It's the Q3 Party Chat from Good Game Edmonton and Digital Alberta!
This time, welcoming two industry voices: Nathaniel Rossol of VR Cave and Travis Gibson of Snowed In Studios to break down the latest in Alberta's interactive digital media (IDM) scene.
This episode celebrates major wins and tackles industry-wide disruption:
Important Links:
More of the show: goodgameyeg.ca
The Alberta Scholastic Esports League (ASEL) is officially heading into its first school year as a newly independent organization, and Shadi Hanna is here to share all the details. After a successful pilot year, ASEL is building on its momentum to create a supportive and competitive ecosystem for students and teachers across Alberta.
Join us as we explore the vision behind ASEL, from its roots in the Alberta Esports Association to its new identity. We cover everything you need to know about getting involved, whether you're a teacher looking to start a program, a parent curious about the benefits of esports, or a student eager to compete. Learn how ASEL is fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and even boosting school attendance.
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.
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
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
goodgameyeg.ca/episodes/legitimate-sport-jesse-sedlowski
esportsalberta.ca/academic-panel
goodgameyeg.ca/episodes/academic-build-ft-shadi-hanna
atle.ca/whats-happening/prolearn/esports
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://askagamedev.tumblr.com/
https://itch.io/jam/alberta-game-jam-2024
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1537080/Return/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessacapito
Join the conversation: Send your thoughts via text or voice message to goodgameyeg@gmail.com
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:
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/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceowarren/
Join the conversation: Send your thoughts via text or voice message to goodgameyeg@gmail.com
Rosche Rheeder, Delena Martens, and Ricardo Rheeder are the founders of Lucid Rain Studios, a game development studio based in Edmonton, AB, Canada, discuss their journey and the game they are working on called Inferius. The studio was founded in 2021 and has been experiencing growth and opportunities in the indie game community. Rosche, Delena, and Ricardo emphasize the importance of playing the long game and setting realistic goals for their studio. From showcasing their game and finding a support network to building a productive, fun, collaborative, and innovative studio culture and exploring the big influences on their game design journey.
Inferius is a first-person horror game with deck-building elements, inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy and Lovecraftian themes. The game focuses on psychological and cosmic horror, creating an atmosphere of fear and the unknown. Add Inferious to your Steam wishlist today.
Important Links: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2470790/Inferius/ https://www.tiktok.com/@lucidrainstudios https://www.instagram.com/lucidrainstudios/ https://x.com/lucidraindev https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucid-rain-studios/ https://www.youtube.com/@lucidrainstudios/null
Join the conversation: Send your thoughts via text or voice message to goodgameyeg@gmail.com
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/
Join the conversation:
Send your thoughts via text or voice message to goodgameyeg@gmail.com
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://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
Join the conversation:
Send your thoughts via text or voice message to goodgameyeg@gmail.com
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://vimyridge.epsb.ca/programs/esports/
https://www.esportcanada.org/about-ed-edu
Join the conversation:
Send your thoughts via text or voice message to goodgameyeg@gmail.com
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. Important Links: 📧 cikor.allyson@gmail.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyson-cikor-b6654b108/ https://www.gearsofwar.com/neverfightalone/ https://discord.gg/Ec7jZB8WHa https://lethbridgecollege.ca/programs-and-courses/virtual-and-augmented-reality https://highlevelinnovation.com/ https://playnightingale.com/
Join the conversation:
Send your thoughts via text or voice message to goodgameyeg@gmail.com
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
Connect with Shadi
Email: shadi.hanna@esportsalberta.ca
Linkedin: Shadi Hanna - Bow Valley College | LinkedIn
Join the conversation:
Send your thoughts via text or voice message to goodgameyeg@gmail.com
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)
Join the conversation
Send your thoughts via text or voice message to goodgameyeg@gmail.com
