Good Game Edmonton

Jesse Sadlowski from Lethbridge School Division discussed the Alberta Esports Championship held at the beginning of May 2024, highlighting the rapid growth of esports in local schools. The event featured 250 students competing in popular games like League of Legends and Super Smash Bros., showcasing the evolution of gaming from casual entertainment to a serious competitive sport. The school division has invested in gaming equipment and created a safe environment for students, with support from organizations like the Alberta Esports Association. Jesse emphasized the increasing involvement of educational institutions in esports, its growing recognition as a legitimate sport, and the importance of in-person events. He expressed enthusiasm for the future of esports in Lethbridge and Alberta, suggesting a promising outlook for the gaming community in the region.

Important Links:

https://aec2024.rallyonline.ca/

https://www.atle.ca/

https://www.lethsd.ab.ca/

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Live recording from Game Con Canada 2024, ümay.rest co-founders Sharmin Habib and Ali Habib shared their thoughts after participating as an exhibitor for the three-day event. The Edmonton-based startup hosted a booth where curious attendees could test the wearable eye device. They also hosted a panel discussion on mental health and wellness in gaming and esports featuring industry experts from ergonomics, psychology, game development, and optometry. Despite being affiliated with the company for the duration of the Con, I'm proud to have been one of the lucky customers who took advantage of ordering a unit with the GCC promo!

Important Links:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8VXbxjSWd4/⁠

https://umay.rest/pages/discover-umay-rest

ümay-hosted panel, coming soon...

ümay blog post, coming soon...

*Please note that we experienced some technical difficulties during this on-site recording. The recording has also been enhanced as part of the completion of this episode.

GameCon Canada, the country's largest gaming convention, is making Edmonton its home for the next three years after a successful inaugural event in 2023, down in Calgary. The brainchild of Maybel Consulting–Marc Belisle & Chris Meilleur–during the pandemic, this massive convention features a wide array of gaming experiences like video games, board games, AR/VR, and tabletop RPGs with a focus on community building through partnerships with local organizations. After receiving bids from multiple cities, Edmonton won the rights to host GameCon's immersive gaming paradise that aims to showcase the industry, provide opportunities for local talent and businesses, and implement health/wellness initiatives - all while continuously improving based on community feedback. We’ll see you at Game Con! Plus, have the chance to get a hug for your eyes and mind with ümay.rest. GLHF

Important Links:

https://gameconcanada.com/

https://www.tixr.com/groups/gameconcanada/events/game-con-canada-powered-by-telus-82766 

https://GCC2024.expofp.com?umay 

https://umay.rest/pages/discover-umay-rest 

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/good-enough9

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As we explore the esports program at Vimy Ridge Academy, we talk to their Esports Director, Travis Bouchard. He shares his first interaction with video games and how his passion for gaming led him to start the program. Travis explains the process of gaining buy-in from decision-makers, students, and parents, highlighting the importance of trust and open-mindedness. He emphasizes the benefits of the program, including building a community, developing communication skills, promoting physical fitness, and exploring various career opportunities in the esports industry. #VIMYPROUD

Important Links:

https://www.esportcanada.org/about-ed-edu

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Send your thoughts via text or voice message to [email protected]

This installment features Allyson Cikor, an Environment Art Outsource Manager for the Coalition Studio, and she shares her journey in the gaming industry. She discusses her early experiences with games and her passion for game development. Allyson also talks about her indie VR game studio that she co-founded with her husband, the challenges of funding in the gaming industry, and the rise of indie studios. She highlights community's importance and involvement with the Lethbridge Game Developers Guild. We also explore the differences and opportunities in game development, gaming, and esports, the passion and community of esports, the development of the esports program at Lethbridge College, overcoming resistance to esports in education, the landscape of esports programs in post-secondary education, and the significance of the High Level Innovation Conference in Lethbridge.

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Class has begun and Shadi “Zedi” Hanna shares how his experiences and passion for video games led him to a sustainable career in esports. From his time navigating college to landing his most recent gig as an instructor for the Esports Business Management program at Bow Valley College in Calgary. 

Important Links

Esports Business Management | Bow Valley College

Events Calendar — ALBERTA ESPORTS ASSOCIATION

Alberta Esports Championship 2024 | About

High Level Innovation Conference - Tech, Tourism, and Gaming Tickets, Fri, 3 May 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

Connect with Shadi

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin: Shadi Hanna - Bow Valley College | LinkedIn

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Send your thoughts via text or voice message to [email protected]

The game is set with a fresh sheet of ice as Ben “uninsta1l” Thomson, clutches his controller as he awaits for puck drop at another EA SPORTS NHL World Championship. He’s repped an Oilers jersey for the past three seasons but will wear some new threads as he reps the Florida Panthers for 2024.

Please sit back and enjoy the game as we chat about his competitive journey, buy-in from his parents, growing the local CHEL scene, and where he hopes to land as he continues to build his career. #LetsGoOilers

Special thanks to Nate Thomson.

Good Talk!

Connect with uninsta1l

https://www.twitch.tv/uninsta1l (Twitch)

https://twitter.com/uninsta1l (X/Twitter)

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Send your thoughts via text or voice message to [email protected]

The return of esports events was bestowed upon Edmonton City Council on Feb. 7, 2024, with a report prepared by City Administration that consisted of different actions identified in the Alberta Esports Strategy that would fall under municipal control and within its existing budget. It was noted that careful consideration was made based on existing budgets, resources, mandates, and city council priorities for the report’s creation.

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Welcome one and all, as we embark on what is sure to be a memorable and informative journey. Adventure awaits dear friends, but before we begin talking to these passionate and insightful individuals, allow me to set the stage. Only then, can we begin.