Sponsor Profile: OMDC

OMDC is the Ontario Media Development Corporation, a branch of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture responsible for recognizing and fostering growth in numerous forms of media in Ontario. In recognition of the growth potential in the digital gaming industry, especially for the province of Ontario, OMDC have made available a number of tax incentives and partnership grants all in an effort to support those who are looking to establish Ontario as a leader in the digital and interactive media industry. Their sponsorship of this years DIG conference serves as another example of their commitment to driving Ontario's talent to the forefront of their fields, with DIG acting as a forum for them to gather and share their knowledge and experience. We thank OMDC for their continued support! Pin It

Speaker Profile: Wolfgang Hamann

Wolfgang Hamann is the President and CEO of Koolhaus Games Inc, producers of the record breaking Madden NFL 11 game for the Apple iPad, the first game on iTunes to top both the Games Chart and All Applications Chart. This represents only his most recent achievement, with an impressive production resume that includes work with both of EA's NCAA Football and NHL franchises, and the legendary Simpsons brand. Asked to speak at multiple GDC's along with gaming conferences in both Korea and Germany, Wolfgang is bringing a wealth of knowledge to his seminar at DIG 2010

Here's video of Madden 11 for the iPad in action

In his 40 minute Discussion, Wolfgang will be disclosing some of the joys and challenges of bringing an established franchise to a new hardware platform. Some of the topics will include

1. Game Design - The challenges of improving on an already successful title 
2. UI Design and Graphics - Bigger screen brings bigger concerns 
3. Technology - Is the iPad just a souped up iPhone?
4. Innovations - The process of bringing innvoative features to an established title on a new platform 
5. New Features - Multiplayer and Vintage Voltage: Challenges in design, technology and QA

This is one you do not want to miss!

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Speaker Profile: Bryce Hunter

Bryce Hunter is a producer at the game developer Big Blue Bubble Inc., where he currently specializes in the casual, social and mobile gaming spaces. In 2008, Bryce graduated at the top of his class with majors in both highly competitive business and sociology programs at the University of Western Ontario. It was at UWO that he focused his passion for technology while mentoring professors on the benefits of implementing technology into their daily lectures.

Through the collaborative effort of Bryce and the incredibly talented team at Big Blue Bubble, he is proud to be responsible for designing, producing, and fostering the product life of numerous titles including M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender (PC), iCarly: iDream in Toons (PC), and Home Sweet Home (Wii). Bryce currently lives in London, Ontario with his beautiful wife, Sarah. Pin It

New Release From Howling Moon!

Lee Ing's  Howling Moon Games, participants in last years DIG Conference, are proud to release their newest game Bloodline of the Fallen: Anna's Sacrifice. According to the Howling Moon site, Bloodline of the Fallen is a hidden object game. "After the loss of Anna's father, she learns about a dark family secret. Her travels take her around the world trying to reveal clues of an evil cult. Eventually, her dark destiny is revealed. Sacrifices and confrontations are made to fend off the evil that may consume her soul" Featuring 24 levels, multiple mini games and a dark an intriguing storyline, Bloodline of the Fallen: Anna's Sacrifice certainly sounds like a great title to check out. It is available for download here! Pin It

Speaker Profile: Claudette Critchley

Claudette Critchley graduated at the top of her class in university and obtained both her Computer Science and Education degrees. After university, she taught Computer Science at a private college and quickly advanced to the position of Regional Education Manager. 

Although she had a great passion for education, she found that programming gave her even greater professional satisfaction. In 2000, she left her teaching career to pursue a career in video game development at Sandbox Studios/Digital Illusions. During her time there, her knowledge of gaming and the industry grew as she took on the role of programmer/lead programmer on several of their hit titles.

Her versatility and continued drive for excellence led her to co-found Big Blue Bubble in 2004. As COO, she has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the company. Claudette will be on hand at his years conference to lend her unique insight into both the business and education sides of the gaming industry, along with joining the rest of the Big Blue Bubble team in showcasing some of their latest and greatest creations. 

Here's an interview our good friends at Games Day Podcast put together to give you a better idea of what Claudette and Big Blue Bubble do in the gaming industry. Enjoy!

Interview with Claudette Critchley from Big Blue Bubble from gamesdaypodcast on Vimeo.

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London kicking a$$ in digital media content

London companies Voices.com and Big Blue Bubble are finalists in the Canadian New Media Awards (CNMA).  CNMA acknowledges and celebrates the accomplishments of Canada's most successful digital media companies.

Voices.com is a finalist in the Digital Media Technology of the Year  category that recognizes Canadian technology that will most radically change the media landscape.  Voices.com has created technology that allows producers, casting directors, and businesses to negotiate directly with the voice over talent without an agency intercession.  The Voices.com marketplace enables people to post a job, and then receive responses based on their specific project requirements.

Big Blue Bubble is a finalist in two categories!  Best Mobile Application  category for it's game  Thumpies  and the game's demonstration of excellent functionality, innovation, audience reach and frequency, and its excellent use of capabilities of the mobile medium.  Best Web-Based Game category acknowledges innovative games that are playable in a web browser.

Both finalists will be joining us at DIG 2010 as speakers!  Look forward to hearing from Canada's best! Pin It

How Games Motivate People

A recent article by Adam Dole (twitter.com/adamdole) talks about how to turn gaming into a source of social change.  Dole argues that companies can adopt game-like mechanisms to satisfy user needs.  "Users" here referring broadly to consumers, customers, clients, etc.  Check out his idea of "Game Changing Benefits" Pin It