Jason is a founder of East Side Games, Canada’s leading independent gaming studio. Jason is considered one of Canada’s most experienced gaming entrepreneurs. Prior to East Side Games, Jason was a founder of Super Rewards, which he sold in 2009. Super Rewards was a social game monetization platform which helped pioneer the free to play game model that is ubiquitous today. Over the last 20 years he has been mentor to and investor in a variety of Canadian startups and technology companies.
Galan got his start in the video game industry back in 1997, working on Jackie Chan Stuntmaster for the PS1. Within a year, he was promoted to Lead Game Designer on the project, and went on to work on prominent console IP games such as Simpsons Hit and Run and Scarface: the World is Yours, as well as his own original IP. In 2011, he co-founded East Side Games, where he has developed numerous successful IP and original games for mobile platforms, drawing on almost three decades of experience in the business of fun, accessibility, and fan service.
Josh Nilson is a co-founder of East Side Games and was instrumental in building the studio into one of the top creators of narrative idle games. As General Manager and Studio Head, Josh helped scale ESG from a small team of 14 to over 125 people, fostering a unique and inclusive culture that continues to define the company today. With over 19 years in tech, including 14 focused on gaming, Josh brought deep industry knowledge and a passion for storytelling. Prior to East Side Games, he worked at Relic Entertainment, contributing to acclaimed strategy titles like Dawn of War II and Company of Heroes. Josh’s leadership and vision helped lay the foundation for ESG’s success, and his legacy remains part of the company’s DNA.