The Canadian Government has shelled out a whopping 4 million dollars to gaming company Silicon Knights (who were the company behind Too Human, an XBox 360 game released in 2008), which may lead more game developers to think that Canada is becoming the gaming development capital.

The move, announced by local MP Rick Dykstra, was made at the steps of the company's office in Saint Catherines. Silicon Knights was jubilant over the development (who wouldn't be?) and said that all the money will be poured into their next title, and that the money from the government immediately created positions for 65 more jobs within the company. Company President Denis Dyack said several things about their sudden increase in funding:

"This is going to benefit Silicon Knights in ways that are profound and long-lasting. We are blown away and we're happy with the support we're getting, it is something that couldn't have come at a better time!"

When asked what game the money will be funding, Dyack was tight-lipped:

"In our industry, you have to be very careful never to announce anything until the right time. We can only say it's a next generation title and a high production value game, that's all we can say."

Dyack's company has over 100 employees as of today, and is expected to almost double in size. They still estimate, however, that their new title will take anywhere from '2 to 5' years, which is probably the very definition of a rough estimate. Dyack went on to say that Silicon Knights competes in a 55 billion dollar industry, and the company's placement was good for all of the community, Ontario and Canada.

MP Rick Dykstra was quick to assure Ontarians that the money has been well-spent on Silicon Knights. The money itself is coming from the Community Adjustment Fund, which ensures the city is capable of making the transition from traditional manufacturing to high-tech, next-generation businesses.

"This isn't going to have a negative impact on any other companies in Ontario. What it's going to do is build this company up to the point where it's going to create 65 jobs and longer-term jobs down the road. Their growth and their success is very important to our community, not only in terms of job creation but also in terms of attracting and retaining the types of highly skilled workers Niagara needs to prosper."

What do you think about the 4 million dollar pledge to the game developers? Do you think it may entice other developers to move to Canada? If you're Canadian, do you approve of your tax dollars going towards this?

Source: Welland Tribune