Believe it or not, this marks the first PartyChat segment on Good Game Edmonton, a new quarterly update with Digital Alberta. This episode serves up a fun, conversational recap of the first half of the year in Alberta’s interactive digital media (IDM) space. Normally this will be showcasing highlights from the last three months. We’re pulling back the curtain on the latest developments and opportunities with Amber Scott (Only By Midnight), Tuncer Deniz (Shifty Eye Games), and Chris Entwistle (Digital Alberta).

Hear about the impact of AI and the rise of indie studios, to top headlines of funding and game updates, and upcoming events like the Alberta Games Series (AGS) – which, as Amber wisely tells us (and also her favourite expression), means we’re deep into that last 10% of the project that also takes 90% of the time!

Plus, we may have revealed AGS is now coinciding with Edmonton Startup Week 2025! Get ready for insightful discussions, behind-the-scenes stories, and passionate gamer vibes.

goodgameyeg.ca

digitalalberta.com

This episode features James Dang, Project Manager at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), to talk about the intersection of AI and games. James shares insights into his work helping companies integrate AI/ML solutions, the evolving role of AI in game development, and Upper Bound, Amii’s “not your average AI conference”. We also nerd out over which single player, story-driven games we enjoy playing. Oh, and we battle it out in Mario Party! 🎲🎉  

Recorded at Kiwi Productions Studio

Listen to more episodes atgoodgameyeg.ca

Important Links

• globalgamejam.org/group/11580/games
• globalgamejam.org/group/11953/games
• interactiveartsalberta.org/
• upperbound.ai/
• amii.ca/

For the first episode of 2025 in the Kiwi Productions studio, we catch up with Travis Bouchard, Esports Director at Vimy Ridge Academy, who’s back to share exciting updates since his last visit in Episode 5! Now entering its fourth year, the program has expanded from 14 to 31 student-athletes, with notable milestones such as qualifying for national competitions and hosting in-person events. Travis highlights the importance of treating esports participants like traditional athletes and building a supportive community environment. Plus, we hear more about what he’s been up to with the AESA academic subcommittee, what’s next for the Alberta Esports Championship, and a new coaches clinic. Tune in for a great mix of laughs, insights, and surprising wins over some Mario Kart action!

Episodes and more: goodgameyeg.ca

Important Links:

goodgameyeg.ca/episodes/vimy-united-travis-bouchard

vimyedmonton.ca/esports/

aec2024.ca/

goodgameyeg.ca/episodes/legitimate-sport-jesse-sedlowski

esportsalberta.ca/academic-panel

goodgameyeg.ca/episodes/academic-build-ft-shadi-hanna

esportsalberta.ca/asel

esportcanada.org/education

atle.ca/whats-happening/prolearn/esports

kiwiproductions.ca

A public service announcement given by the show's host to get started with 2025. We've come a long way since the early days of 2024.

Choose your adventure at goodgameyeg.ca.

In the finale of our NorQuest Esports trilogy, Jackie Nguyen and Carlo Martin from NorQuest College reflect on how far the esports program. From humble beginnings with four Xboxes to varsity teams, youth leagues, and scholarships, we explore their innovative approach to campus vibrancy, student engagement, and community impact. Learn about their vision for an esports hub, the role of micro-credentials, and partnerships driving their success. Don’t miss this inspiring look at how gaming connects and empowers communities!

Whether you're a student, educator, or esports enthusiast, this conversation is a testament to what’s possible when gaming becomes a catalyst for connection and growth on and off campus.

Recorded at Kiwi Productions Studio.

Catch ‘em all at goodgameyeg.ca

In this episode, Andrew Knack, Edmonton city councillor for Ward Nakota Isga, shares his journey from early gaming experiences with systems like the VIC-20 and Commodore 64 to his role in municipal politics, where he integrates his passion for video games into city council discussions.

The conversation features a lighthearted Mario Kart competition between Andrew and Cory, as they explore Edmonton's emerging status as a hub for esports and game development.

Andrew highlights recent city initiatives aimed at supporting local gaming communities, including funding pathways for esports events and collaborations with educational institutions, emphasizing the economic potential of esports in enhancing Edmonton’s cultural and innovation landscape.

Continue your quest at goodgameyeg.ca.

NorQuest Esports strikes back in in this exciting deep dive with varsity players, Angel Villavert and Charlie Sackey, plus business development officer, Carlo Martin. In this episode, the discussion involves how the college integrates gaming, education, and scholarships to create a thriving student experience. Discover the game lineup of popular esports titles, insights on managing the student-athlete balance, and the benefits of esports scholarships. Hear firsthand how gaming fosters teamwork, connections, and shaping future career paths.

Important links:

In part one of a special trilogy on the show, we welcome Carlo Martin, Business Development Officer at NorQuest College, to explore the origins and rapid growth of the NorQuest Esports program. The discussion was about how the program evolved from just four Xbox consoles to a full-scale esports hub with varsity teams, community events, and partnerships with local schools. The episode delved into the challenges of integrating esports into academic environments, the launch of a six-month youth league for players aged 13-18, and the importance of building sustainable programs through long-term partnerships. Carlo also shared insights on how NorQuest Esports cultivated career opportunities beyond competitive gaming—such as event production and streaming—and the increasing focus on health and wellness initiatives to ensure balanced, positive experiences for students and players alike.

Important Links:

Vanessa Capito shares her inspiring journey from a kindergarten gamer to a passionate advocate for inclusive game development, sparked by classics like Pokémon and Mass Effect. She established the MacEwan Game Developers Club to create a welcoming space for aspiring developers and leveraged internships to build a strong portfolio in the gaming industry. Now at Inflection Games, Vanessa focuses on storytelling and emphasizes the importance of effective communication and problem-solving in her role. The conversation also highlights the value of community and collaboration, particularly through events like the upcoming Alberta Game Jam, which offers exciting opportunities for learning and networking.

Important Links:

https://playnightingale.com/ 

https://askagamedev.tumblr.com/ 

https://gamecampedmonton.com/

https://itch.io/jam/alberta-game-jam-2024

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1537080/Return/  

[email protected] 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessacapito

Join the conversation:

From the realms of tech and media, Catherine Warren discusses her career journey, specifically around esports, including how she helped bring a 24-hour broadcast channel to Canada from the UK, AI in esports and gaming, esports fandom, and strategies and opportunities for cities like Edmonton to become esports hubs. 

Catherine is the founder & CEO of FanTrust, a global digital consultancy dedicated to IP innovation, financing, business development, and monetizing bridges between fans and media rights-holders. She’s the former CEO of the Vancouver Economic Commission and Edmonton Unlimited (formerly Innovate Edmonton & Startup Edmonton).

Important Links:

https://linktr.ee/GINXCanada

UK eSports Network Ginx to Launch 24/7 TV Channel in Canada 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HUD_(TV_program)

https://www.youtube.com/trends/report/fandom-2024/ 

Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism: Mazzucato, Mariana: 9780063046238: Books - Amazon.ca

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceowarren/

https://fantrust.com/

Join the conversation: