Village Gamer

Last night at Casual Connect in Seattle, Toronto’s  TransGaming Inc. announced that Yo Deshi by Scottish developer Proper Games had been declared the winner of the company’s $ 50 000.00 GameTree Developer Competition.

Yo Deshi is a cerebral martial arts-themed board game that challenges players of all levels with a unique multi-player puzzle experience. Gamers can experience the excitement of incredible gains and stunning losses as they engage both real and simulated opponents with a range of thought-provoking strategies. Featuring highly immersive and fully customizable gameplay, the game was chosen as the grand prize winner of TransGaming’s GameTree Developer Competition.

The influential celebrity judges included actor, director, producer and writer LeVar Burton, President of Development at Jerry Bruckheimer Games Inc., Jay Cohen, and Lorne Lanning, co-founder of Oddmobb, Inc. The competition was launched in January,  with developers being offered the chance to win $50,000 and have their game featured on the GameTree TV platform for Smart TV, making it accessible to millions of Smart TV users as the GameTree TV market adoption continues to grow.

“We were highly impressed by the level of skill that all the finalists demonstrated. In the end it came down to talent, attention to detail and the overall quality of the winning game,” said panel judge LeVar Burton. “We’ve been able to offer developers the chance to reach a global audience with GameTree TV, a fantastic opportunity for a new developer eager to make their mark on the industry. It’s an exciting time for developers as the way we all interact with games and entertainment on a daily basis is changing rapidly, and TransGaming is playing a vital part in that process.”

If you are interested in developing titles playable on the GameTree TV platform, visit the GameTree Developer Portal to find out how to have your games published on Smart TV systems around the world. Other games in this first competition included Smiles HD by Canadian developer Sykhronics Entertainment and Bubblenauts: The Hunt For Jolly Roger’s Treasure by Western Star Entertainment of Oregon.

“Our passion for discovering, promoting and distributing the innovative content developed by the incredibly talented independent game development community is the main reason we decided to run this competition. We received an overwhelming response from developers around the world and were thrilled by the quality of the submissions,” commented Vikas Gupta, CEO & President of TransGaming. “GameTree TV is emerging as a top new gaming platform and we are extremely happy that Yo Deshi, and all of our finalists, are going to be part of the experience. My sincere congratulations go out to Yo Deshi and Proper Games.”

Village Gamer will be at SIGGRAPH 2011 in Vancouver, and in keeping with our mandate of promoting Canadian digital interactive media, technology, film and TV to the masses we invite you to take part. We will be situated in Booth 1018, please see the map below to see where Orby is camping his spot.

We are looking for sizzle pieces and trailers that we can show in the booth, along with products and swag to put in gift baskets that we’ll be offering as prizes in business card draws. If you have postcards promoting your “Made In Canada” game, software, product, studio, association or services we are offering our booth as a point of distribution. If you would like to provide bags, pens or other swag to hand out, that is welcome too.

Ideally we would like to put together promo packs to give out encouraging businesses to Outsource to Canada. Please contact me with this special event address if you would like to help us help you. Your trailers must be available for us to download in the highest playable quality possible, preferably in 1080p – our screen is a 42″ HDTV, and we want to show your trailers in their best possible light.

For Vancouver area companies – if any of you have trade show equipment such as collapsible chairs,  TV stand, portable tables (like those tall, round, bar style), etc. that we could borrow for SIGGRAPH, we would be most grateful and of course acknowledge your contribution with promotional considerations. All equipment must be easily movable, as we have to move everything in by hand without the benefit of type of dolly cart unless we hire convention centre staff to move everything in from the loading dock, which we don’t have a budget for.

In keeping with our community theme, we’re trying for a “fireside chat” type of feel to the booth, so that our “on the spot at SIGGRAPH” interviewees can site comfortably while being interviewed on camera. If you are feeling generous and would like to help us purchase our own trade show equipment, we would also be eternally grateful – at the least we  will place your logo on our site as a supporter.

As mentioned above, we will be conducting in-booth interviews with Canadian attendees, so if you would like to represent, stop by and take a seat in front of the camera. Of course, we will also be covering as much of SIGGRAPH as we possibly can, and will have a roving video camera or two so don’t be surprised if you get recognized and hi-jacked while wandering the convention hall.

Also to be officially unveiled at SIGGRAPH will be our new project. We don’t want to reveal too many details just yet, but we can tell you that it will involve community, marketing and the creative Canadian spirit that has made this industry great. We will also be introducing our new collaborative partner, Code-name Alex  – and devs, Alex has an iPad – so, if you would like people to be able to play your game or try your app while visiting our booth and have a download code to spare, please send it via the contact link above, along with the game title, studio name and info page link, with the subject line SIGGRAPH iPad. Please note – this is only for games and iPad apps  made in Canada. Each of the games or apps loaded for SIGGRAPH will be included in our table-top info catalogue for attendees to browse through.
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We also have need of two or three more volunteers to work alongside Alex and our lovely booth hostess Megan and the infamous CaveChild and assist in promoting the Canadian interactive industry. Ideally, we are looking for students, recent graduates or those already working in the creative development sector – this would include game designers, entertainment business managers, project management, marketing, or film students (a stationary video cam with an external mic for the in-booth interviews would be most awesome too).  You would need to be available for expo floor hours, which are as follows:

If you are interested in this volunteer position, which will include a SIGGRAPH expo pass, please contact me with your information and reason for wanting to help out with the show, with SIGGRAPH volunteer as the subject line.

Supply chain execution software solutions provider Accellos announced today that it will be holding a Summer Conference single day event in Toronto, along with stops at Newark, Chicago, San Francisco and Atlanta.

Accellos Visions 2011 is designed to give supply chain professionals across North America the opportunity to join in educational sessions, networking opportunities and engaging dialogue with Accellos experts, customers and partners like Microsoft and Psion Teklogix. The event provides a forum for attendees to spend time face-to-face with their Accellos team, meet new colleagues with similar business interests in their area and industry, and learn how to drive even greater returns from current and future Accellos solutions.

The daily agenda (PDF) includes educational sessions covering topics meaningful to Accellos’ 3PL, Warehouse Management, Transportation Management and EDI customers and partners. The sessions will focus on profit-building strategies, industry insights, best practices, in-depth product information, technology road maps, and the vision for Accellos going forward. Speaking guests include Accellos top executives, product and brand managers, and representatives from Microsoft and Psion.

“We developed Accellos Visions with the aim of bringing together our customers, partners, and supply chain professionals from coast to coast,” said Accellos CTO Ross Elliott. “Our attendees will have the chance to learn about how our latest products can help them drive ROI, hear expert speakers from Microsoft and other partners talk about topics like Cloud Computing and Mobility, and get a glimpse of Accellos’ vision for the coming months and years. And the best part is that, rather than host a single event in one location, we will be bringing the show to our attendees.”

Early bird special registration pricing for Accellos Visions 2011 is available until July 22.

On Sunday July 27th, the final votes for the 8 developer selections for the Indie Games Summer Uprising were tallied and the organizers are now ready to announce the titles of the games which will headline the promotion:

The next step in the competition will begin on  Monday, August 1st and run until Sunday August 14th, when fans will have the opportunity to choose two titles that they would like to see as part of the promotion on any of the remaining candidates from the IGSU entries page. Voting will take place on the IGSU Facebook page. Winners will be announced during the #IGSU Twitter Chat.

The #IGSU Twitter Chat will be held on Tuesday Aug 16th – 9PM EST, and the gaming community will have the ability to speak directly with the developers, organizers, and journalists in a roundtable style chat. As mentioned before, the two winners from the fan vote will be announced at this time as well.

Indie Games Uprising Summer Schedule:

August 1st – August 15th: Community voting for 2 additional titles they would most like to play.
Tuesday August 16th – 9PM EST: IGSU Developer Twitter chat, community winners announced
August 22nd – September 2nd: Promotion and release of 8 developer and 2 community voted titles

Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch will be laying 142 charges in connection with violations of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA).

Between June 23 and June 25, 2011OPP members conducted an investigation into the provision of private security services at the International Indian Film Association (IIFA) “Bollywood” Awards.  A number of business and individuals were found to be in violation of provisions of the PSISA.

Charges will include:

• 16 counts of working as an unlicensed security guard,
• 24 counts of employing an unlicensed security guard,
• 96 counts of licensed agency permit uniform violation,
• Two (2) counts of selling security guard services no license
• Four (4) counts of hold out as agency licensed to sell security guard services, and no license.

Two British nationals have been charged with working as unlicensed security guards in relation to close protection security provided to a Bollywood star.

The investigation is linked to on-going enforcement initiatives to ensure provisions of the PSIS Act and Regulations are adhered to within the province of Ontario. The investigation is continuing and further charges are anticipated.

Under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, individuals performing security work in Ontario must be licensed.  Additionally, establishments employing in-house security guards must be registered with the Private Security and Investigative Service Branch.

Business entities selling the services of security guards are required to be licensed by the Ministry of Community safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) and responsible to ensure their security guards are licensed. Persons convicted of working as unlicensed security guards are subject to a maximum fine of $25,000, under the PSIS Act and up to one year in custody.

The She’s Connected Conference is taking place in Toronto this September 29th and 30th – but you can’t just buy tickets to attend. Instead, attendees are chosen for their digital reach and influence. Last year, 100 women were hand-picked to attend She’s Connected, which is for women who want to work with brands. This year, 200 women will be given tickets and the chance to meet with the people behind the brands.

In a quote on the event’s web site, Founder and CEO Donna Marie Antoniadis explained the philosophy behind She’s Connected, stating “we created the She’s Connected Network four-and-a-half years ago to help you connect with other women and organize your busy life. Now, we’re giving you an opportunity to increase your influence by building relationships with Brands face-to-face.”

The requirements for getting tickets is quite simple, with the basics being that  you are active across all major social networks and have established relationships with other influential women. In addition, you must also meet the following conditions:

• You are a member of She’s Connected
• You are Canadian
• You are extremely active across all social media (Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
• You post frequently on Blogs, Twitter and Facebook
• You post high quality content
• You are eager to work with Brands
• You fit the target demographic our sponsors are looking for

The conference highlights the following opportunities for learning and networking:

• How to work with digitally connected women: Approaches to maximize your relationships for social reach and benefit
• Proper disclosure policies: Ensuring that you’re following best practices online to protect your brand
• The best way to execute product posts and giveaways: Tips and tricks that digital women and brands can benefit from
• Great interactive sessions with Brands & Women: A chance to get product information out there
• Lots of networking: Building relationships that will move past the conference
• Product display in exhibition area: Get products into women’s hands
• Live tweeting and promotions: Your brand message will be included
• Foursquare promotions: Drive traffic to your booth

Note that while those chosen to attend the conference are given free admittance, attendees are required to pay their own travel and hotel costs.

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, has announced the renewal of the agency’s partnership agreement with the Just for Laughs festival. The popular Montréal festival will thus receive $1,400,000 in non-repayable financial assistance over the next two years.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to renew its support of Just for Laughs because of the exceptional international exposure and major economic spinoffs this festival brings to the greater Montréal area,” commented Minister Lebel.

Montréal is recognized world-wide for its large-scale cultural events. Every year, the Just for Laughs festival alone draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area, generating considerable tourism revenue for the city.

Granted through the Community Diversification program, this financial assistance will serve for the 2011 and 2012 promotion and commercialization of the festival on domestic and foreign markets. This support will allow the cultural event to further consolidate the enviable position it already occupies on the international stage.

Those wanting to head back to school to train for a new career are invited to visit the nearest Vancouver Career College campus on Wednesday, July 27th, when the college hosts a province-wide open house at each of its six campuses.

Each open house will showcase the types of career training available at Vancouver Career College. Attendees will learn how the college develops its market-driven curriculum, which is based on input from industry professionals to ensure that graduates meet the demands of the business, healthcare, education, hospitality, legal administration and skilled trades sectors. They’ll also have a chance to tour the campus and meet with instructors and staff.

Whether they’re hoping to change careers or just looking to get started, attendees will learn how Vancouver Career College programs combine classroom learning with practical training from industry-experienced instructors to help students master the tools and techniques they’ll use on the job. The programs include practicum placements that allow students to put their training into practice in a job setting and gain hands-on experience in the field.

Vancouver Career College will host open house events at its campuses in Abbotsford, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, Kelowna and Vancouver on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Guests are asked to check in at 3:45 PM.

Saskatoon-based innovative enterprise solution provider cfactor Works Inc. is pleased to announce a live online event scheduled for Thursday, July 28, at 10 am PT / 1pm ET, entitled “Empowering Strategic HR: DeVry’s Agile Approach to the Next Generation Enterprise.”

In addition to sharing examples of how agile HR is driving transformation at DeVry, presenters Deb Maher, Sr. Director, HRIS and Benefits at DeVry, Inc. and Cary Schuler, Co-Founder & CEO of cfactor will answer any questions you may have during (or even after) the event.

Join the event and learn how DeVry is leveraging an agile SaaS platform to:

•     Create and sustain Enterprise-wide engagement
•     Identify and recognize top performers
•     Quickly & effectively adapt to new compliance requirements
•     Extend existing systems and develop new efficiencies
•     Provide secure on-demand access to key workforce insights
•     Support rapid global growth needs

For the first time Thailand’s Software Industry Promotion Agency (SIPA), in cooperation with the Embassy of Canada in Thailand, will host the Thai-Canadian Collaborative Forum business partnership program. The main objective is to promote business opportunities and collaborations among Thai and Canadian companies within creative and digital content industry leaders including software, film, animation, game and mobile applications as well as eLearning, digital media, and training.

The collaboration between Canada and Thailand in partnerships such as joint-venture, co-investment, outsourcing, venture capital, knowledge and technology transfer, and other business deals are to be encouraged through this program. Canadian delegates will have access to first-hand information of Thailand’s creative and digital content industry as well as information concerning Thai companies.

Canadian companies, and related institutions who are engaged in the following industries: software, film, animation, gaming, mobile applications, digital media and other forms of digital content, as well as academic and professional organizations, are welcome to participate. Your company will get to meet selected Thai companies in software and digital content industries. Download the Forum PDF to get further information and to apply for this initiative.

There are four main activities at this event:

I. Thai-Canadian Collaboration Forum

• Introduction to Canadian digital industry by a Canadian representative.
• An overview of Thai digital content and software industry by SIPA representative.
• Foreign Investment opportunities and incentives for digital content and software industry.
• Thai representative will present Thai companies’ show reel and capabilities.
• Presentations by Canadian companies
• Special talk by a guest speaker

II. Business Matching Day

• Business Matching day by pre-scheduling (target at least 50 matches). An LCD monitor will be provided upon request.

III. Thai-Canadian Networking Reception

• An official dinner reception hosted by SIPA for participants and governments’ representatives.

IV. Studio/Campus Visit in Bangkok

• A half-day company/studio visit at a renowned Thai company is provided.

As of July 8th, these are the participating Thai Companies:

1. AMADIVA: animation production, film production, VFX, SFX, Post Production
Want to meet: production house, advertising agency
Intent: co-production, outsourcing service

2. ANYA Animation: animation production, film production
Want to meet: producer, VC/Investor
Intent: co-production, project development

3. Imagimax Studio: animation production, film production
Want to meet: producer, VC/Investor
Intent: co-production, project development

4. Digital Magig Effect House: animation production, film production, VFX, SFX, Post Production
Want to meet: production house, advertising agency
Intent: co-production, outsourcing service

5. G-Motif Production: animation production, film production, VFX, SFX, Post Production, film/animation producer, original IP
Want to meet: marketing/PR, distributor, producer, outsourcing agent, licensing & merchandising agency, right holder/seller/distributor, TV channel/cable/satellite
Intent: co-production, outsourcing service, IP licensing, need agent service

6. Kantana Animation Studios: animation production, VFX, SFX, Film/Animation Producer
Want to meet: distributor, outsourcing agent, VC/Investor, licensing/merchandising, right holder/seller/distributor, TV channel/cable/satellite
Intent: co-production, outsourcing service, content selling

7. Right Beyond: film production, right holder/seller/distributor
Want to meet: producer, right holder/seller/distributor
Intent: production, IP rights execution

8. Shellhut Entertainment: film/animation producer
Want to meet: distributor, publisher, acquisition, licensing & merchandising agency, TV channel/cable/satellite
Intent: production, IP rights execution, project pitching for co-investment

9. The Monk Studios: animation production, film/animation producer
Want to meet: producer, VC investor
Intent: project pitching for co-investment and co-production

10. OpenDream: social enterprise, web application, solutions
Want to meet: VC investor, software solutions
Intent: developing software for social enterprise, solutions for NGOs projects

11. Debuz: online game developer, Browser/Social Game Developer, online game publisher
Want to meet: distributor, publisher, acquisition, VC/Investor, online game developer
Intent: publishing game, project development

12. GameMaker: mobile application, Browser/Social Game Developer, Game Publisher
Want to meet: distributor, publisher, acquisition, VC/Investor, App Store/Digital retailer, device manufacturer
Intent: application and game sale, joint-project
Target company: Research in Motion (RIM)

13. Ring Zero: console game developer (NDS, Wii, PC)
Want to meet: distributor, publisher
Intent: project pitching, project development

14. URBANICE: animation, web application, social media, licensing agency
Want to meet: distributor, publisher, producer, VC/investor
Intent: business development, project pitching, project development, agency service

15. SDM-School of Digital Media, SRIPATUM UNIVERSITY: undergrad program in animation, game, interactive, graphic design, film
Want to meet: Sheridan College or digital media institutions
Intent: business development, joint-program, student/staff exchange program