Linkedin

STEPHAN TANGUAY

Innovator in Immersive Game Design

Stephan Tanguay is an accomplished VR game designer / developer with over 15 years of experience designing the future of immersive entertainment. Known for merging cutting-edge technology with emotionally resonant gameplay, Stephan has played a pivotal role in some of the industry’s most celebrated VR experiences. His expertise spans gameplay design, combat design, game systems, physics-driven mechanics, interaction design, and creating immersive experiences that resonate with players.

Stephan has contributed to award-winning projects such as Slugterra VR, Journey to Foundation, and The Book of Distance. In Slugterra VR, he introduced a groundbreaking 2v2 hero-based shooter, combining unique character abilities with strategic team dynamics to redefine multiplayer VR gameplay. For Journey to Foundation, Stephan seamlessly integrated mentalics (mind control) with traditional combat, creating an adaptive, player-driven experience inspired by Isaac Asimov’s iconic universe.

His research into physics-driven avatars and characters reflects his passion for leveraging VR’s physicality to foster deeper player engagement. From combat mechanics to empathetic interactions with in-game companions, Stephan’s work sets a new standard for immersive, believable gameplay.

Beyond individual titles, Stephan is a champion of the VR community. As the organizer of TorontoVRC, Canada’s largest VR meetup, he fosters collaboration among creators, developers, and enthusiasts. A sought-after speaker, he shares his expertise on systems innovation, storytelling, and VR design at conferences worldwide.

Stephan’s commitment to innovation and his ability to unlock VR’s full potential continue to shape the future of gaming, delivering experiences that captivate, inspire, and push boundaries.

AWARDS

2021 Canadian Game Awards – Nominated Best AR / VR Game – SlugterraVR
2021 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS Best Immersive Experience – Book of Distance
2021 THE WEBBY AWARDS – Virtual – Best Narrative Experience – Book of Distance
2020 Beyond the Frame Festival – VR Story Award – Book of Distance
2020 JAPAN PRIZE – DIGITAL MEDIA DIVISION – Best Work – Book of Distance
2020 THE FWA AWARDS – FWA of the Day- Book of Distance
2020 KAOHSIUNG FILM FESTIVAL – Golden Fireball Award VR – Book of Distance
2018 Webby Honoree ( Games / Action ) Blasters of the Universe
2013 IKIDS : Best Learning App Time Tremors AGO
2012 BANFF 2012 ROCKIES : Nominated Best Cross-Platform Project – Non-Fiction
2009 THE WEB MARKETING ASSOCIATION : Outstanding Achievement – Estée Lauder
2009 IAC “Consumer Products – Websites” Estée Lauder Redesign
2008 Applied Arts Interactive Media : W/15 Online Single Award “Jeep Terrain”
2008 Cannes Lions Interactive Advertising Nomination Estée Lauder Redesign
2009 Webby Award Nomination “Jeep Terrain”
2009 Chief Marketer – INTERNET-BASED TRIAL RECRUITMENT WINNER – “Jeep Terrain”
2009 Automotive Aftermarket Award Best Rich Media “Jeep Terrain”
2009 Promo Magazine Award Trial Recruitment “Jeep Terrain”

TALKS

2017 – AmuseUX ( Budapest ) – Virtual Intent : User Experience Design in VR & AR
2017 – University Of Ontario Graduate Conference – User Experience Design in VR & AR
2016 – OCAD – Virtual Intent : User Experience Design in VR & AR
2016 – MUX – Virtual Intent : User Experience Design in VR & AR
2015 – FITC Spotlight VR – Future VR Input & UX Solutions
2015 – FITC : Virtual Reality Today & Tomorrow
2014 – Collide Creative Technology Conference
2014 – FITC Wearables – Virtual Reality : Maximize Creative Possibilities!
2014 – FITC – Oculus Rift : Do’s, Don’ts & Demos