universe of Critical Role, merging captivating storytelling with the richly imaginative world that fans have come to cherish.