Village Gamer

Intelliware Development Inc. has officially introduced its newest Roadmap process designed specifically  for BlackBerry® platform applications. This tool enables companies to rapidly but strategically plan and launch mobile solutions. Whether your company requires an enterprise application to improve organizational efficiency, or a consumer app to drive customer engagement, Intelliware’s Roadmap jump-starts your initiative. The Roadmap for BlackBerry app is the latest addition to a variety of Roadmaps that Intelliware offers to help clients accelerate their software development initiatives.

“We’ve been developing mobile apps for years and the first question our clients ask is, Where do we start?” explains Greg McKenzie, SVP, Strategic Alliances & Partnerships, Intelliware. “With the explosion of devices in the marketplace and proliferation of apps, organizations are starting to take a more strategic approach to the mobile ecosystem. Our Roadmap for BlackBerry apps results in a strategic, actionable plan that enables companies to get to market quickly with a solution that provides immediate, enduring value.”

On April 19th, RIM’s latest device, the BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet was launched and is proving to become popular not only among consumers, but in particular, for enterprises. Companies are trying to determine how best to leverage what this new enterprise-class tablet has to offer. To help, Intelliware adapted its proven Roadmap process to incorporate the unique attributes and opportunities the PlayBook offers.

To coincide with the introduction of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, Loblaw® launched its President’s Choice™ Recipe Box app for the PlayBook. The app, developed by Intelliware, has been extremely popular and continues to have positive ratings and strong downloads.

“We’ve already used our Roadmap process to produce an opening day hit on BlackBerry App World™ for the PlayBook. Now, we’re working with other partners using this process to plan and develop new apps as well as launch existing apps on the new platform,” comments Dave Scapillati, VP, Mobile Solutions, Intelliware. “The PlayBook is the world’s first true enterprise-class tablet, and, deployed strategically, it can transform how an organization uses technology.”

David Cormican, founder of the Canadian Short Screenplay Competition, has announced the top thirteen finalist selections for the 2010/11 CSSC. The list of thirteen short film scripts and writers was determined by the judges and narrowed down from the previously announced Top 25 screenplays as entered in competition from all 2010/11 CSSC entries.

The grand prize winner will receive the Writers’ Block Crystal and an Apple iPad, in addition to the largest cash prize of any short film screenplay competition, $2,500.00. Second and Third place entrants will receive $500.00 and $100.00, respectively. The grand prizewinner will be announced and made official during the Golden Sheaf Awards gala at the Yorkton Film Festival, May 28, 2011 in Yorkton, SK.

All thirteen finalists will receive complimentary Yorkton Film Festival accreditation to attend the Golden Sheaf Awards gala, as well as be treated to the workshops, panels, films and networking social events taking place during the oldest film festival in North America.

One of the top three winners’ script will also be produced into a short film later on this year. Last year’s 2nd place script, “Minus Lara” (written by Surita Parmar), will receive its World premiere as an official selection of the Yorkton Film Festival. “Minus Lara” has also been nominated for the Golden Sheaf Ruth Shaw Award for Best in Saskatchewan.

The 2010/11 CSSC Top 13 finalists (in no particular order) are:

“Shattered Worlds”, Matthew Layden CAN
“The Ridge to the River”, Edmund Jory AUS
“Sudden Death”, Al Kline USA
“Elijah The Prophet”, Zachary Herrmann USA
“Tubby’s Car Project”, Julian Williams UK
“When The Dust Settles”, Suleiman Wali USA
“Strange Music”, Ira Henderson CAN
“The Chicken and the Egg”, Lisa Eismen AUS
“Mother Will Be So Pleased”, Carrie Ann Lee CAN
“The Great Ghouldini”, Ian Johnston CAN
“The Box Social”, Scott Summerhayes CAN
“13?, Sundae Jahant-Osborn UK
“Near Sighted”, Evan Jobb, CAN

Game Dev studio Endloop X has relaunched with a new name and a new look – Massive Damage Inc. The company’s official blog states that Endloop X was meant to be a placeholder, a temporary name until they came up with “the right name” – and anyone who has tried to name anything, knows how difficult this can be. The name Massive Damage fits well with the studio’s goals to disrupt the mobile social gaming space, and seemed to be the logical answer to the equation of Massively Multiplayer + Massive Disruption + Massive Impact.

Massive Damage is currently hard at work on Please Stay Calm, a location-based zombie MMO title. Again borrowing information from the studio’s blog, here is more information about the game:

Please Stay Calm is not Mafia Wars with a map slapped on top of it. Here are the game’s key features:

1. Location is key, it’s not about geography, it’s about people’s inherent affinity to their favorite spots. While the game can be played from your office, players will derive more value from moving around. The studio aims to be able to direct players to specific locations for special events.
2. A venue is a natural opportunity to drive organic social team play without the usual headaches involve with explicit teamwork. The studio calls this asynchronous dynamic massively co-operative gameplay.
3. Please Stay Calm integrates existing social graph information into the game narrative. Since the game fiction is layered on top of the real world, people will immediately feel like they are playing in a vibrant active game world even if few people are actually playing in their area.

Beginning today, families can welcome Disney Junior into their homes today as the newly branded channel launches across Canada. As of 6:00 a.m. ET subscribers of Playhouse Disney, both English and French, will see the channels transform into Disney Junior. Featuring entertaining and learning-focused programs for young viewers and their families, Disney Junior celebrates magical, musical and heartfelt stories with shows that feature beloved classic and contemporary characters. The Disney Junior linear channel is complemented by a new dedicated Disney Junior on-demand channel and network website providing subscribers with a rich multiplatform experience.

“With a renewed focus on storytelling and imagination and a continuing commitment to learning and exploration, Disney Junior represents the best Disney has to offer young children,” said Joe Tedesco, Senior Vice-President and General Manager, Astral Kids. “The Disney Junior brand offers a rich environment across multiple platforms for kids and their families to connect with stories, characters and experiences that are unique and entertaining. We are proud to launch this exciting new brand today and bring the magic and music of Disney into homes across the country.”

Anchored by the new animated series Jake and the Never Land Pirates, the English-language Disney Junior lineup features interactive and imaginative series for preschoolers and their families. The network offers fan favourites including Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Special Agent Oso and Handy Manny, as well as acclaimed Canadian series such as Stella and Sam, Franny’s Feet and The Secret World of Benjamin Bear. The launch of Disney Junior also sees three new short-form series debut on Canadian screens: Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps and Mickey’s Mousekersize each introduce healthy lifestyles using well-known Disney Junior characters. The third series, A Poem Is…, pairs legendary Disney animation with poems narrated by familiar voices including Jennifer Garner and Katie Holmes. Read the rest of this entry »

In a move that broadens the company’s relationship with Walmart, Kobo has announced that they’re now a featured partner on walmart.ca. With this new agreement, Walmart Canada customers gain one-click, direct access from the Walmart site to Kobo’s eBook library containing more than 2.3 million books, newspapers and magazines with over one million free titles. Walmart carries Kobo’s Wireless eReader in-store and features it on walmart.ca, giving Walmart shoppers access to one of the world’s largest eReading catalogues.

Walmart was among the first retailers to sell the Kobo Wireless eReader in Canada, and Kobo serves as an integral part of Walmart’s ever-progressing eReading strategy. Kobo eReaders have been available in Walmart stores since May 2010, and Kobo’s Wireless eReader has become a top selling eReader for Walmart Canada. Kobo’s eBook library provides up-to-the-minute and classic content to Walmart shoppers. Walmart carries the Kobo Wireless eReader in Onyx, Metallic Silver and Pearlized Lilac colours.

“With the addition of Kobo’s tremendous eBook library, Walmart has shown its commitment to offer its customers not only a top-rated device but also extensive content making it easier than ever to enjoy the eReading experience,” said Todd Humphrey, executive vice president of business development , Kobo. “Over the past two years, we’ve built a solid relationship with Walmart Canada, with continuing support for our wireless eReaders by Walmart customers. Our new featured partner status promises to expand our footprint among the growing eReading community, and we expect that the Kobo eBooks will be a popular destination for online shoppers.”

The compact, light and simple-to-use Kobo Wireless eReader features an eInk screen that reads like paper and is easily adjustable to personalize reading with customizable font sizes and styles. Perfect for reading on-the-go, Kobo’s Wireless eReader holds up to 1,000 eBooks, and with a SD expansion slot approximately 10,000 eBooks. Supporting open standards – ePUB, PDF, Adobe DRM – with Kobo customers can borrow books from their local library – for free! Pre-loaded with 100 ready-to-go classics, the Kobo Wireless eReader gives customers a robust, a dedicated eReading experience that’s ready to go. With the ability to shop on the go, anytime, anyplace, directly from their Kobo eReader using unlimited, free access to Bell’s Wi-Fi network, readers can find a rich assortment of the latest content with just the press of a button. Read the rest of this entry »

At last night’s opening celebration of OCAD University’s 96th Annual Graduate Exhibition, the university unveiled its new visual identity to students, faculty, staff and guests. The university’s new logo was developed in collaboration with the internationally respected firm Bruce Mau Design (BMD).

“This dynamic new identity asserts OCAD U’s catalytic role within the creative sectors, the research community and industry,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, OCAD University President.

BMD worked with the OCAD U community to design an innovative and collaborative process that included participation from students, faculty, staff, community members and alumni from across Canada and around the world. The design process included a series of workshops last fall, where participants were invited to share their stories, experiences and ideas about OCAD U and what they envision for the university in the future.

“We are honoured to have had the opportunity to develop a new brand identity system that builds on the rich legacy of the school and projects the image of a dynamic and multivalent future for the institution,” said Hunter Tura, President and CEO, Bruce Mau Design. “What’s even more exciting is the partnership we have established with OCAD U, the epicenter of creative thought leadership in Canada.”

Inspired by OCAD U’s iconic and transformational Alsop-designed Sharp Centre for Design, BMD created a base of

black and white pixel ‘windows’ — modular frames to hold actual student art and design work. Through these ‘windows’ the core of OCAD U is presented — conceptually strong, relevant, diverse, and compelling. “As we push the boundaries of art and design practice, education and research, so too does our new identity, giving the world a window into what we do here,” said Dr. Diamond. The identity is dynamic and modular in design. Every year, graduating student medal winners will be invited to design a logo within the basic window framework, providing the university with a set of logos for that year. As OCAD U grows and matures, a living library of identities will emerge, recording the ideas and aesthetics that have shaped our culture over time.

Last night’s unveiled logo ‘window’ featured works by 2010 medal winners Adrian Forrow and James Gauvreau. This year’s medal winners were announced earlier this week as part of the lead up to this weekend’s Graduate Exhibition, which continues until Sunday at 6 p.m. Each medal winner will be invited to participate in the program to feature their work in the new identity going forward.

The unveiling kicks off a summer-long implementation process for the new identity. “We plan to welcome our next cohort of new students this September with our new look fully realized across campus,” said Dr. Diamond.

Capilano Mall is using QR Codes as an option for customers to participate in the mall’s “Be Our Energy Star” contest.  Entrants are being asked to write down, in 100 words or less, what they are doing to be more environmentally or socially conscious for a chance to WIN an Energy Star Certified LCD TV and Laptop valued at over $3500. The contest closes May 13th, 2011 at 9pm.

The purpose of the contest is to drive traffic to Capilano Mall’s new micro-site, highlighting the Mall’s new program which focuses on communicating the mall’s ongoing efforts over the past few years as it works towards making improvements in the areas of global and social responsibility.

One specific initiative Capilano Mall has embarked on is to reduce the amount of waste the mall generates.  Traditionally, when customers enter a contest held in the mall, they submit their entry on a paper ballot.  In addition to paper ballots, Capilano Mall has now introduced a new way for customers to enter contests in-mall through the use of QR Codes (or quick response codes).  The QR Code is printed directly onto the mall signage.  Customers can scan the code with their mobile device and they will be linked directly to the contest entry form.

“Introducing this technology as an alternative for our customers is just one of the ways that we are working to decrease our environmental footprint,” says Shera Allibhai, Marketing Director – Capilano Mall. “We recognize that because this technology is still relatively unfamiliar, getting customers to catch on and use the QR Code will take both education and time.  Changing consumer behaviour is always a process, but we look forward to the challenge.

By using the QR Code technology and other alternative methods (like the option to enter contests online), Capilano Mall’s goal is to decrease paper ballots by 75% over the next 2 years; which will eliminate in excess of 9000 sheets of paper per annum.

Featuring top representation from Sony, AMD, Nvidia, Dynamic Digital Depth, Autodesk, Big Blue Bubble and more, The S-3D Gaming Alliance is pleased to announce the 3D gaming panel and presentations taking place at the upcoming Discovery 11 conference.  Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Center on May 18th and 19th, OCE’s Discovery was named as Canada’s Best Trade Show and  is the country’s  leading innovation-to-commercialization conference. Hosted by Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), Discovery 11 brings together key players from industry, academia, government, the investment community as well as entrepreneurs and students to pursue collaboration opportunities.

“I’m looking forward to speaking at Discovery 11. This is such a unique opportunity to get an overview of the current state of 3D technology and discuss the future of 3D with other industry experts,” said Damir Slogar, CEO of Big Blue Bubble.

According to the 2011 U-Decide Initiative, 80% of gamers that don’t yet own 3D equipment are willing to play video games while wearing 3D glasses, and 92% are willing to do so with a glasses-free solution. In addition to being neck and neck with 3D Blu-Ray movies, 3D gaming has a clear advantage for technology enablers looking to reach the early adopters. According to DisplaySearch, 3D is expected to account for 50% of HDTV revenues by 2014 because it will be a standard feature in future sets.

“While everyone wants 3D gaming to take off, there are several opinions on how this will be accomplished. With nearly all the industry players and competitors at the same table, this should be very informative for press and industry alike,” said Neil Schneider, Executive Director of The S-3D Gaming Alliance, and moderator for the upcoming OCE Discovery 3D gaming panel.

In recognition of the growing importance of stereoscopic 3D gaming on mobile platforms like the Nintendo 3DS, 3D tablets, and 3D smart phones, S3DGA is also pleased to announce their latest member: Big Blue Bubble.

“S3DGA truly understands unique challenges of stereoscopic 3D gaming and by creating and defining standards helps both manufacturers and developers to deliver top quality 3D content to consumers. We are happy to be part of it”, Slogar said.

Big Blue Bubble is one of Canada’s leading game developers, and has a direct interest in stereoscopic 3D gaming on console as well as mobile platforms. BBB has garnered numerous industry awards and accolades, but the true testament of their accomplishments can be seen through the success of their games – 60 titles distributed in over 100 countries.

There will also be an introductory presentation for iGO3D, an Ontario government funded initiative to research the most effective techniques in stereoscopic 3D game development.  Attached organizations include the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, York University, the University of Waterloo, University of Western Ontario, the Ontario College of Arts and Design University (OCADU) and George Brown College. Industry partners include the S-3D Gaming Alliance (S3DGA), Electronic Arts Canada, Bedlam Games, Big Blue Bubble, Digital Extremes, Interactive Ontario and Junction VFX.

You are cordially invited to attend the 10th edition of international conference webcom, one of the largest gatherings on Web new technologies, strategies, challenges and trends for North American organizations. webcom takes place on May 11th at the ICAO (Organization of International Civil Aviation) Head Office, 999 University Street in Montreal. Tickets for the conference are $495.00, with 

webcom boasts 45 speakers, 33 case studies, panels and sessions. Among the renowned speakers, Debbie Weil, author, speaker, and expert on corporate blogs and social media, Maggie Fox, founder and CEO of Social Media Group, and Geoff Livingston, author of the award-winning book on new media “Now is Gone”.

You will also have the opportunity to meet local experts, including Michelle Blanc, Bruno Guglielminetti, Katia St-Jean, Patrick Dubé, Charlérik Lemieux, Mitch Joel and several others.

For the past five years, webcom has been offering up-to-date conferences focused on international sharing and experience for local companies, allowing them to make sure their administrators are equipped to face tomorrow’s communication and technological challenges.

Always seeking to provide the latest content tailored to corporate realities while making sure to stay on top of upcoming challenges, webcom has redesigned its program schedule. As such, it will now be focused on educating and promoting Québec-based organizations through its effective combination of international speakers and local business partners. Those who are curious, have a vision or develop strategies can take part in conferences grouped under the five following themes:

1. Internal communications and services
2. External marketing and communications
3. E-commerce
4. Platforms and technologies
5. Innovation and interactive experience

Besides the main conference, participants can attend two off-program activities. webcomLive is an 8-hour WebTV presentation broadcasted live from webcom and accessible online in real-time, and webcamp is workshop presented by Sylvain Carle where tech and social Web buffs can push the Web environment’s conventional limits. webcom is presented by Guidyu and made possible through the collaborations of several partners, including: Transcontinental, Bell,  w.illi.am and Massy-Forget Public Relations.

TVO, Ontario’s public educational media organization and proud supporter of Canadian documentary filmmaking, is pleased to announce that two new TVO commissioned point-of-view films will be screened at Hot Docs, North America’s largest documentary film festival.

Both films, Recessionize! For Fun and Profit! and Grinders, represent TVO’s commitment to nurturing Canadian documentary filmmakers with important stories to tell (descriptions and screening information below). And TVO is thrilled that Hot Docs 2011 is honouring documentary filmmaker Alan Zweig. TVO has had the privilege of financially supporting and partnering on all of his documentaries, including the 2010 Genie Award winner, A Hard Name.

“TVO commissions between 8-10 new point-of-view documentary films every year, more than any other Canadian broadcaster,” says Jane Jankovic, TVO’s commissioning editor for point-of-view documentaries. “We deliberately focus on point-of-view films that resonate with Canadians and spark interesting discussions and debate.”

“And with the help of generous donors, we can do even more,” adds Jankovic.

More than fifty percent of TVO’s prime-time programming is devoted to documentary films. That is 1,430 hours of documentaries per year including commissions and acquisitions. TVO offers a selection of documentaries free and online for on-demand viewing.

In 2011, TVO will launch “The Doc Studio” – an exciting new online project that will engage users in the world of documentary films and filmmaking. It will provide a comprehensive look at the works of celebrated filmmakers; showcase the work of emerging filmmakers and will take viewers behind-the-scenes with extra videos, photos and interviews.

TVO at Hot Docs 2011:

Recessionize! For Fun and Profit! Toronto filmmaker Jamie Kastner (Kike Like Me, produced in association with TVO) sets off on a black-comic road trip through California, Europe and Dubai to meet those who manage to turn the world economic crisis into opportunity. The quirky cast ranges from kids at “Camp Millionaire” and Berlin prostitutes offering eco-discounts, to the owners of a French hotel promising a hamster experience.

Saturday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the TIFF Bell Lightbox 2 (rush tickets only)

Grinders Ontario filmmaker Matt Gallagher’s inside journey into the unconventional, often bizarre, underground world of illegal poker clubs. It’s a world populated by colourful characters, straight out of central casting. A world where the workday starts at midnight, runs strictly on cash and can change forever with the simple flip of a card. Matt’s intimate, first person narrative is joined by the voices of other grinders — poker players who make a small but sustainable living at the poker table.

Saturday, May 7 at 9:30 p.m. at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1
Sunday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Fox Theatre (rush tickets only)