Village Gamer

Can the number of likes a candidate has on Facebook indicate their chances of winning the 2011 Canadian Federal election? That’s what the teams at Optimum PR and Dare Labs in Vancouver wanted to find out, so they have joined forces to create The Social Election Experiment.

Since there are now over 16 Million Facebook users in Canada, the teams at Dare and Optimum PR decided to look at Facebook support (“likes”) for candidates in each of the 308 ridings across Canada – in real time. They will be tracking the race dynamically, and showing a snapshot of where each candidate stands in every race across the country and any changes in daily trends.

The experiment was inspired by research published after the 2010 House and Senate Elections in the US. The team at Facebook went back after the election was over to see if support for a candidate on the popular social network translated into real world support in a few key ridings. Their analysis showed that more than 80% of Senate races and 74% of House races could have been accurately predicted based on which candidate was more widely “liked” on Facebook.

“We have decided to keep our methodology very straightforward”, explained David Brodie, Vice President, Western Canada at Optimum PR and former Prime Ministerial advisor. “We’ve identified the nominated candidates for each party and will be measuring the number of likes each gains throughout the race looking for trends. This is the first time anyone has ever tracked an election on Facebook in this much detail, and we are excited to see what the results can tell us about the important role social media plays in both shaping and reflecting public opinion.”

“Our goal is not only to see what is happening throughout the race, but also to encourage all candidates to become more social online” added Angele Beausoleil, VP, Strategy and Innovation Dare North America. “We have added tips on our site explaining how candidates can establish their own presence on Facebook if they don’t already have one, and we hope we can help this become the most social election in Canadian history.”

Meanwhile in other election news, canada.com has partnered with the community-powered news organization OpenFile to offer Canadians a new way to participate in the federal election. Readers can click on the “Your Idea” icon on the canada.com home page to suggest election stories that they feel deserve more attention. The goal of this collaboration is to gather information from Canadians to help shape the way the federal election is covered.

“More than ever, this election is influenced by Canadians setting ‘the real agenda’,” said Scott Anderson, Senior Vice President, Content at Postmedia Network. “We’re asking Canadians what they want their candidates – local and national – to be talking about during the campaign.”

OpenFile.ca is a collaborative news site where readers suggest stories and journalists are assigned to report and write on those deemed relevant. OpenFile’s community-driven news platform will be used to manage the flow of user-suggested stories, to assign journalists and to enable Canadians to view and interact with the proposed stories. The stories will be available to canada.com, Postmedia Network newspapers and online properties, and to OpenFile’s seven city websites.

“This partnership provides Canadians with a unique opportunity to shape the way this important election is covered at the local and national level,” said Wilf Dinnick, CEO of OpenFile. “Working with canada.com and Postmedia Network, our editors and journalists will report the stories that might otherwise get missed along the campaign trail. We’re excited to tell the stories that matter to Canadians in the communities where they live.”

Since his big screen debut in 1981, the globe-trotting, rugged, whip-lashing archaeologist Indiana Jones has captured the imagination of audiences around the world – and over the years, his quest for treasure, fortune and glory has engendered a pop culture fascination with the field of archaeology. Lucasfilm Ltd. and Montreal’s X3 Productions are thrilled to celebrate thirty years of Indy’s adventures – and the science that inspired them – with Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, a world-touring exhibition presented by the National Geographic Society.

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology is designed to transport visitors into the universe of Indiana Jones whilst shedding light on the true nature of archaeology. An original audio greeting recorded by Harrison Ford – the world-renowned actor who brought Indy to life – will welcome visitors and invite them to begin their journey into the science of field archaeology.

The Exhibition designers have created a truly unique educational environment in which to showcase a wealth of historical and cultural artifacts from the National Geographic Society and the Penn Museum. In a setting comprised of the most extensive collection of Indiana Jones films’ concept art, props and models from the Lucasfilm Archives, as well as remarkable real-world artifacts, visitors will elucidate myths, explore excavation sites, and discover the true origins of archaeological mysteries.

Visitors will embark on this comprehensive museum experience equipped with a multi-media hand held device. Providing a wealth of information, videos and commentaries about the exhibits, the interactive video companion will also allow kids of all ages to create their very own interactive quest.

Visitors may begin their adventure of archaeology as early as today by visiting the newly designed web site. A portal into the exhibition, the website now hosts information that will allow visitors to discover the past, investigate lost civilizations, attempt to solve archaeological mysteries and prepare their journey into the world of Indiana Jones.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkdcHArwczY]

After its premiere at the Montreal Science Centre on April 28, the travelling exhibition will be presented in eleven world-class institutions throughout Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Various travel packages are now available for those who wish to experience Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology in Montreal before it sets sail overseas. The exhibit will be at the Montreal Science Centre from April 28th through September 18th 2011.

Tickets are on sale now, with advance ticket purchases available online or by visiting the Montreal Science Centre Box Office or by contacting them at (514) 496-4724 or (877) 496-4724.

This morning I also woke up to an announcement from TransGaming Inc. about the new title its Studio Division, creators of the popular title Garage Inc., have been teasing about the past few weeks on both Twitter and Facebook. This new title, Kula Blox, is a  multi-platform game targeted to a broad family audience. Leveraging TransGaming’s innovative cross-platform game enablement technologies, Kula Blox will be simultaneously released on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac, PC and the GameTree TV Smart TV Gaming Platform in the summer of 2011. 

“Our original game Garage Inc. was an incredible success and has garnered a user base of almost 500,000 since its release. The casual gaming sector is a high-growth market with lots of potential. These are exciting times, and we are very pleased to be launching a new title based on our own IP”, commented Wojtek Kawczynski, Managing Director of TransGaming’s Studio Division. “By incorporating both TransGaming’s own enablement technologies, as well as innovative micro-transaction business models Kula Blox,  is well-positioned to become profitable quickly while at the same time generating a long-term revenue stream.”

Kula Blox will be an animal-themed arcade-style game that allows a broader audience of non-traditional gamers to have immersive, but still “snack” gaming experiences. The Kula Blox property is designed to become a franchise that spans across multiple future titles with Kula Blox being the first. When paired with the lucrative in-game micro-transactions and content updates, the result will be a game that maximizes both profitability and long-term playability.

As an IGDA member, I received this letter in my email a couple of hours ago – as other members did. I feel that the information contained in it needs to be shared with the greatest number possible, and no doubt those of you living in earlier time zones have already been passing this information around, which it should be.  If I were a developer considering releasing titles on the Amazon App Store, I think I’d be giving it a serious second thought. Here is the letter in its entirety.

To all members of the game development community:

Two weeks ago, Amazon launched its own Android Appstore. We know that many developers have been eagerly looking forward to that launch in hopes that it would represent a great new revenue opportunity and a fresh take on downloadable game merchandising. The IGDA applauds Amazon’s efforts to build a more dynamic app marketplace. However, the IGDA has significant concerns about Amazon’s current Appstore distribution terms and the negative impact they may have on the game development community, and we urge developers to educate themselves on the pros and cons of submitting content to Amazon.

Many journalists have noted the unusual nature of Amazon’s current store terms, but little has been said about the potential implications of those terms. In brief: Amazon reserves the right to control the price of your games, as well as the right to pay you “the greater of 70% of the purchase price or 20% of the List Price.” While many other retailers, both physical and digital, also exert control over the price of products in their markets, we are not aware of any other retailer having a formal policy of paying a supplier just 20% of the supplier’s minimum list price without the supplier’s permission.

Furthermore, Amazon dictates that developers cannot set their list price above the lowest list price “available or previously available on any Similar Service.” In other words, if you want to sell your content anywhere else, you cannot prevent Amazon from slashing the price of your game by setting a high list price. And if you ever conduct even a temporary price promotion in another market, you must permanently lower your list price in Amazon’s market.

These Amazon policies could have far reaching effects on game developers. The IGDA has identified five potentially problematic scenarios in particular:

1) Amazon steeply discounts a large chunk of its Appstore catalog (imagine: “our top 100-rated games are all 75% off!”). Some developers will probably win in this scenario, but some developers — most likely, those near the bottom of the list — will lose, not gaining enough sales to offset the loss in revenue per sale. Amazon benefits the most, because it captures all the customer goodwill generated by such a promotion.

2) By requiring all developers to guarantee Amazon a minimum list price that matches the lowest price on any other market, Amazon has presented developers with a stark choice: abandon Amazon’s market or agree never to give another distributor an exclusive promotional window.

3) Other digital markets that compete with Amazon (both existing markets and markets yet-to-be-created) may feel compelled to duplicate Amazon’s terms, and perhaps even adopt more severe terms in an effort to compete effectively with Amazon. In essence, we’re looking at a slippery slope in which a developer’s “minimum list price” ceases to be a meaningful thing. Read the rest of this entry »

Starting today, NHL fans will have the opportunity to make their Stanley Cup® Playoffs predictions in the EA SPORTS™ NHL®2011 Playoff Bracket Contest on Facebook. Fans can make their predictions on the real series using the EA SPORTS NHL 11 simulation engine that will link to the Playoffs bracket and predict who will advance to the next round. The engine correctly predicted that the Chicago Blackhawks would win the Stanley Cup last year, and that the Vancouver Canucks would win the Presidents’ Trophy this year. Fans will vote on the winner of each series at the start of each round, accumulating points for correct selections; prizing will be available for each round so fans can continue to enter after the playoffs start. A grand prize winner will receive two tickets to the 2012 NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa for the most points accumulated throughout the contest; the winner will be announced at the end of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.*

The NHL 11 computerized simulation is conducted using artificial intelligence that uses real-life data from each team, such as player ratings and line combinations, and includes variances such as injuries and hot streaks to predict a realistic outcome of each game and series.

Contest Schedule:

First round selections open today, and subsequent rounds will be announced at the end of each series.

EA SPORTS NHL 11 Round One Predictions – Conference Quarterfinals:

Western Conference

(1) Vancouver defeats (8) Chicago; 4-2

(2) San Jose defeats (7) LA Kings; 4-1

(3) Detroit defeats (6) Phoenix; 4-2

(5) Nashville defeats (4) Anaheim; 4-3

Eastern Conference:

(1) Washington defeats (8) NY Rangers; 4-0

(2) Philadelphia defeats (7) Buffalo; 4-1

(3) Boston defeats Montreal (6); 4-3

(5) Tampa Bay defeats (4) Pittsburgh; 4-2

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Eligibility restrictions apply. Contest starts April 13, 2011 and runs through the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Complete Contest rules can be found online.

Important Reminder: The April 15th deadline for the Pixel To Product industry survey is two days away.

Whether you’re a game developer, visual designer, HTML5 coder, design wireframes, make apps, teach or engage in social media marketing – if you work in any digital media sector – please take the time to participate in the Canadian digital media workforce survey. It only take 8 minutes to complete, and the final report will be made available free of charge upon completion in May 2011. Participants are also encouraged to provide feedback on what data in the survey is important to them, essentially giving you all a hand in the final look of the survey’s report. I can’t stress enough how important this survey is to our industry. Please take the time to answer the questions, and if you already have, send the link along to someone who hasn’t. You can check out a sampling of the data already collected on the project’s site.

When Judith Chinn launched JAC GeoDesign in Nanaimo last year she had little doubt that her new 3D geo-modeling company would work towards excellence, achievement and innovation in her community. Little did she know that her community would extend beyond the rocky coast of Vancouver Island. She soon found herself involved in a number of international volunteer projects that would have her helping showcase Olympic host city London, England, recreating earthquake damaged L’Aquila, Italy, and supporting relief efforts in Saitama City, Japan. “I manage to participate on all of these projects remotely from my Nanaimo office,” says Chinn, who has become Canada’s first Google Certified Geo 3D Developer.

The Google Earth 3D geo-modeling community is a very active group of individuals and businesses. They host community 3D workshops, participate in school program, and participate in youth mentoring programs. When a colleague like British Architect, Barnaby Gunning proposed an ambitious project to build a digital 3D model of earthquake damaged L’Aquila, Italy to help stimulate discussion about its reconstruction, the 3D geo-modeling community responded by creating over 1000 3D buildings to help L’Aquila. “The images out of L’Aquila, Italy are shocking. Two years after the earthquake the city core is abandoned and citizens remain displaced,” says Chinn.

Locally, 3D geo-modeler Chinn has been busy participating in a number of youth mentoring programs like Science World’s Opening the Door Program that encourage high school students to pursue careers in science, and the National Geographic/ESRI GeoMentor Program that inspires volunteers who use geography in their work to work with teachers or youth leaders to help kids see, use and do more geography in and out of the classroom. “I try to include 3D models, 3D animation and videos into my geography and geoscience presentations. The kids love it, ” says Chinn.

Chinn recently supported the Rebuild Canada Pilot Project in Cumberland, BC. Cumberland Junior School students created 3D buildings from images of old buildings to help showcase the historical evolution of their community. The intention now is to roll out this program to other schools on Vancouver Island. Chinn also has her eye on Google’s Project Spectrum. Google created the program to give people with autism the opportunity to express their creativity and develop a life skill using Google SketchUp 3D modeling software. “Both of these projects would be excellent programs to develop on Vancouver Island,” says Chinn.

Belzberg Technologies, Inc. and Frontline Technologies Corp. have announced the closing of the acquisition of Frontline by Belzberg and the change in company name to Frontline Technologies Inc. The combined company will change its trading symbol to FLC which is expected to take place during the week of April 18, 2011.

Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, the key elements of which were approved by Belzberg shareholders at a Special Meeting held on April 11, 2011, on closing, Hoss Astaraki, President of Frontline was appointed CEO and Chairman of the combined entity and Judith Robertson resigned as President and CEO and from the board of directors of Belzberg. Resignations were also accepted from board members Robert Forbes, William Gnam and Steve Scarff. New board members, Keith Harris, Richard Ness and Deborah Robinson were appointed. The Company would like to thank the resigning directors for their years of service and contributions to the Company.

UK-based PlayJam has struck a deal with LG Electronics to bundle PlayJam’s games service with LG Smart TV for worldwide distribution via its own platform, Netcast™. The PlayJam games network will offer a rich and compelling casual gaming destination on LG Smart TV and Blu-ray players from April 2011 – but not until May in Canada, according to media spokesperson Diane Mckaye. Highly visible within LG’s own service platform Netcast™, PlayJam will use its existing world-wide billing, CRM and games servers to deliver thousands of social, casual and skill titles as well as tournaments, leader-boards, editorial, messaging and more.

LG Smart TV enables viewers instant access to the latest Hollywood releases, TV shows, games, news, weather and music. The PlayJam service will sit alongside notable entertainment offerings from Netflix, Roxio Cinema Now, Pandora and Vudu.

In addition to promoting their own titles, PlayJam is working with games developers worldwide to bring much loved and renowned titles to TV. PlayJam is a dedicated TV games publisher, delivering thousands of branded casual games to a global network spanning multiple connected TV vendors as well as digital TV operators Sky, Dish TV (US), Freeview and UPC. A pioneer in connected and Over The Top (OTT) TV games content with over 12 years’ international operating experience, PlayJam has generated over 6 billion downloads during the last 5 years.

Bell Aliant Inc. launched FibreOP 2.0 today in Saint John, taking its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network to the next level with the fastest combined upload-download package of any major service provider in Canada and a new, best-in-market TV product.

FibreOP 2.0 is the next generation of Bell Aliant FibreOP services, building on a network that delivers the fastest Internet and video sharing and the ultimate high definition TV experience over the only 100 per cent fibre-optic network that connects straight to a customer’s home.

“We’ve taken a great product and made it even better,” said Karen Sheriff, President and CEO, Bell Aliant. “FibreOP 2.0 provides advantages for our customers that they can’t get anywhere else – and for the same price as the original FibreOP product. Customers will be able to experience Internet and TV to their full potential, whether it’s for a school project, working from home, or pure entertainment.”

FibreOP 2.0 introduces more speed and functionality to customers for the same price. With FibreOP 2.0, customers will see Internet speeds increase and have the ability to upload as fast as they download – a first in Canada for any major service provider. For example, Bell Aliant’s most popular FibreOP Internet product moves from 25 Mbps down/ 5 Mbps up to 30 Mbps down/30 Mbps up so a customer can upload as fast as they download. This is in addition to FibreOP Internet’s existing range of choices in speeds, including the fastest Internet download and upload speeds available – Bell Aliant’s 170 Mbps download/30 Mbps upload service. These speeds enable customers to not only download music or movies and share video or photos faster than ever before, but also accommodate the growing need for multiple users within the home. Read the rest of this entry »

Incisive Media announced today that popular Canadian technology journalist, best-selling author and regular columnist for The Globe and Mail Amber Mac will deliver the Day 1 keynote address at SES Toronto on June 13. Amber will share her social media tips and tactics at the search and social marketing event, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Toronto June 13-15, 2011.

Amber Mac

Now in its eighth year, the SES Toronto conference includes two days of search marketing sessions, vendor exhibitions, networking events and one day of training, all specifically designed for Canadian marketers. From now through April 15, marketers can register to receive a pre-agenda savings of up to $400. The Day 2 Keynote Address will be delivered by Tracy Smith VP, Performance Marketing & Go-To-Market, Yellow Pages Group.

“Amber Mac is one of the most well known technology hosts and journalists in Canada, and we’re thrilled that she has agreed to share her social media tips and tactics with our SES Canadian community,” said Matt McGowan, Managing Director of Americas for Incisive Media. “Just like in the U.S., Canada has experienced tremendous growth in the integration of social media into their marketing campaigns, and Amber is on top of this and the latest search marketing trends.”

Tracy Smith

“I’m honored to be invited to present the SES Toronto opening keynote where I’ll be talking about ideas from my book Power Friending and how marketers can use social media to build community and customer loyalty online,” said Amber Mac. “I’m familiar with the very tech-savvy SES community, and they are always ready to incorporate the latest trends to get the most out of their marketing campaigns, so it should be a great time for all.”

SES Toronto, hosted in what is becoming the leading region for technology in Canada, features sessions on several aspects of pay-per-click (PPC), search engine optimization (SEO), social media, local, mobile, link building, video optimization, usability and more. Sessions are specifically geared towards beginners, intermediates and advanced marketers. The conference program runs all day June 13 and 14, as does the Expo Hall. June 15 is set aside for training workshops. Throughout the conference, there are informal opportunities for attendees to mingle, including a networking reception at the end of the day on June 13.

In 2011 Hot Wheels® takes vehicle loving guys of all ages on a fast and furious ride through a jam packed line-up of special events, partnerships, sponsorships and new leading-edge products.  Hot Wheels® aims to satisfy any adrenaline junkie with the launch of HotWheelsLive.ca, the interactive Hot Wheels® Live Tour, the  Hot Wheels® Fearless at the 500™ stunt in Indianapolis and exciting new toys, apparel, accessories and sporting goods.

“Hot Wheels® appeals to ‘guys’ of all ages who are looking to fuel their passion for speed, power and performance,” says Melissa Chau, Hot Wheels® Brand Manager.  “This year, our multi-platform campaign includes an interactive new website HotWheelsLive.ca, the Hot Wheels® Fearless at the 500™stunt, event sponsorships, the Hot Wheels® Live Tour in select Canadian cities as well as the hottest Hot Wheels® toys, clothing, accessories and so much more.”

Hot Wheels® fans can now visit HotWheelsLive.ca, the go-to source for anything on wheels.  From drag racers to drifters, motocross to monster trucks and supercars to snowmobiles, this is the place for all things awesome.  HotWheelsLive.ca features the best videos and content for speed, stunts, spills and thrills.  If you can drive it, ride it, push it or jump it, you’ll find it at HotWheelsLive.ca. Throughout the year, HotWheelsLive.ca will offer exclusive video segments of the fearless Team Hot Wheels™ and official Hot Wheels® Live hosts.  Fans of all ages can also put themselves in the driver’s seat and play Hot Wheels® Eat My Dust, for a chance to win one of 12 weekly Hot Wheels® prize packs and be entered to win the grand prize trip for four to the Indy 500® in Indianapolis.

Excited viewers who can’t wait for the action to start can watch Jeremy Piven’s Funny or Die video, “The Fifth Racer,” where Piven plays the “coffee guy” who is on a quest to become the fifth member of Team Hot Wheels®.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxOz8QbApgM]

Look out for Team Hot Wheels® at the Indy 500®’s 100th anniversary race in Indianapolis, where they will attempt the biggest Hot Wheels® feat ever: the Hot Wheels® Fearless at the 500™ stunt.  Fans globally will watch in awe as Hot Wheels® attempts the outrageous – sending a masked mystery driver from Team Hot Wheels™ speeding down a 90 ft. ramp, suspended on an enormous 10-story high door (100 feet tall) and soaring across the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This history-making event will take place on Sunday, May 29^th 2011 at 9 a.m. EST. Fans can watch a special 30 minute Hot Wheels® “making of” video and the Hot Wheels® Fearless at the 500™stunt on ABC at 3 p.m. EST following the Indy 500® race.

Hot Wheels® rolls out the orange carpet for fans, media and contest winners on Sunday, May 29^th, 2011 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. for an exclusive Hot Wheels® Fearless at the 500™ viewing party in Toronto.  Members of Team Hot Wheels™ will perform thrilling stunts all afternoon, while the Hot Wheels® Live Host hypes up the crowd and the Hot Wheels® girls get hearts racing.  Attendees will be able to play the Hot Wheels® Eat My Dust game on HotWheelsLive.ca, participate in non-stop activities and watch the jaw dropping Hot Wheels® Fearless at the 500™ stunt on a jumbo screen.  To win special VIP tickets to the Hot Wheels® Fearless at the 500™ Toronto event, fans can log on to HotWheelsLive.ca to enter.

The Hot Wheels® Live Tour will travel to select Canadian cities with the Hot Wheels® Garage in tow, making thrilling stops at events like Formula 1 in Montreal, Honda Indy Toronto, Canada Diecast Convention and more. Fans will not only have a chance to snap photos with a life-sized Hot Wheels® car, but they’ll also be able to pose alongside the Hot Wheels® girls at select adult focused events.  Fans can pay homage to the history of the brand and look forward to the future through interactive Hot Wheels® displays, playing with the new Hot Wheels® Video Racer™ and Hot Wheels® Wall Tracks™ and challenging friends to a game of Hot Wheels® Eat My Dust inside the Hot Wheels® Garage. Race enthusiasts will have the opportunity to purchase their very own Hot Wheels® t-shirts, sweatshirts and accessories straight from the Garage. Read the rest of this entry »

Absolute^® Software Corporation has released a list of best practices for consumers looking to protect and secure bank account information, identification numbers, and other sensitive data that is stored on their laptops, particularly during tax season.

“Tax season provides cyber-criminals with the perfect opportunity to gain access to the most valuable stolen goods on the market – personal data, including bank account information and social security numbers,” said Mark Grace, vice president of consumer business, Absolute Software. “Through our involvement in laptop theft investigations in 75 countries, we’ve seen countless cases where stolen information was used to open credit cards, withdraw money from bank accounts, or apply for loans. Given the type of information needed to file taxes online, there has never been a better time to make sure that the correct safety precautions are in place.”

With approximately 70 percent of individuals filing tax returns online in 2010 according to the IRS, Absolute recommends that consumers adopt the following security best practices to ensure that personal information stored on computers is protected well beyond this year’s April 30^th (18th in the USA) tax filing deadline:

• Protect against phishing attacks – Large companies like Target, Citi, and countless others impacted by the recent Epsilon breach have sent emails to consumers, notifying them of their official policies for collecting personal information. Government agencies have been impacted by phishing threats as well. To help educate consumers on the ways that it collects information from filers, the Canada Revenue Agency offers this PDF on protecting yourself, and the IRS lists current procedures on its website. Becoming familiar with these policies and being alert to suspicious emails is key to preventing the disclosure of personal and/or financial information to malicious sources.
  Read the rest of this entry »