Speaker Profile: Dr. Sam Trosow

Dr. Samuel Trosow is an Associate Professor at the University of Western Ontario teaching in both the Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) and the Faculty of Law.

Focusing primarily on law relating to the digital environment and copyright issues, professor Trosow is currently the principal investigator on a research project at FIMS titled "Mobilizing User-Generated Content for Canada's Digital Content Advantage" In his presentation at DIG 2010 he will be reporting on the work done in the advantage study and its implications for future public policies.

Dr. Trosow also serves as the Network Investigator and Project Leader of the GRAND-NCE in Vancouver, a comprehensive research program headed by a board of leaders in both business and academics whose goal is to understand the underlying technologies of new media, animation, and games, in order to better understand how these high growth industries can lead to social, legal, economic, and cultural benefits for Canadians.

Here is an example lecture of Dr. Trosow's involving copyright law, an issue sure to be touched on as he speaks at this year's conference!

Pin It

Speaker Profile: Tonya Constant

In 2007, Tonya was working as a QA tester for game developer Beanbag Studios when she was promoted to head of the writing department, working on projects such as EA's "For Dummies" series of games fot the PC and Nintendo DS

After leaving Beanbag in 2009, Tonya, along with colleagues Hayley Patterson and Melanie Lagrou, founded The Ant Firm, a video game testing company based in London, Ontario, where she focuses mainly on the business development and marketing of their products. With her background in both QA and game production, Tonya has an appreciation for the "art of games testing".

According to her Ant Firm profile, Tonya is an avid gamer obsessed with zombie franchises, underwater dystopias and the actress Sada Thompson.

Tonya is just one of many local London game developers that will be at this years DIG Conference, sharing their insight on not only the gaming industry, but why they choose to call London home. Pin It

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!

Pin It

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.

Pin It