The Freelancers Guide to DIG : Why One Girl Decided to Attend

Savanah Sewell (JLC) & Katie Wilhelm (LEDC) of 379 Collective at DIG 2010

DIG London is an exciting experience for game and web developers, where us industry folk can come together at Canada’s largest Digital Interactive conference.

As a past DIG attendee, I wanted to share from the prospective of a young developer attending the conference; those questioning whether or not to go, READ ON.

Walking into the busy room, laptop on my hip and pen in hand, I stopped at the doorway to gaze inside the Convention Centre’s grand ballroom. Artists, developers, engineers and programmers walking around tweeting on their smart phones and utilizing today’s top technology in the same room as me. I caught the Networking bug and began shaking hands like a whacky waving inflatable arm flailing tube woman. The contacts made through the first day of the conference not only inflated my twitter followers count, but won me new business and some pretty awesome new friends.

Friendly chatter aside, when it came down to dull the lights and use that pen that I had not lost yet I was instantly glad that I came. The Information and Knowledge about all aspects of industry was something that I did not learn in school. I read a lot of blogs, tutorials and general news feeds but there is something to be said about the social merit in person-to-person engagement. I realized that this human being standing behind the podium knows a lot of things that I don’t, and I have the opportunity to rub elbows and pick their brain. Living off ramen noodles and energy drinks, these chances do not arise often for a college student and “freelancer,” and for such a great price.

Needless to say, I returned the following year with a slightly better computer and a brand new pen that I had picked up from an exhibitor booth because obviously I lost the other one. Having a decent pocket of contacts and new friends attending with me, I was able to spread my digital wings and Explore the conference. A room filled with wonderment called DIGX showcasing interactive workshops caught my A.D.D. in the best kind of way. Travelling from exhibitor booth to exhibitor booth I was able to share my witty banter with more industry professionals and win even more business. Score for the Katers.

Surrounded by new friends and peers at the DIG After Party, I wound down and buckled in for my wild ride into fun-town, I had a non-refundable one way ticket to party-ville with a purpose: to Connect on a personal level with all these geniuses I just heard speak. I ran out of business cards and left feeling pretty special.

Here we are, going into another year of DIG and a familiar feeling is stirring inside of me. Now I am helping to spread the word about DIG and working with the amazing group of people who put this thing together. I have never been a bigger fan than right now of this conference and know that I still have a lot to learn and a lot of hands to shake.

Young and seasoned professionals alike, trust me when I say that you are going to “DIG” this year’s conference on November 14, 2012. Too much? Maybe I can improve my stand-up act this year... J

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Katie Wilhelm is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the London Economic Development Corporation. She enjoys gold nail polish, graffiti art and a good RSS feed.
Connect with her on twitter? @KatieWilhelm Pin It

Video Game Development in London Ontario

Vikas Sharma 

London Ontario is quickly becoming a strong contender in the global development field.

Many people aren’t aware of the remarkable development companies in London Ontario, but they have put London on the map. This post will highlight some of London’s incredible game development companies and in a later post we will cover digital media companies. The companies I will be highlighting are Digital Extremes, Big Blue Bubble, Antic Entertainment, and Big Viking Games.

Digital Extremes:

Digital Extremes (DE) started its journey with a game many of us have played in our leisure time, Epic Pinball. The first time I realized that Epic Pinball was made in London I was proud to know that such a well-known game came from my home town. Digital Extremes is mostly known for Unreal and Unreal Tournament: both legendary games have set a bench-mark for first person shooters. DE also worked on last year’s blockbuster hit Darkness 2, which introduced a brand new graphic style, cell shading, which made the game look almost like a comic book. Digital Extremes is currently working on the much anticipated Star Trek The Game, and are creating an in house free to play game called Warframe. With an ever-growing list of AAA titles DE is solidifying its name in the gaming industry. The diversity of their portfolio makes them an iconic Canadian game developer.

Big Blue Bubble:

Big Blue Bubble’s continued success can be attributed to their radical research and development efforts. The company has created games for all platforms; which no small feat for any developer.  Big Blue Bubble has provided customers many different gameplay styles and has successfully captured gamers from casual to hard-core. Paper Munchers really got me interested in their work. The game’s physics and character design are engaging and entertaining. Big Blue Bubble is very active in supporting the local video game community by speaking and promoting local gaming meet-ups.

Antic Entertainment:

Antic Entertainment makes casual games for hard-core players. Many would think it is difficult to create casual games and still have a hard-core player interested in playing, yet Antic has shown that it is possible game after game. With games like Zombie Misfits, Platoonz, and Junk Wars Antic Entertainment provides the player with a very addictive gaming experience. Zombie Misfits was the first Antic game I played. It’s a tower defense style game with graphics that are above the norm for social games. The gaming experience it created kept me coming back for more. In a time when social media and social games are on the rise, Antic provides a relief for the hard-core player who doesn’t have the time to play console games.

Big Viking Games:

Big Viking Games is Canada's leading social and mobile game development studio who is passionate about creating amazing games that are played and enjoyed by millions of people all over the world.

Founded in 2011, Big Viking Games has quickly gained recognition for its innovative game design. I heard that they are working on some amazing new projects, which will take the social world by surprise. I am really looking forward to the new releases by Big Viking Games, and I know they will turn me into a social player.

London Ontario has a very successful and large gaming community, and the game development companies are assisting in keeping the community strong. They have made it possible for indie developers to gain experience and learn from these large gaming companies. With the support of Digital Extremes, Big Blue Bubble, Antic Entertainment, and Big Viking Games DIG is able to enhance its program year after year. 

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To Market, To Market, We Will Go!

Trisha Beausart

DIG is the ideal place to start and advance a career. Between the industry and schools exhibiting, DIG showcases a growing industry that is in demand. Experts, amateurs, and students can network and explore opportunities and advances in their respective fields.

The digital interactive industry is full of “research and Innovation jobs.” A recent report by Toronto Region Research Alliance, “Research & Innovation Jobs: Opportunities and Challenges in the Toronto Region Labour Market,” outlines the definition for a research and innovation job as:

“[an occupation] that incorporate elements of either research or innovation . . . in science and technology fields, and require university or college studies. R&I jobs fall within the broader scope of ‘knowledge economy’ jobs, which can be identified as those jobs requiring higher levels of knowledge and/or training and a broadly based skill set.”

According to TRRA’s report, DIG industries are one of the technologically-advanced industries experiencing a growing demand for skilled and talented workers. The report proves that it is not your grandparents’ job market. Rewind to a generation or two ago, and DIG industries barely existed. Now, specialized degrees are the standard, as is a passion and drive to succeed in the chosen field against amplified competition. In addition to the new standards, is how social media has changed the way the younger population approach employment. Employees find fulfillment and inspiration through social engagement. Work and leisure have become inextricably linked, and what we do in our “off-hours” affects and shapes what we do while we are “on the clock.”

Knowledge-based are now about fulfilment and interest, rather than about just about “bringing home the bacon.” However, in the IT industry, the bacon is a nice addition. According to a recent article run by the Globe and Mail, “Six Jobs with Six-Figure Salariesin Tech and Digital Worlds,” “[the] 2012 Salary Guide, by Robert Half Technology and the Creative Group, found that information architects, data-security analysts and user-experience (UX) designers often enjoy compensation of $100,000 or more. “ As well, “[the] high pay reflects the high demand for workers with these skills, as companies invest more in information technology and the digital world.” It is no wonder that the research-and-innovation job market is booming. Between increased access to specialized-post secondary education and the Ontario Media Development Corporation’s (OMDC) investment in the industry, the talent for the sector is in high demand as job opportunities are plentiful.

It is because of the industry growth, partiality, and availability of R&I jobs in Canada that the DIG conference is relevant, and growing every year. With the focus on the various branches of the digital interactive development sector, DIG is the ideal event to attend. The conference supports information-sharing, networking, and a collaborative experience as individuals at all stages and levels in the industry can discuss and show what they’re passionate about. As well, job-seekers can have their questions answered in-person about what it takes to break into the market, and how to succeed once there. All participants at the conference are keenly aware of the significance of their professions in the growing and changing entertainment and business worlds, especially at a time when other professions are not as stable moving forward. Taking into consideration the market and demand for tech-centric jobs, DIG is the best career move you’ll make this year. 

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DIG and the Olympic Athlete Symbiosis

With the hype around the London 2012 summer Olympics abounding I had a Eureka moment recently: Olympic athletes and digital interactive professionals are extremely similar performers. Farfetched you say? Then read on young computer jockey.

Specialization and the Mere Mortal

Each position in the digital production world suits a different individual, just like each sport suits a different athlete.

A runner is not going to do gymnast training, and an artist is typically not going to be proficient in programming. Of course there is the occasional cross-over, but that person is a machine and a god among mortals. If you are one of these people, let us know because we’d all like to praise you. 

Trying to do it all usually results in the infamous burnout. The metrics of trying to do 4 things at once delineates to 25% of your effort to each thing.  Specialization is a good thing and will have you playing with the big dogs at expert level eventually, with some help from our next point...

There is No Spoon 

Focus and dedication: uncompromised, unconditional and uncanny. As Dr. Marco Cardinale, head of sports science and research of the British Olympic Association puts it, “What separates Olympic athletes from the rest of us is their mind set and dedication.” And really, what other professional has no problem staying up for 24+ hours working on a project?  We are amazing.

A clear mind accompanied with hours of training and fine tuning to the industry skills creates a gold medal winner, hence why DIG pulls the best of the best to coach and share their knowledge.

Stay Fuelled

This just in: without proper nourishment the body and the mind cannot perform at optimum levels. Both Olympians and desktop athletes are versed in this principle. A level of fitness is required to do any task no matter how small, and being free of injury permits the creation of the good stuff. A balanced diet, fitness regimen and adequate rest will go a long way in making sure that you are running at full speed: keep your head in the game!

GOOOOOOOAL!!1

The feeling of scoring a goal in any sport is the adrenaline rush that a completed website or game creates in digital interactive gurus everywhere. The ultimate score and the end goal is to improve performance, that may mean honing skills and earning some medals before levelling up or just becoming stronger in general within a defined field. 

To be the best, you gotta train with the best and ally yourself with the people who have scored game winning goals and are giving out the medals.  At the DIG arena, we put our attendees through rigorous training and hours of physical and mental activity that is currently unmatched in this country. Just kidding, it’s not that rigorous, it’s just plain fun and that’s why we have the best jobs in the world.

So when you are watching the 2012 Summer Olympics this July I hope you have the same eureka moment as I did and realize, “hey bud, we aren’t so different you and me.” While the Olympians may have the bodies of Adonis’s  the strength of Hercules we can stand to learn something and affiliate ourselves with the key points that keep us all close to the flame.

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 Katie Wilhelm is a Marketing and Communications Coordinator at the London Economic Development Corporation. In her spare time, she enjoys producing electronic music and working on her tan. Follow her on twitter today: @KatieWilhelm

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E-sports

Vikas Sharma

Electronic sports (e-sports) is a general term to describe the play of video games competitively. These “e-sports” are not specifically sports games, but rather, video games across several genres, such as fighting games (ex. Street Fighter), first-person and third-person shooter games (ex. Counter Strike), sports games (ex. Madden) and real-time strategy games (ex. Starcraft). These games are played tournament-style online, or at local spots with big screens for a larger, present audience. The competitive nature and opportunity for widespread, simultaneous viewership is the reason why these games are termed “e-sports.”
E-sports as a form of entertainment has grown substantially over the past few years. About two years ago, watching tournament footage was only possible through pre-recorded YouTube videos. With a growing viewership and interest, websites such as Twitch TV have emerged to provide a medium to watch live matches.

My first glimpse into the world of tournament gaming came from watching EVO 2010 online. I became interested in EVO after witnessing the famous Daigo vs. Justin Wong comeback. The video of Daigo’s comeback is inserted below.

E-sports has grown into a spectator sport. Many individuals who may not be up to par to challenge top-tier tournament players are still able to enjoy tournaments of fighting and real-time strategy games. Before EVO 2010, you would not find me sitting at my PC waiting for my favourite tournament series to begin. However after watching a few of the online tournaments, I have become addicted to following them and I am always looking forward to the next time my favourite tournament series will be up and running.

E-Sports has changed the gaming industry in a major way, and it does not seem likely it will be slowing down in its progression any time soon.

To follow a great e-sports streaming company in Canada, follow eSchamp.

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Digging In

Trisha Beausaert

Digital interactive and gaming. Conference. DIG. For those of you who already know what this means, kudos! We can’t wait to see you in November. Confused? Don’t be; I’m going to clear everything up for you. My name is Trisha Beausaert, and I am the Marketing Coordinator for the London Economic Development Corporation. This is my first year with DIG, and I could not be more excited to be a part of the team who is bringing you DIG. I am one of three coordinators who will post blogs Tuesdays and Thursdays. This opening blog post is simply to introduce the bones of the conference to newcomers, as well as to remind returning participants of why they keep coming back. The next few months of blog posts will give these bones meat, and a pulse, as we discuss everything related to DIG and the industry that interests you.

If you’re interested in video games, web development, or the path to your dream job, attendance at DIG in London, Ontario, is essential. In an industry that celebrates accomplishments and new ideas through the use of tradeshows and conferences, there are many events to choose from, but DIG is not your average conference.

DIG is focused on the Canadian web and game industry. It is designed to appeal to local industry experts and amateurs and provides programming for a varied audience, whose needs and interests overlap to create an interactive and informative day. A special area of DIG programming reaches out to high school and post-secondary students who are interested in a career in DIG industries.

Idea sharing, networking, a reunion of sorts, informative and educational seminars and panel discussions, a pseudo job-fair, and school recruitment are all rolled into one awesome package. Our DIGX room- where games and new innovations can be experienced and enjoyed- is famous. Participants can contribute to discussions about web and game development with artists, computer programmers, software engineers, web content managers, and designers.

Essentially, DIG showcases the latest in digital technology and brings together the industries’ leaders and contributors to share, collaborate, and network. We’ll keep you updated on our program and speaker developments through this blog and our other social media outlets:

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TAAFi Event - Recap

The Toronto Animation Arts FestivalInternational (TAAFI) had its inaugural event this past weekend July 6 – July 8: and it was awesome. The first day we were shown a fantastic animated film “RonalThe Barbarian”. The film was a great way to kick off the event With a VIP Party to follow.

My main purpose was to attend the panel on Animation in Gaming. The panel was very educational and responsive to questions. The panellists were indie developers, who have work experience with AAA developers. The panel consisted of Ryan Henson Creighton, Jay Edry, Matt Hammill, Catherine Feraday Miller, and Miguel Sternberg. Everyone in the panel was quite knowledgeable and provided a lot of key information on how animation takes a key role in the development of a video game. The panelists also shed some light on how animation is critical for making a game run smoothly, effectively, while at the same time making the movements look incredible. I wasn’t aware of the amount of frames and minute details that can change the way in which a game is played.  

The panel and the event provided a lot of information on the different aspects of animation, and gaming as a business. Stay tuned for more information about TAAFI working with DIG!

  

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