Monday, April 21, 2008
Manitoba Featured in PC World
There is an article in PC World that gives a good overview of the present state as well as some of the efforts to grow the emerging Video Game Industry in Manitoba. The article can be found here.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Video Games Live press release
Video Games Live
Presented by Future Shop
Tickets on Sale Now.
Date: Thursday, June 5 Time: 8:00pm
Pre Show Festival in lobby: 5:30pm
Venue: Centennial Concert Hall
Tickets: $35.00 – 65.00 plus fees & GST
Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.ca or 204.780.3333
Game on! Video Games Live visits Winnipeg with a new show for 2008 featuring members of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. It’s the power and emotion of a symphony mixed with the excitement and energy of a rock concert and the technology and interactivity of a video game all completely synchronized to amazing cutting edge video screen visuals, state of the art lighting and special on-stage interactive segments with the audience
Video Games Live is a multimedia concert experience featuring the best music and exclusive synchronized video clips from the most popular games from the beginning of video gaming to the present. Performed by top orchestras and choirs, the show combines
video clips and specially designed Laser and light sequences, special FX showcasing over 50 different games in a wide variety of styles. The show has a segment dedicated to the old arcade classics – but there is also modern music and older, more memorable pieces that few have ever heard live.
Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, the creators and producers of the show are actual video game composers and are personally involved in every show. Tommy is the charismatic host and Jack is on stage as the conductor. The video game industry takes this opportunity to help encourage and support the culture and art that the video game world has created.
Video Games Live had a fabulous 2007 selling out venues all over the world, appearing on Spike TV’s Video Games Award Show, opening the LA Live Nokia Theatre and a worldwide recording deal announcement with EMI Classics.
There is a pre-show festival & post show meet and greet (with industry designers, creators, voice actors, performers and special guests) open to all ticket holders – at NO extra cost. Pre-show activities include hands-on game demonstrations, Guitar Hero competition, costume contest and prizes including a draw for a gaming console from Future Shop.
Keystone music with support from Destination Winnipeg is presenting this unique feast for the senses.
As reviewer Leo Cotterell noted, “Nothing could have prepared me for the spectacle…I found myself surrounded by video game characters. These were not paid professionals but enthusiastic fans… I discovered and enjoyed being part of another world for a night.”
For more information, photos or interviews please contact:
Ruth O’Doherty, Publicist, Keystone Music Inc.
403.355.2361 Ruth@KeystoneMusic.ca
Bryan Taylor, Director of Events and Operations, Keystone Music Inc.
403.355.2349 Bryan@KeystoneMusic.ca
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Business Plan course for new media companies
On Monday, March 31, 2008, New Media Manitoba presents the first of its kind Business course for new and existing businesses entitled, "New Media Business Plans for Procrastinators." This course will be delivered one evening per week for six weeks and will force you to create a business plan for your company or product.
For more information on the course can be found here. If you are interested in registering, click here. Questions... contact Kevin Hnatiuk at (204) 228-3252 or info@newmediamanitoba.com.
This will be an impressive course to be sure!!!!
For more information on the course can be found here. If you are interested in registering, click here. Questions... contact Kevin Hnatiuk at (204) 228-3252 or info@newmediamanitoba.com.
This will be an impressive course to be sure!!!!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Winnipeg Free Press article
Brian Bowman has written an article on the rise of the digital gaming industry. Fortune Cat is noted as a key player with some very encouraging words from Minister Jim Rondeau, Province of Manitoba (Science, Technology, Energy, and Mines). Click here to view the article.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
CBC.ca article on Fortune Cat
There is an article posted at CBC.ca as a follow up to our open house event that can be found here. Some of the information was combined from Minister Rondeau's provincial announcements and assumed to be a part of the studio but overall a good article.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
GDC or bust!!!
Fortune Cat Games Studio is going to San Francisco from February 18 - 22, 2008 to participate in the Games Developer Conference (GDC). The GDC is the largest interactive digital gaming conference in North America. The expected attendance according to the GDC website is over 16,000 people.
As a part of the "Game on Manitoba" initiative, Fortune Cat will be joining many other Manitoba and Canadian based organizations at the Canada Games Booth (#6619 - North Hall). We hope you take the time to stop by and meet with us.
More information on the GDC can be found at www.gdconf.com.
Smart Award Winners...
Congratulations to Khal Shariff of Project Whitecard (Fortune Cat successful applicant and current studio resident) and Ovide Mercredi (Fortune Cat Board Member). Both are the recipients of Smart Awards from the Smart Partners of Winnipeg group. The awards are to be given out this evening at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
More information on the awards can be found at www.smartwinnipeg.mb.ca.
More information on the awards can be found at www.smartwinnipeg.mb.ca.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
MANITOBA WELCOMES CANADA'S FIRST INTERACTIVE DIGITAL GAMING BUSINESS INCUBATOR
Manitoba News Release
............................................................
January 24, 2007
PROVINCE WELCOMES CANADA'S FIRST INTERACTIVE DIGITAL GAMING BUSINESS INCUBATOR
- - -
Funding Announced at Opening Of New Fortune Cat Games Studio
The Manitoba government today recognized Canada's first gaming business incubator and outlined support for seven Manitoba companies developing new digital media projects, Science, Technology, Energy and Mines (STEM) Minister Jim Rondeau announced today.
"We know a big part of Manitoba's economic future will be the development of cutting-edge technology," said Rondeau. "The digital media industry in Manitoba has already established its importance to our economy with more than 230 digital media companies in operation in the province, a growth rate of 1,850 per cent during the past three years."
Digital media companies receiving $138,612 in assistance under the Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Fund include:
- White Magic Robotics Inc. - $20,000 for market research and development of a robotic game prototype.
- Nihilonaut Productions Inc. - $40,000 for market research and development of an alternative reality game prototype and six-episode Internet protocol television (IPTV) series.
- Les Production Rivard - $20,000 for market research and development of a prototype for an interactive website for preschool children, daycares and their educators.
- Project Whitecard - $20,000 for market research and development of a prototype for an in classroom lunar simulation of the Apollo mission and a colonization learning module.
- Tomkorp Computer Solutions - $11,000 in financial assistance for market research and development of a real-time puzzle game prototype.
- Animiki See Productions and Distribution Inc. - $19,312 for market research and development of a multi-platform initiative.
- Lateral Thinking Inc. - $8,300 for product development and market funding for a 3D platform game for PCs.
Rondeau made the announcement at the official opening of Winnipeg's Fortune Cat Games Studio, Canada's first interactive digital gaming business incubator.
An incubator is a facility designed to encourage entrepreneurship and minimize obstacles to new business formation and development, particularly for high-technology firms, by housing a number of budding enterprises that share an array of services such as rent and business counselling. The companies involved with Fortune Cat will also have national and international gaming experts to mentor them in the development of their products.
"Fortune Cat Games Studio provides successful applicants with training opportunities that will enhance their knowledge base and skill set," said Rondeau. "The studio works closely with game developers to help them prepare their project for production and game publication. I congratulate them on the opening of their studio."
"These are exciting times for the new media and emerging interactive gaming industry," said Michael Boyd, executive director of Fortune Cat Games Studio. "We are thrilled to be an important part of the provincial strategy for growth in the sector and very thankful for the funding and support we receive from STEM. The three young gaming companies presently in the studio - Complex Games, Project Whitecard and Tomkorp - will be the first wave of new and successful organizations as a result of the province's vision and faith in Fortune Cat."
Manitoba's $300,000 Interactive Digital Media Fund provides assistance with production, professional development and marketing. It also provides non-repayable advances to support activities and initiatives that contribute to the development of interactive digital media in Manitoba.
Video game and new media developers may also apply for the Manitoba New Media Production grant which provides eligible companies with grant assistance equal to 45 per cent of the eligible Manitoba labour costs directly attributable to the development of an eligible new media product.
"Manitoba is working hard to help develop and support an active industry," said Rondeau. "Investing in the digital media sector translates into keeping highly-skilled labour in Manitoba."
More information about the new media digital industry in Manitoba is available at:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/stem/knowledge/digital_media.html
More information on Fortune Cat is available at http://www.fortunecatgames.ca/objectives.shtml
............................................................
January 24, 2007
PROVINCE WELCOMES CANADA'S FIRST INTERACTIVE DIGITAL GAMING BUSINESS INCUBATOR
- - -
Funding Announced at Opening Of New Fortune Cat Games Studio
The Manitoba government today recognized Canada's first gaming business incubator and outlined support for seven Manitoba companies developing new digital media projects, Science, Technology, Energy and Mines (STEM) Minister Jim Rondeau announced today.
"We know a big part of Manitoba's economic future will be the development of cutting-edge technology," said Rondeau. "The digital media industry in Manitoba has already established its importance to our economy with more than 230 digital media companies in operation in the province, a growth rate of 1,850 per cent during the past three years."
Digital media companies receiving $138,612 in assistance under the Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Fund include:
- White Magic Robotics Inc. - $20,000 for market research and development of a robotic game prototype.
- Nihilonaut Productions Inc. - $40,000 for market research and development of an alternative reality game prototype and six-episode Internet protocol television (IPTV) series.
- Les Production Rivard - $20,000 for market research and development of a prototype for an interactive website for preschool children, daycares and their educators.
- Project Whitecard - $20,000 for market research and development of a prototype for an in classroom lunar simulation of the Apollo mission and a colonization learning module.
- Tomkorp Computer Solutions - $11,000 in financial assistance for market research and development of a real-time puzzle game prototype.
- Animiki See Productions and Distribution Inc. - $19,312 for market research and development of a multi-platform initiative.
- Lateral Thinking Inc. - $8,300 for product development and market funding for a 3D platform game for PCs.
Rondeau made the announcement at the official opening of Winnipeg's Fortune Cat Games Studio, Canada's first interactive digital gaming business incubator.
An incubator is a facility designed to encourage entrepreneurship and minimize obstacles to new business formation and development, particularly for high-technology firms, by housing a number of budding enterprises that share an array of services such as rent and business counselling. The companies involved with Fortune Cat will also have national and international gaming experts to mentor them in the development of their products.
"Fortune Cat Games Studio provides successful applicants with training opportunities that will enhance their knowledge base and skill set," said Rondeau. "The studio works closely with game developers to help them prepare their project for production and game publication. I congratulate them on the opening of their studio."
"These are exciting times for the new media and emerging interactive gaming industry," said Michael Boyd, executive director of Fortune Cat Games Studio. "We are thrilled to be an important part of the provincial strategy for growth in the sector and very thankful for the funding and support we receive from STEM. The three young gaming companies presently in the studio - Complex Games, Project Whitecard and Tomkorp - will be the first wave of new and successful organizations as a result of the province's vision and faith in Fortune Cat."
Manitoba's $300,000 Interactive Digital Media Fund provides assistance with production, professional development and marketing. It also provides non-repayable advances to support activities and initiatives that contribute to the development of interactive digital media in Manitoba.
Video game and new media developers may also apply for the Manitoba New Media Production grant which provides eligible companies with grant assistance equal to 45 per cent of the eligible Manitoba labour costs directly attributable to the development of an eligible new media product.
"Manitoba is working hard to help develop and support an active industry," said Rondeau. "Investing in the digital media sector translates into keeping highly-skilled labour in Manitoba."
More information about the new media digital industry in Manitoba is available at:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/stem/knowledge/digital_media.html
More information on Fortune Cat is available at http://www.fortunecatgames.ca/objectives.shtml
Monday, January 21, 2008
Do Video Games Help Kids Learn?
Do Video Games Help Kids Learn?
UWinnipeg first in Canada to share learning from $50-million in US research
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JANUARY 16, 2008
WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation are hosting a two-day learning event Jan. 24-25, 2008, that includes workshops for faculty, staff and students, demonstrations by a team of educational experts and a free public forum on groundbreaking research into Digital Media and Learning. This is the first time the MacArthur Foundation will present its innovative research in Canada, exploring the revolution in learning in today’s digital world.
“The University of Winnipeg’s Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre is a successful and concrete example of utilizing digital media in the learning process, a field the MacArthur Foundation has researched, invested in and pioneered over the last five years,” said UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, who is the only Canadian member of the MacArthur Foundation Board of Directors. “Having an organization of the caliber of the MacArthur Foundation coming to our campus to discuss and share its research is an honour and an incredible opportunity for our students, faculty, staff and community.”
Keynote speakers include Sasha Barab of Indiana University, Nichole Pinkard, Director of Technology at the University of Chicago’s Center for Urban School and Constance M. Yowell, Director of Education in the MacArthur Foundation's Program on Human and Community Development.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Naniece Ibrahim, Marketing & Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7130, E: n.ibrahim@uwinnipeg.ca
http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/release-080116
Back to Fortune Cat Games Studio Home Page
UWinnipeg first in Canada to share learning from $50-million in US research
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JANUARY 16, 2008
WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation are hosting a two-day learning event Jan. 24-25, 2008, that includes workshops for faculty, staff and students, demonstrations by a team of educational experts and a free public forum on groundbreaking research into Digital Media and Learning. This is the first time the MacArthur Foundation will present its innovative research in Canada, exploring the revolution in learning in today’s digital world.
“The University of Winnipeg’s Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre is a successful and concrete example of utilizing digital media in the learning process, a field the MacArthur Foundation has researched, invested in and pioneered over the last five years,” said UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, who is the only Canadian member of the MacArthur Foundation Board of Directors. “Having an organization of the caliber of the MacArthur Foundation coming to our campus to discuss and share its research is an honour and an incredible opportunity for our students, faculty, staff and community.”
Keynote speakers include Sasha Barab of Indiana University, Nichole Pinkard, Director of Technology at the University of Chicago’s Center for Urban School and Constance M. Yowell, Director of Education in the MacArthur Foundation's Program on Human and Community Development.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Naniece Ibrahim, Marketing & Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7130, E: n.ibrahim@uwinnipeg.ca
http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/release-080116
Back to Fortune Cat Games Studio Home Page
The Studio is busy...
Fortune Cat Games Studio has been busy of late. Flashman Studios (Vancouver / San Francisco) was just in Winnipeg to conduct an assessment on the teams. It was a great experience for all. This week, we have our open house event on January 24th as well as the MacArthur Foundation Events at the University of Winnipeg. More information on the latter after the two day meetings.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Grand opening of
FORTUNE CAT Games Studio
Date: Thursday, January 24, 2008
Location: 201 – 62 Albert Street
We open our doors to friends, colleagues, and stakeholders to celebrate the opening of Canada’s first Interactive Digital Gaming Business Incubator. Come see a preview of the projects being worked on in the studio by Complex Games, Project Whitecard, and Tomkorp.
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