• Village Gamer

  • TVOKids Invites You To Join Gisele At Oshawa Library

4th July 2011

TVOKids Invites You To Join Gisele At Oshawa Library

tvo kidsTVOKids host Gisèle, star of TVO’s early learning program block Gisèle’s Big Backyard, will share the magic of reading with preschool children in Oshawa when her Read with Gisèle tour visits the Legends Centre Branch Library on Saturday July 16.

The Read with Gisèle tour showcases Gisèle reading the book of the month from her Big Backyard Book Club at libraries across the province in an effort to inspire children and their families to read every day. Preschoolers can watch the Book Club on television, participate in the club online, and now enjoy it in Giseleperson as Gisèle reads accessible, easy-to-read-aloud books by Canadian authors.

Gisèle will read the book Hannah’s Collections, written and illustrated by Marthe Jocelyn. It tells the story of Hannah, who loves to collect everything from buttons and feathers to dolls and leaves. But she has so many collections, she doesn’t know which one to bring to school for show and tell. Each child attending the reading will receive a book bag, a bookmark and a free copy of the book Caramba by Canadian author-illustrator Marie-Louise Gay. Kids will also have a chance meet Gisèle and have her autograph their book.

“I’m thrilled to be bringing the Big Backyard Book Club to life at libraries across Ontario. Reading aloud with children is a great way to develop their early literacy skills, so I hope the Read with Gisèle tour will inspire kids and their families to enjoy reading together every day,” says Gisèle Corinthios, host of Gisèle’s Big Backyard.

Kids can also participate in Gisèle’s Big Backyard Book Club online at tvokids.com, where they can watch videos of Gisèle reviewing books and see kids answering questions about the stories, share feedback on how the stories made them feel, and submit their own reviews of books they have read.

Read with Gisèle events are free and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis as seating is limited.

Read with Gisèle!
Saturday July 16
1:30 pm
Oshawa Public Library Legends Centre Branch
1661 Harmony Rd. North, Oshawa

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Events, National News By: | Print This Post Print This Post

1st July 2011

Submissions Open For Independent Games Festival

UBM Tech NetworkThe UBM TechWeb Game Network, organizer of the industry-leading Game Developers Conference® events, has officially opened submissions for the 2012 Independent Games Festival, being held at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2012 in San Francisco next March 5 – 9.

The Independent Games Festival (IGF) is the longest-running and highest-profile independent video game festival, summit, and showcase, and is now accepting entries to its 14th annual edition, with deadlines in the Main and Student Showcase categories by October 17 and October 31  respectively, and finalists to be announced in January 2012.

All games selected as finalists will be available in playable form at the IGF Pavilion on the GDC show floor from March 7 – 9, 2012, and will compete for nearly $60,000 in prizes, a significant increase from last year. This includes the high-profile $5,000 Nuovo Award, honoring abstract, short-form, and unconventional video game development.

In addition, awards for Excellence in Visual Art, Audio, and Design, Technical Excellence, Best Mobile Game, the Best Student Game, and the Audience Award each now receive a $3,000 prize, and the signature Seumas McNally Grand Prize for the independent game of the year has been increased by 50% to a record $30,000.

Winners will be announced on stage at the high-profile Independent Games Festival Awards on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The Independent Games Festival Awards are held immediately before the wider Game Developers Choice Awards.

Both multi-thousand person attendee award shows are part of the 2012 Game Developers Conference, taking place March 5th – March 9th, 2012. GDC 2012 also includes the 2012 Independent Games Summit, which is entering its sixth year and offers two days (March 5 – 7) of inspiration, practical lectures, and rants from the top minds in the independent games world.

The Independent Game Festival continues to sit at a place of global importance as the largest, most prestigious and all-encompassing showcase of independent game talent across the wide spectrum of artistically- and commercially-aimed development. Notable former IGF winners include landmark indie titles such as Minecraft, Limbo, World of Goo, Braid, Castle Crashers, Everyday Shooter, Darwinia, Audiosurf and many more.

“All of us here at the IGF are excited for a new year of the innovation and artistry we consistently see from the independent games that enter the festival,” said Brandon Boyer, chairman of the IGF. “Our transition to a more expert-focused jury system last year was a tremendous success, and we expect it will again lead to another stellar set of finalists and winners that have made this festival the most respected in the industry. Best of luck to all the entrants!”

Submissions to the competition are now open to all independent game developers; important dates for IGF 2012 are as follows:

  • June 29, 2011 – Submissions are Open
  • October 17, 2011 – Submission Deadline, Main Competition
  • October 31, 2011 – Submission Deadline, Student Competition
  • January 5, 2012 – Finalists Announced, Main Competition
  • January 12, 2012 – Finalists Announced, Student Competition
  • March 5 – March 9, 2012 – Game Developers Conference 2012
  • March 5 – March 6, 2012 – Indie Games Summit @ GDC 2012
  • March 7 – March 9, 2012 – IGF Pavilion @ GDC 2012
  • March 7, 2012 – IGF Awards Ceremony (Winners Announced!)
Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Contests, Events, National News By: | Print This Post Print This Post

30th June 2011

Basic Accounting For Game Devs

vancouver social gamesVancouver Social Games and Full Indie have gotten together along with Frank the Accountant to present an evening designed to offer accounting tips, suggestions and how-to full indiehints to game developers and business owners. For the very nominal fee of $10.00, interested parties are invited to this evening event on July 18th. At this writing, there were only 9 tickets remaining, so register quickly. The location for the seminar is yet to be decided, but bring along your portable computing device for this workshop-styled session where you will get both visual and hands-on assistance as you try to navigate the world of business accounting.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

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

29th June 2011

Kobo Essay Contest Features Power Lunch With Author Kelly Cutrone

koboKobo has launched a new essay contest in which the winner will enjoy a private power lunch with television personality and New York Times’ bestselling author Kelly Cutrone. Today through July 8, 2011, Cutrone fans can visit Kobo’s Facebook Page and write a short essay answer to the question: “How has normal has gotten you nowhere and how are you ready to make new moves?”

Open to residents of the continental United States and Canada (excluding Quebec), the winning essay will be chosen by Cutrone. The winner will be flown to Toronto to power lunch with the author. Cutrone will Normal Gets You Nowhere by Kelly Cutroneshare her unique brand of no-nonsense wisdom to help the winner move forward in his or her life.

“Kelly was recently in Toronto and expressed her love of Kobo as well as her desire to work with us in a way which would be truly meaningful for her fans. Kelly loves Canada and was keen to partner with Kobo on this content,” said Liz Ridout, vice president of marketing at Kobo.

“Toronto stole my heart. Anytime I can come to Toronto to see my friends and fans is a good day!” said Cutrone.

Cutrone has been a force in the fashion industry for more than 25 years. She quickly moved from industry icon to media maverick, originally appearing on MTV’s hit shows The Hills and The City. She executive produced and appeared on the Bravo series Kell on Earth and is a special contributor on the syndicated Dr. Phil show. Cutrone has penned two books: national and New York Times’ bestseller “If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You” and “Normal Gets You Nowhere,” released in May 2011 by HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins.

Deadline for entry is July 8, 2011. No purchase is necessary to compete in this contest. The winning entry will be made available on Kobo’s Facebook Page after being selected.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Contests, Events, National News, Social Media By: | Print This Post Print This Post

29th June 2011

George Brown College Increases Commitment To Canadian Digital Media Development

George Brown CollegeAnne Sado, President of George Brown College, has announced that the college will be increasing its commitment to the digital media sector with its gaming development and design programs in a new learning environment at 333 King St. E.

The facility will also feature an industry incubator to bring together video gaming and digital media startups in Toronto with George Brown College students. Scheduled to open in September 2011, the incubator will provide 10 offices, between 100 and 150 square feet, for startups and small companies looking for a platform to grow their business in the heart of the city. By including industry innovators alongside students, the college hopes to create an environment that helps its learners experience real-world engagement to better prepare them for future employment and help emerging companies leverage the student resources to help them grow.

“The research we conducted on the feasibility of a video gaming incubator reveals a real need for more ESACapplied research and innovation – something our students and faculty have clearly been able to provide in other industries,” said Sado. “With the growth rate in the gaming sector in Ontario predicted to reach 31 per cent over the next three years, according to the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, George Brown College is an a perfect position to provide a leadership role in nurturing the talent in this industry.”

As part of George Brown College’s effort to contribute to the expansion of the digital media industry in the city, the George Brown College School of Design will take on the leadership of Digifest, a Toronto-based international festival celebrating innovation and digital creativity that was previously managed by the Design Exchange. The festival will run from October 26 to 30 and will be held in central locations OMDCthroughout the city.

Today’s announcements are based on a feasibility study conducted by George Brown and funded by the Ontario Media Development Corporation and the City of Toronto. The research conducted by the college and its partners uncovered a need for a video gaming incubator, which would provide:

  • Improved access to video gaming technology for small businesses and start-ups
  • ffice space in the downtown core, helping to create a gaming community within the city
  • nd applied research and field placement opportunities for George Brown College video game design and development studentsToronto

“An innovative economy requires planning and support that builds on four strategic pillars – infrastructure, a well trained workforce, knowledge and expertise, and strong partnerships,” said Councillor Shelley Carroll, City of Toronto (Ward 33 Don Valley East), and Vice Chair, Economic Development Committee. “The new video game incubator at George Brown College will support these pillars and accelerate the growth and development of the digital media cluster in the City of Toronto.”

“As a long-time supporter of the digital, interactive media industry in Ontario, OMDC has had a keen interest in the video game programs George Brown College has been delivering and the strong relationships the college has with its industry partners,” added Karen Thorne-Stone, President and CEO of OMDC. “We felt it was important to fund this research that added to our understanding of the needs of the video gaming community. We are excited that George Brown College has taken a leadership role in addressing the study’s recommendations. This will enhance the vibrancy of the video gaming cluster in Ontario.”

The introduction of the gaming incubator coincides with the addition of approximately 310 students in the video game design and development programs at George Brown College over the last three years. Once renovations are complete this summer, the video game design students and the businesses using the incubator will have access to industry leading facilities, including development kits for major video game consoles, hand-held devices and other peripherals and a three-dimensional scanner and printer. This technology will be introduced to the incubator a short while after its launch.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Business News, Careers, Education, Events, Game Dev, National News By: | Print This Post Print This Post

29th June 2011

WEConnect Canada Partners Take Canadian Businesswomen To Las Vegas

WEConnect CanadaWEConnect Canada, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade (DFAIT), has taken over 100 Canadian women business owners to the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)’s 2011 National Conference & Business Fair, “The Opportunity Connection.” These women owned businesses represent all provinces and include many nationally recognized award winners who have a focus on expanding their customer base and extending market reach to corporations looking to diversify their supplier base.

“Supplier diversity is the proactive business process of sourcing products and services from previously under-used suppliers. Trade missions like this one increase the visibility and profile of our certified women-owned businesses to some of the biggest corporate players on the planet,” says Mary Anderson, executive director, WEConnect Canada. “These women entrepreneurs would not normally have such ready access to a large corporation’s supply chain.” An estimated 97% of large multinationals have supplier diversity programs.

WEConnect Canada is the certification body for women-owned businesses. It certifies firms that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by women and connects them with the growing global demand from corporations and the public sector for diverse and innovative suppliers.

“Certification assures corporations that they are doing business with recognized diverse suppliers and is the first step for these businesses to make important contacts, which will help open doors to international business opportunities,”  explains Anderson. “WEConnect Canada not only delivers internationally-recognized certification, but offers training and education to help women business owners successfully bid on procurement contracts.”

WBENC’s annual conference and business fair, June 21-23, 2011 boasts more than 3,000 partici­pants and nearly 350 exhibitors. The trade mission to WBNEC will provide Canadian women-owned business enterprises with access to leading corporations practicing supplier diversity.  During their time at WBENC, members of the delegation will meet with corporate procurement representatives and women business owners from across North America. There will also be networking and educational opportunities.

“You have to be at WBENC to network,” says Stephanie McLarty, president, REefficient Inc. and a past WBENC delegate. “This is the place to get introductions and resources and it increases the possibility of opportunities.”

The trade mission is also supported by provincial governments through regional women business enterprise centres across Canada.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Associations, Business News, Events, Government, National News By: | Print This Post Print This Post

29th June 2011

Entrepreneurs in Action 2.0

SFU’s Beedie School of Business invite you to participate in an open house event for start-up companies and small to medium sized enterprises (under 100 employees) seeking to connect with talented MBA and BBA students. Whether you are seeking a part-time bookkeeper, market research support or a high level strategic planning consultant, you are invited to participate in this low-cost event. As an added value, students from the School or Engineering, School of Computer Science and Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology will also be in attendance.

Entrepreneurs In Action 2.0 takes place on the evening of July 20th, with tickets available now for $25.00 per company. Space for this session is limited and pre-registration is required. This event will be held at 500 Granville Street, Vancouver.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

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

29th June 2011

DesignThinkers Meet This November In Toronto

RGD OntarioAt the 12th annual DesignThinkers Conference, the industry’s leading visual communicators connect to discuss how design builds relationships between organizations, products and people. Presented by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of  Ontario (RGD), DesignThinkers takes place November 2-3 in Toronto.

“The pace of change around the world continues to accelerate, but it is our ability as graphic designers to imagine and implement what is new, innovative and meaningful that sustains us,” says Lionel Gadoury R.G.D., President of RGD. “DesignThinkers 2011 is fuel for creative minds, igniting inspirations and blasting us forward to explore emerging trends.”

This year’s diverse speaker lineup includes:

  • Deborah Adler (NY) – Clients include Johnson & Johnson and Target
  • Principals and partners of Chermayeff & Geismar
  • Steve Edge (London) – Clients include Cartier and Dior
  • Stanley Hainsworth (Seattle) – Former Creative Director, Starbucks
  • Jessica Hische (NY) – Clients include Barnes & Noble and Kellogg’s
  • Rei Inamoto (San Francisco) – Clients include Nike, Xbox and Visa
  • Chip Kidd (NY) – Book designer and best-selling author
  • George Lois (NY) – Campaigns include “I Want My MTV”
  • Patrick Mitchell (Rockport) – Former Creative Director of Fast Company and O Magazine
  • Richard Morrison (London) – Titles designer for Batman and A Fish Called Wanda
  • William Poundstone (NY) – Author of “The Myth of Fair Value”
  • Robert Wong (NY) – Executive Creative Director at Google Creative
Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Events, National News By: | Print This Post Print This Post

28th June 2011

Canadian Cinema In All Its Diversity At Karlovy Vary

Telefilm CanadaWith a selection of five debut feature films, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival will be a perfect opportunity to discover Canada’s next generation of film talents. Four films will be receiving their world premieres: two of the films, Roméo Onze and Collaborator, will be in Official Competition, one, Laurentie, will be presented Out of Competition, and one, Sunflower Hour, will be screened during the Forum of Independents.

The Festival is also organizing a tribute to Denis Villeneuve, with the filmmaker himself in attendance. Denis Villeneuve first attracted attention at the Festival in 1996. Held in the city of Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival runs from July 1 to 9, 2011.

“Major events such as Karlovy Vary highlight the cultural success of Canada’s film industry and also encourage the industry’s industrial and commercial development,” said the Executive Director of Telefilm Canada, Carolle Brabant, who will be attending the Festival.

Telefilm Canada enthusiastically provides support to Canadian industry representatives and creators at the Festival. We are delighted with the retrospective of Denis Villeneuve’s work as well as with the selection of Canadian filmmakers who will be presenting their first feature films. Canadian diversity will be much in evidence at Karlovy Vary.”

Telefilm Canada is delighted that the Embassy of Canada to the Czech Republic is supporting the efforts to promote Canadian cinema at Karlovy Vary.

Official competition
Collaborator (Canada, United States) – world premiere
Director: Martin Donovan
Production companies: DViant Films (Toronto), This Is That (New York)
International distribution: Entertainment One Films International (Toronto)

Roméo Onze (Romeo Eleven) – world premiere
Director: Ivan Grbovic
Production and international distribution: Reprise Films (Montreal)

Out of Competition
Laurentie (Laurentia) – world premiere
Directors: Simon Lavoie and Mathieu Denis
Production company: Metafilms (Montreal)
International distribution: FunFilm Distribution (Montreal)

Forum of Independents
Sunflower Hour world premiere
Director: Aaron Houston
Production and international distribution: Unpaved Productions (Vancouver)

Midnight screenings
Hobo with a Shotgun
Director: Jason Eisener
Production companies: Rhombus Media (Toronto), Whizbang Films (Toronto), Yer Dead Productions (Halifax)
International distribution: TF1 International (Paris)

Tribute to Denis Villeneuve
As Telefilm Canada announced in February, 2011, the Festival will pay tribute to Denis Villeneuve. The Tribute to Denis Villeneuve will present four of his features, Un 32 août sur terre (32nd Day of August on Earth), Maelström, Polytechnique and Incendies, and two shorts, Next Floor and REW-FFWD.

Karlovy Vary recognized Denis Villeneuve’s talent at the very start of his career: the collective movie Cosmos screened at the Festival in 1996, shortly after receiving its world premiere at Cannes. “Our festival aims to delight movie-lovers by inviting filmmakers who bring their vision to the screen with true passion,” said Karel Och, the Festival’s Artistic Director. “This year we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Denis Villeneuve and his unique body of work. He’s never afraid of upsetting convention, and his highly personal approach and vision of society have been lauded throughout his career.”

Denis Villeneuve will be invited to meet with festival-goers and journalists during his retrospective.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Events, National News By: | Print This Post Print This Post

27th June 2011

Appnovation Launches Sproutcore Vancouver Meet Up Group

appnovationVancouver IT services company Appnovation Technologies has announced the launch of the monthly SproutCore user group meet ups for the Vancouver area with the first meet up scheduled for Tuesday, July 26th, to be hosted at their office. The purpose of the monthly event is for SproutCore, Mobile and Javascript developers and enthusiasts to learn about the SproutCore framework, share their experiences using it and to stay up to date on the framework’s latest developments. Similar user groups have been successfully launched in cities like Los Angeles, New York and Berlin.

SproutCore is an HTML5 and Javascript framework that allows for the creation of mobile applications that can be coded and deployed across multiple mobile platforms such as iOS, Blackberry and Android devices. The SproutCore framework was originally written in 2007 by Charles Jolley and his team. Charles soon went to Apple where he ran the team that built MobileMe and iwork.com using the SproutCore platform. After several years at Apple, Charles left to form Strobe Inc to be the commercial support for the open source Sproutcore framework. In April of this year Appnovation announced their partnership with Strobe marking them as the first official West Coast based partner for the company.

For the inaugural Vancouver meet up Appnovation is pleased to welcome presenters Luis Sala, Strobe Director of Technical Account Management, and Tom Dale, Strobe Senior Software Engineer and SproutCore Core Team Member.

Currently 0 Comments - Share Your Thoughts

posted in Events, National News By: | Print This Post Print This Post

  • Archives

  • Subscribe to our Newsletter


  • Select a list:

  • GWEN Radio
  • Gamers Giving Back