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  • ESAC and Women In Games Vancouver Hold Panel For Media Literacy Week

2nd November 2010

ESAC and Women In Games Vancouver Hold Panel For Media Literacy Week

Media Awareness NetworkMedia Awareness Network (MNet) and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) marked the launch of Canada’s Media Literacy Week yesterday by highlighting the need for parents, educators and youth to talk about the ways that gender is portrayed in media and how this can influence young people’s perceptions of themselves and others.

“Teachers see first-hand how media and information technology influence the manner in which students interact with each other and how they view the world around them. Media Literacy Week is an opportunity for teachers to discuss with and engage young people so they can become literate in the understanding of visual images and media messages,” says CTF President Mary-Lou Donnelly.

Media Literacy Week has been promoting the integration of media literacy activities in communities, schools and families across Canada for the past five years. The week underscores the importance of nurturing critical thinking skills in youth that will help them understand and effectively navigate their media-rich world.

“Media play a powerful role in the lives of youth,” said MNet Co-Executive Director, Cathy Wing. “We need to make sure young people have the skills and knowledge to ensure that their interactions with media are positive and enriching. Media Literacy Week reminds us how important these skills are for our kids.”

Over 40 organizations are collaborating in the week this year, promoting media and digital literacy and hosting a wide range of activities – from film screenings and contests, to discussion panels and workshops – to provide opportunities for adults and youth to think about and discuss media.

esac As part of its involvement in Media Literacy Week, Women In Games Vancouver will be participating in an educational panel sponsored by the Entertainment Software Association of Canada. Moderated by Briana McIvorElectric Playground personality Briana McIvor, the event will be held this Friday at Argyle Secondary School in North Vancouver, one of the few high schools in BC to recognize the importance of digital media careers by offering Grade 11 and 12 students a training programme by way of its Digital Media Academy.

An invitation has been extended to Argyle’s grade 9 & 10 girls for the afternoon panel, which will feature discussion about what types of video games they and their friends like to play, what goes into making some of their favourite video games, and what it takes to work in the video game industry. Several women who work in the Vancouver development industry will be participating and sharing their knowledge with female students who are interested in interactive media careers.

Participants in the panel discussion include Zoë Curnoe (EA Canada), Bryna Dabby (Smoking Gun Interactive), Tara Mustapha (Microsoft), Michelle Chua (United Front Games), Erin Olorenshaw (EA Blackbox). I will also be taking part in the panel, along with Liberal MLA Jane Thornthwaite (North Vancouver-Seymour) and three female students from Argyle Secondary.

One of the goals of this panel is to let girls know that there are many careers within the digital media industry to choose from, and not everyone has to be an artist or a programmer. Panel facilitators Wendy Boylan, Communications Director for Ubisoft Vancouver Inc. and Julien LaVoie, Director of Public Relations for the Entertainment Software Association of Canada will also be present at this event, which will be live-tweeted – just look for the #G&G hashtag on Twitter this Friday.

Please see the Media Literacy Week web site for a complete list of the activities going on across the country.

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2nd November 2010

Transgaming Launches New Site

TransGamingTransgaming Inc. has launched a brand new web site for its game development studio. Transgaming Studio features information about its launched titles, In The Mix Featuring Armin van Buuren, G-G-Goal, and the recently released PuzzleQuest: Challenge of the WarLords for iOS. Also featured is news about its latest game in development, Garage Inc. for the Mac, PC, iPhone and GameTreeTV. Garage Inc., a time management game set in 1928 Chicago, is based on an original IP by Global Fun and is being produced through a partnership with Breakthrough Entertainment. Players will guide recent Italian immigrant, Angelo Marito, as he tries to manage and grow a car garage. Game play features include the ability to diagnose and fix cars, hire workers, and try to steer clear of the ever-present mob while pursuing the American dream.

NinjaCAPCOMCapcom has announced that the Dead Rising 2 Ninja Theme Pack is now available on Xbox Live, Games for Windows Live and the PlayStation Network. With the new ninja pack, Chuck gains a “stealth mode” that allows him to evade zombies by making it harder for them to detect Chuck’s presence. Sword-type weapons (broadswords, katanas, etc.) have their attack power increased and will allow Chuck to perform new special attacks. Stackable items and throwing items such as nails, plates, gems, etc. will also do more damage and Chuck’s throwing speed is increased. The Dead Rising 2 Ninja Theme Pack is available for 160 Microsoft points, or $1.99 on the PlayStation Network.

audiokineticAudioKinetic’s Wwise 2010.1.2 platform has been nominated for a Game Developer magazine 2010 Front Line Award in the Audio Category. Also named as nominees in this category are FMOD Designer 4.32 (Firelight Technologies), Miles Sound System 8 (RAD Game Tools), ProRemote 2.0.1 (Far Out Labs) and ProTools 8.0.4 (Avid Technology). Read the rest of this entry »

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posted in Action Adventure, Awards, Business News, Casual, Game Dev, Mobile, Music, National News, New Releases, Puzzle, RTS, Software, Sports, Upcoming Releases By: | Print This Post Print This Post

2nd November 2010

Indiana Jones To Go On Tour

Indiana Jones Museum TourFor the past thirty years, audiences around the world have followed Indiana Jones on his quests for treasure, adventure, fortune and glory. And now, Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, a redefined modern exhibition experience, is coming to a museum near you. This innovative exhibition, made possible by Lucasfilm Ltd., presented by the National Geographic Society and produced by Montreal’s X3 Productions, will feature fascinating artifacts from the National Geographic Society and the Penn Museum, along with an extensive collection of Indiana Jones film materials from the Lucasfilm Archives. This first-of-its kind touring exhibition will be presented in twelve world-class institutions in Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The world premiere run will be held at the Montreal Science Centre, starting April 28, 2011.

Kyra Bowling, Exhibits Manager at Lucasfilm Ltd., is pleased to see that “Dr. Jones has found his way to the museum and accompanies visitors on their very own adventure into the science of field archaeology.” Bowling adds, “The Indiana Jones films have entertained generations of audiences and this exhibition provides a wonderful way to merge that on-screen excitement with the science of archaeology to help inspire learning in a fun, dynamic way.”

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology not only features a vast and exclusive collection of Indy props, models, concept art and set designs, it also presents a wealth of historical and cultural facts. The internationally renowned University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, otherwise known as the Penn Museum, is providing genuine archaeological artifacts and educational material. The National Geographic Society, the exhibition’s global presenting partner, also shares artifacts, photos, videos and content from its impressive and historic archive. Read the rest of this entry »

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1st November 2010

Netflix On Xbox and Gordon Pinsent Returns With Babar

netflixNetflix, Inc. has announced that Netflix members in Canada can now instantly watch thousands of movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix to the TV via Xbox 360. There is no additional monthly fee for Netflix members who are also Xbox LIVE Gold members.

“Xbox 360 is a significant addition to a growing number of consumer electronic devices that are capable of streaming from Netflix in Canada,” said Greg Peters, vice president of product development for Netflix. “Netflix members in the United States enjoy instantly watching movies streamed from Netflix on Xbox LIVE and we think that our Canadian members will equally enjoy this enriched experience and the convenience and value that it offers.”
Xbox 360
Starting today, Xbox LIVE members will be able to sign up instantly online for a free trial of Netflix, connect to the Internet on their Xbox 360 and simply click on Netflix in the Video Marketplace on the Xbox 360 Dashboard and follow the easy steps to start streaming thousands of movies and TV shows. In addition, Xbox LIVE subscribers will be able to access the Netflix movie and TV library through Windows Phone 7.

“Canadian Xbox LIVE members asked for more entertainment content and features and now Netflix provides an exciting new way for our members to get the entertainment they love wherever and whenever they want,” said Glenn Purkis, Xbox LIVE product manager, Microsoft Canada. “We are thrilled to offer Netflix to Xbox LIVE Gold members in Canada, and we are confident the service will provide our members with tremendous entertainment value.”

Corus EntertainmentCorus Entertainment’s Nelvana Studio and YTV are pleased to announce the return of the classic children’s book character in the new CGI animated series Babar and the Adventures of Badou, featuring the voice of Gordon Pinsent and premiering in YTV’s Playtime block on Monday, November 22 at 11 a.m. ET/PT.Nelvana

“Corus and Nelvana have a long history with the Babar brand and we are delighted to continue our relationship with this world-famous elephant, to once again bring this popular literary character to life on television with new storylines, a new generation of characters and with CGI technology for today’s audiences,” said Ted Ellis, VP, Kids/Family Programming, Corus Entertainment.

Produced by Nelvana Studio and TeamTO, in association with The Clifford Ross Company, Babar and the Adventures of Badou is based on the bestselling children’s book collection and follows eight-year-old Badou and his famous grandfather King Babar. Badou has an appetite for adventure and a tendency to get caught in some tricky situations along with his colourful YTVfriends Chiku the monkey, Zawadi the zebra, Jake the scruffy little fox and Munroe the deviant and brave porcupine. Navigating the ups and downs of growing up in Celesteville’s royal palace, Badou never forgets that his grandfather King Babar will always be there to offer guidance and support.

In episode one, Babar and the Adventures of Badou: Kite Flight/Zoomerblimps, premiering on Monday, November 22 at 11 a.m. ET/PT (r) Friday, November 26 at 11 a.m. ET/PT, Chiku volunteers Munroe for a kite flying contest against the Crocs. She promises to build him the best kite ever but keeps getting distracted by newer, better design ideas. Badou tries to help her focus so Chiku can deliver on her promise. Then, the kids are competing for their Zoomerblimp Junior Pilot wings. Badou and Rhudi are the favourites but when Dilash sabotages both their ships the two have to team up – and learn a little about sportsmanship – in order to compete.

Beginning on Wednesday, November 10, viewers can visit YTV.com to immerse themselves in Badou’s adventures online with 10 new customizable web games, nine exclusive web animations, visits to four neighbourhoods in Celesteville, as well as clips of the show. The online fun doesn’t stop there as fans can also access 23 different colouring pages and printable stickers, and download their very own customized adventure storybook.

YTV will be participating in Toronto’s 106th annual Santa Claus Parade – the longest running children’s parade in the world. Fans won’t want to miss the Babar and the Adventures of Badou float on Sunday, November 21 at 12:30 p.m. ET. YTV will air a repeat broadcast of the parade on Sunday, December 5 at 12 p.m. ET/PT.

Consulting PortalConsulting-Portal, a leading IT Service Management (ITSM) process design and implementation company, is announcing the launch of an online social media community for Service Management practitioners.

This free online community provides a forum for ITSM practitioners to interact, share, collaborate and to expand their knowledge of IT Service Management processes and frameworks such as ITIL®, COBIT®, and ISO20000®. It also allows for members to connect at a personal level through private messaging, public posting and the ability to “friend” other members.

“The goal of the community was to create an online dialogue covering all aspects of IT Service Management. We are passionate about the practice of Service Management and we hope that this community will allow others to share our passion…we believe that social media and ITSM is a natural fit,” says David Mainville – CEO and co-founder of Consulting-Portal.

The community contains a number of resources including a blog, articles, podcasts, webinars and a variety of user forums on topics such as ITIL® training, ITSM Governance, Service Management tools, Process Design techniques, Configuration Management & the CMDB and much more.

Mood MediaMood Media Corporation has expanded its casual games portfolio through agreement with iWin. Shoppers at popular retailers across the country can now sample a casual game such as Jewel Quest before they purchase it via an interactive display.

Lorne Abony, CEO and Chairman of Mood Media Corporation says, “we continue to expand our product range through partnerships with leading producers and distributors of popular PC based casual games. Mood Media has a large retail footprint and is dedicated to ensuring good media entertainment products are available for shoppers to enjoy”.

CEO at iWin, CJ Wolf comments, “seeing Jewel Quest for sale on the shelves at leading non-traditional retail chains is an exciting new move for iWin. We are happy to work with Mood Media to ensure popular games reach our target audience of females aged 35-50”.

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1st November 2010

Stealth Goes Ultra Mini With Novel-Sized PC

Stealth ComputerToronto’s Stealth.Com Inc. (Stealth Computer) has released a new ultra small PC designed specifically for in-vehicle/mobile/embedded applications. Stealth’s model LPC-100M is a rugged small form PC that operates from 10-26 VDC power input making it ideal for DC powered applications typically found in vehicles and remote applications.

According to Stealth CEO, Ed Boutilier; “One of the unique attributes the LPC-100M mobile computer possesses is a user selectable smart power control interface. Start-up and shut-down times are user definable allowing for safe application launching along with a controlled shutdown period. This is absolutely critical in preventing data corruption when power sources are interrupted in mobile and field environments.”

Housed in a rugged aluminum enclosure this powerful & versatile machine measures out at only 4.0″ x 6.1″ x 1.45″ (102mm x 155mm x 37mm) or about the size of a paperback novel. The machine weighs in at a mere 1.2lbs or 0.54kg.
Stealth LPC-100M
Stealth’s ultra small mobile PC utilizes the Intel® Core™ 2 Duo mobile processor technology and outperforms other computers many times its size. The LPC-100M is available with a standard Intel Dual Core Celeron T3100 (1.9GHz) or optional Intel Core 2 Duo processor P8400 (2.26Ghz). The machine employs the Intel Mobile GM45 Express Chipset featuring Intel’s graphic media accelerator with advanced 3D graphics performance.

The LPC-100M mini PC features a multitude of I/O connectivity built directly into its impressively small design such as; Gigabit LAN, 4-USB, 2-Serial, 1-DVI-I, 1-DVI-D Video, Audio In/Out, 2-PS/2 ports and 1-external express card slot. The rear locking DC power connector ensures power is securely in place. The LPC-100M supports up to 8GB of DDR3 memory and has a built-in 2.5″ mobile hard drive with up to 500GB’s of storage space for archived data. For applications that require extra high shock, vibration and wide temperature ranges an optional SSD (Solid State Hard Drive) is available. Systems are compatible with Microsoft Windows 7/XP, Linux etc and can be custom configured to meet the exact needs of the OEM or end user. The LPC-100M is currently shipping with base pricing starting at $1095.00 USD.

Stealth’s LittlePC products serve a demanding market where powerful solutions are being deployed in space-challenged applications around the world. Embedded Control, Digital Signs, Kiosks, Mobile Navigation, Thin-Clients, POS & Human/Machine Interface are just a few of the applications that are ideal for Stealth’s industry trusted products.

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