Vertiqal Studios Corp. has sold the Luminosity Gaming asset to a new ownership group led by its founder, Steve Maida, for C$300,000 (approx. $216,000), with a further C$125,000 (approx. $90,000) contingent on future revenue. The move, announced on 16th January 2026, allows Vertiqal to sharpen its focus on its core digital network and settle outstanding creator debts, while Maida regains control of the brand he started.

Following the transaction, Vertiqal will retain all historical debts and liabilities from before the ownership change. The company will also maintain a commercial link to Luminosity as a non-exclusive sales partner under a Sales Agency Agreement, but the organisation will otherwise operate independently.

The Toronto-based digital network company Vertiqal Studios stated the divestment reflects its strategic priority to ensure the “long-term strength and sustainability” of the Luminosity brand and to concentrate on its primary business areas. The company acquired Luminosity as part of a larger asset purchase from Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. in September 2025.

The sale finalises a strategy outlined in November 2025 by Vertiqal Chairman and CEO Jon Dwyer, who told The Esports Radar that the Luminosity acquisition was largely a means to obtain a premium Google Ad Monetisation (GAM) licence for YouTube. He confirmed the proceeds from this sale would be used to settle “outstanding arrears” owed to Luminosity creators and players, a condition stipulated by the new owners.

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Vertiqal’s President, Max Desmarais, commented on the transition: “Luminosity is a powerful legacy brand and has a passionate community behind it. We believe placing the brand in the hands of the new ownership is the right decision for its future. This transition enables Vertiqal to concentrate even further on our core growth engines.”

The new owner is Steve Maida, who founded Luminosity and previously sold it to Enthusiast Gaming. Announcing his return on LinkedIn, Maida wrote: “t’s been an absolutely wild ride and I couldn’t be happier to be back in control of my baby. It means the world to me.”

Despite the stated intent to clear debts, some public friction regarding outstanding payments to creators persists, as highlighted by recent social media posts. The Esports Radar has contacted Vertiqal for an update on the settlement process.

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