6th November 2009

Implode Now In The App Store

IUGOVancouverIUGO is happy to report the launch of Implode! on the App Store. Implode! is yet another premium casual game that has launched along with recent releases Zombie Attack! Second Wave and Cliffed, bringing IUGO’s current total of published iPhone games to 12.

“It’s amazing to think we’ve only been developing for the iPhone/iPod platforms for a little over a year,” exclaims Sarah Thomson, Director of Business Development for IUGO. “We’re very proud of the quality products we have released and so pleased to see how our users have been rating and enjoying our games. I think we have achieved the respect from users and industry critics alike as well as established ourselves as one of the top developers on the platform.”Implode

Implode! Description:

This game is a blast! You are tasked to carefully plant limited dynamite bundles in order to demo obsolete structures. Sounds easy enough, right? WRONG! Implode! is a classic “easy to learn, hard to master” casual game that will pull you in and won’t let go. Features include:

• 60 dynamite levels
• Reactive UI, touch and drag control options
• Fun chalkboard theme and clean graphics
• Two different types of bombs (traditional bombs and blast bombs)
• Varying structure shapes for ongoing challenge
• Submit score online (online score is the sum of all levels’ high scores)
• Grading system for high scores adding replayability to each level
• 3 Difficulties; Casual, Veteran, and Expert
• In-level help system: Learn as you play!
• IUGO VIP: Sandbox cheat gives you more bombs and you never fail! (high scores disabled with this feature)
• Watch buildings tumble with real physics!

Implode! is available for $1.99 on the App Store.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Casual, Everyone 10+, Mobile, New Releases By: | Print This Post Print This Post

6th November 2009

Vancouver Innovation Camp Round Two

Vancouver Innovation CampVancouver – Why are ideas like measles, waffles and mirrors? Why do successful people generally fail more often than less successful ones? At Vancouver Innovation Camp, you’ll discover how the answers to these questions are related to entrepreneurial thinking. Build your creativity and innovation skills by participating in activities designed to inspire your inner entrepreneur, without the boring lectures.

Participants practice skills such as identifying opportunities, learning from failure, Innovation Camp 1resourcefulness, collaborating with a team and adapting to changing environments. You’ll connect with brilliant people and work together to build on great ideas and find innovative solutions to real world challenges. Unleash your entrepreneurial spirit!

One of the event’s organizers, Nicole Sheldrake, said that the first Innovation Camp, which was held October 13 – 19th, was so successful, they’ve decided to do it again.

“Innovation Camp 1 had 18 participants from diverse backgrounds such as a VP, graphic designer, manager, musician, lawyer, student, web designer, strategic analyst, to mention a few. Participants loved connecting with new people from outside their field of work and they felt re-charged at the end of it. The participants had many chances to be creative and collaborate, and in doing the activities, they learned new ways to find solutions to problems, with the overall objective being to see problems as opportunities. In addition, the group raised $5000 for the Vancouver Food Bank in 7 hours! They were assigned a task at 11am and by 6pm had raised $5000 using their creativity and entrepreneurial skills.”

At Innovation Camp you will:

  • learn techniques to view problems from fresh perspectives in order to identify opportunitiesInnovation Camp 1
  • apply those techniques in entrepreneurial situations and reflected on what was learned in the process
  • receive clear, concise feedback on your ability to work as part of a team
  • analyze and learn from failures in your own and others lives
  • have fun!

Price (for all 3 days): $125.00 CAD for early bird tickets(purchased before Nov 10th), $149 for regular price tickets (after Nov 10th)

Location: Kontent Creative offices, 55 Water St, Vancouver, Canada

Workshop Dates and Times:

  • November 24, Tuesday, 6:30pm – 9:30pm (includes sandwiches and a drink)
  • November 26, Thursday, 6:30pm – 9:30pm (includes sandwiches and a drink)
  • November 28, Saturday, 10:00am – 6:00pm (*all day workshop, includes sandwiches and a drink)

(Each day builds on the activities of the prior, 14 hours total)

Register now or check out InnovationCamp.org for more details.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Careers, Education, Events By: | Print This Post Print This Post

6th November 2009

Penguin Books To Publish Assassins Creed II Novel

Penguin Books MontrealPenguin Books and Ubisoft announced today a groundbreaking partnership that will bring together the worlds of gaming and publishing in a unique collaboration. The new book, Assassin’s Creed Renaissance, is based on Ubisoft Entertainment’s blockbuster Ubisoftinteractive entertainment game Assassin’s Creed II®, and will be published in association with Ubisoft.

“Penguin is hugely excited to be publishing the novelisation to the second Assassin’s Creed game” said Editorial Director Alex Clarke. “This partnership presents at last a way for traditional book-publishing to cross-over with the ever growing and increasingly exciting world of gaming media.”

He continued: “Assassin’s Creed II offers a wonderfully rich gaming experience; Ubisoft have crafted a brilliant storyline with superbly realised characters which translates seamlessly into a wonderfully Assassin's Creed Renaissancefast-paced and enthralling historical thriller. For Penguin this dovetails perfectly with the appetite of historical fiction fans.”

Assassin’s Creed® is a record breaking game franchise that has seduced millions since its release in 2007. It became the fastest selling new video game ever in the US and the UK, with more than 9 million games sold worldwide for the first opus alone. This second game promises to captivate gamers and history-lovers alike on a similar scale.

“We’re delighted to be working with Penguin Books” said Rob Cooper, Managing Director of Ubisoft. “Assassin’s Creed Renaissance will offer the public a new and exciting way to experience the narrative world of Assassin’s Creed II. The book deal with Penguin, along with the Assassin’s Creed Lineage film series, is part of an ambition to bring the Assassin’s Creed franchise to multiple entertainment media. These projects along with the game itself will provide a truly immersive experience.”

Editor’s Note: According to this press release, Assassin’s Creed Renaissance will publish in the UK on November 26 2009, but does not say anything about Canada. AC Renaissance is listed on Amazon UK and Amazon.com, but a search on Amazon.ca and Chapters.ca gave no results for this title. I did find results on Chapters.ca for two Assassin’s Creed titles by Steven Barnes slated to publish in …2030? A search on Penguin.ca also resulted in zero results. A search for the author’s name, Oliver Bowden, on Amazon.ca resulted in a book titled “Assassin’s Creed” with a February 2010 release date from publisher Ace Books, which is a branch of Penguin Books. The same search on Chapters.ca returned several pages of results, but none for this author. Lots of Jamie Oliver cookbooks, though.

Hopefully this just means that the title has not yet been added to the two Canadian bookseller sites but will be soon.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Action Adventure, Mature, Upcoming Releases By: | Print This Post Print This Post

6th November 2009

Interactive Ontario Announces INplay 2010

Interactive OntarioToronto – Interactive Ontario today announced the launch of INplay – a new conference that connects creative industries with interactive kids topics. INplay will take place on May 18 & 19, 2010 in Toronto, Canada, and will examine the creation and commercialization of interactive media content and services for kids ages 4 to 15.

“Interactive Ontario is proud to present this unique event for the global kids media entertainment industry,” says Ian Kelso, President and CEO of Interactive Ontario. “ With tremendous support from our partners, all of whom are leaders in the interactive kids space, we are sure INplay will be a highly valued event for kids content producers and creators worldwide.”INplay 2010

“Ontario is home to a dynamic and growing interactive digital media industry with many talented and award-winning content producers,” says Karen Thorne-Stone, President & CEO of Ontario Media Development Corporation. “INplay will provide a unique two-day forum for Ontario companies to network and to share ideas and strategies with the world’s leading producers and distributors of digital entertainment for children.”

This project is spearheaded by IO in partnership with industry leaders including: The Alliance for Children & Television, Astral Media Inc, Bitcasters, Blue Print Entertainment, Breakthrough New Media, Capybara Games, CBC, Corus Entertainment, Decode Entertainment, Earth Rangers, Kids Can Press, marblemedia, Meridian Artists, Portfolio Entertainment, Spin Master Ltd., and zinc Roe Inc.

“Astral is proud to be one of the founding partners of what promises to be a world-class event that will bring together the best minds in Kids Interactive from Canada and around the world,” says Barbara Baillie, Director of Interactive, Astral Media.

“marblemedia is really looking forward to participating at INplay. We’re always working to make sure our stories are on whatever device kids are using. We see INplay as a chance to be inspired by the latest ideas in how to make fun, engaging experiences for kids,” says Ted Brunt, VP Interactive Production, marblemedia.

INplay is INsight, INgenuity and INterchange with a good dose of fun! INplay is for game developers/publishers, broadcasters, content producers/distributors, interactive/mobile/social media developers, toy/game manufacturers, book/magazine/comic publishers, marketers, researchers/child psychologists and all businesses with interest in the kid’s space.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Associations, Education, Events By: | Print This Post Print This Post

5th November 2009

Citeremis Releases Aztaka on Steam

CiteremisSherbrooke – Independent game developer Citérémis today released Aztaka on the Steam Digital Distribution Platform. Aztaka is a side-scrolling role-playing adventure that blends classic gameplay with modern technology and high-end graphics.

Inspired by Aztec legend, Aztaka drops players into the middle of a war between mankind and the aztaka-screenshotgods. Only Huitzilo, who’s skilled in the arts of combat and magic, can save his people from the wrath of the Aztec deities.

Aztaka features richly detailed backdrops and fluid character animation, immersing players in a heroic quest to collect seven Phonograms. Featuring 21 levels packed with mythological creatures, quests and puzzles, Aztaka provides a new universe for action-RPG fans to explore.

Already receiving high praise for its exceptional graphics and innovative controls, Aztaka will reach an even wider player base through Steam.

“We’re thrilled to have Steam host Aztaka. This opens up a new audience to us, and we’re confident people will appreciate Aztaka’s combination of an Aztec-inspired world and old school action-RPG gameplay,” says Citérémis president Jonathan Mercier.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in RPG - MMORPG By: | Print This Post Print This Post

5th November 2009

BioWare Announces Mass Effect 2 Collectors Edition

BioWare CorpEdmonton – Recruit your crew and fight for the lost! Leading video game developer BioWare™ has announced that the internationally acclaimed Shooter RPG Mass Effect™ 2 will also be released as a Collectors’ Edition in limited quantities. Available on January 26 in North America alongside the standard edition, the Collectors’ Edition of Mass Effect 2 comes in a premium, tin case and includes the full version of the game, a 48-page hardcover “Art of Mass Effect 2” book, Issue 1 of the Mass Effect Redemption comic book, and a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes and making-of videos. In addition, the Mass Effect 2  Mass Effect 2Collectors’ Edition will include unique in-game weapons and armor that can only be obtained by purchasing this version. With its larger-than-life hero Commander Shepard, intense shooter action, nuanced characters and a rich storyline, Mass Effect 2 is one of the most anticipated titles of 2010.

“We’re really excited to roll out this Collectors’ Edition featuring so many unique items, including special Collectors’ Edition armor and weapons and content that will surprise Mass Effect fans,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, co-founder, BioWare and Group General Manager of the RPG/MMO Group of EA. “The limited edition comic book and bonus DVD will really enhance and expand the overall Mass Effect 2 experience.”

The Mass Effect trilogy is an emotionally charged science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious, uncharted planets. In Mass Effect 2, players will once again step into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard, commanding their crew of some of the most dangerous operatives from across the galaxy on a mission so challenging that it’s potentially suicidal. Featuring intense shooter action, a rich futuristic storyline, space exploration and emotionally engaging character interaction, the game delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience.

Mass Effect 2 will be available on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PC. The Mass Effect 2 Collectors’ Edition will retail at an MSRP of $69.99 on Xbox 360 and $59.99 on PC.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Mature, Shooters, Upcoming Releases By: | Print This Post Print This Post

4th November 2009

Digital Alberta Upcoming Events

digital albertaBanff – In our interconnected, globalized economy, information is critical. Get a solid grasp on our new knowledge economy with a three-day workshop at the Banff Centre. Join Digital Alberta and the Banff New Media Institute to explore technology-enhanced learning as a valuable economic resource.

This eLearning workshop is designed specifically for professionals working in elearning, education, human resources and knowledge-based digital media. Stimulate learning opportunities and expand your knowledge in this dynamic field. From open source platforms to game-based learning, you will be exposed to capturing, retaining and transferring knowledge in a digital medium. So if knowledge and information is part of your responsibility, this workshop is for you.

The workshop features:

Lance Dublin, Dublin Consulting – Keynote
Dan Rickard, Okaki Health – Open source eLearning
Lou Russell – eLearning Project Management and SMEs
Kevin McNulty, Coole Immersive – Game-based learning
Dr. Jim Parker – Game-based learning
Martha Burkle, Cisco Chair of e-Learning – Training in virtual worlds

The workshop will be presented at The Banff Centre on December 3 – 6, 2009.

Rates: (all prices subject to GST)

$320.00 Digital Alberta Members or Affiliates
$350.00 Non-Member Early Bird (on or before November 18)
$260.00 Student Early Bird (before November 18)
$400.00 Non-Member after November 18
$300.00 Students Non-Member after November 18

Read the rest of this entry »

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Associations, Careers, Education, Events By: | Print This Post Print This Post

4th November 2009

2009 Canadian New Media Awards Finalists Announced

Canadian New Media AwardsToronto – The Canadian New Media Awards recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and companies in the Canadian digital media industry, in 19 prestigious award categories. Winners will be announced on December 1, 2009 at a gala ceremony at The Design Exchange in Toronto. This is the night our community really comes together to showcase excellence in interactive, and celebrate the promising future of Canada’s new media industry. Read the rest of this entry »

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Awards, Events By: | Print This Post Print This Post

4th November 2009

Braid Winding Its Way To PlayStation Network

Hothead GamesVancouver – PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system owners, the wait is almost over! Soon you too can run, jump and bend time, as Hothead Games announced today that it will be digitally delivering Jonathan Blow’s Braid to the PlayStation®Network in North America on Nov. 12 with a European version to be announced shortly thereafter.

Explore the human condition and manipulate time as our hero Tim leaps onto the BraidPlayStation®Network in the lush, painterly world of Braid, a puzzle-platformer that takes you from a house in the city on a journey through a series of worlds to solve puzzles and rescue the princess. In each world, you have a different power to affect the way time behaves, including the ability to rewind, create parallel realities and utilize time dilation to overcome the many obstacles in your path. There is no filler in this game; every puzzle shows you something new and interesting about the game world.

Key Features:

Untraditional platforming – You can never die and never lose, but challenge is always present and focused on solving puzzles, rather than forcing you to play and replay tricky jumps.
Puzzle-rich environment – Travel through a series of worlds, searching for puzzle pieces and solving puzzles by manipulating time: rewinding, creating parallel universes and setting up pockets of dilated time. The game play is always fresh and new and the puzzles inspire new ways of thinking.
Aesthetic design – A painterly art style and lush, organic soundtrack complement the unique game play.
Nonlinear story – A nonlinear fiction links the various worlds and provides real-world metaphors for your time manipulations; act out these themes at your own pace, exploring playful “what if” universes.
Forgiving game play – The game doesn’t force you to solve puzzles in order to proceed. If you can’t figure something out, just play onward and return to that puzzle later.

Braid has been rated “E 10+” for Everyone 10 and older by the Entertainment Software Rating Board for all platforms.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Everyone 10+, Puzzle, Upcoming Releases By: | Print This Post Print This Post

4th November 2009

Ludia and CBS Announce New Titles

LudiaMontreal – CBS Consumer Products, a unit of CBS Entertainment, announced today that eight new video games based on television’s top-rated and most beloved series will soon become available for fans. The rights holder to some of the most popular shows on television, CBS has teamed up with the industry’s most renowned casual games developers and video game publishers, including Montreal’s Ludia,  – to ensure that fans will be able to extend their experiences with their favorite shows in a fun and compelling way.

“These deals are perfect examples of our strategy to mine CBS’s deep portfolio of iconic television series across multiple platforms,” said Liz Kalodner, Executive Vice President and General Manager of CBS Consumer Products. “We understand how passionate the fans of these programs are and how they are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to interact with them. Whether on console, handheld or the PC, we are working with some of the most innovative publishers and developers to ensure that we meet fans’ expectations.”

Ludia will be developing the following two properties for CBS:

The Amazing Race – 2010
Get ready for around-the-world competition with the video game based on the eight-time Emmy® award-winning television series The Amazing Race where team players split up in pairs for a remarkable journey across exotic locations in a race against time. Players will face frantic challenges and tasks as they navigate through detours, roadblocks and other unpredictable game elements from the show. Working together strategically throughout the game is essential as each team tries to discover hidden clues that are crucial to getting them to the Pit Stop first – and one step closer to ultimate victory at the check-in mat. This video game will be launched throughout North America across multiple platforms in tandem with the show’s 16th season.

Read the rest of this entry »

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Action Adventure, Casual, Puzzle, Upcoming Releases By: | Print This Post Print This Post

  • Archives

  • Subscribe to our Newsletter


  • Select a list:

  • GWEN Radio
  • Gamers Giving Back