Good Game Edmonton

Alberta's game industry had a busy Q1. Game launches, console ports, a new youth esports league, and a Team Alberta presence at GDC. Cory breaks it all down in the Q1 2026 quarterly update alongside guest Jennifer LaFace, co-founder and creative director at Only By Midnight and board director at Digital Alberta.Edmonton: Sovereign Syndicate landed on Xbox and PlayStation. Caldera Interactive launched The Rabbit Haul demo on Steam. VR Cave unveiled a Meta Quest title under new sub-brand Basement Bunker Labs. Beamdog dropped a surprise update for the Baldur's Gate Enhanced Editions. NorQuest Esports launched Campus Clash 2026, a youth esports league for ages 13 to 18.Calgary: Red Iron Labs secured $2 million in provincial investment for its stroke rehab gaming platform. DragonSpire Games released Boyfiend and Ghoulfriend. The CGDA launched a new masterclass series at Platform Calgary. Salt Flats 2026 drew over 150 competitors to Bow Valley College's Digital Entertainment Nexus — one of the largest esports events in Western Canada, running since 2013.Alberta-wide: Game Con Canada returns this June alongside the inaugural North American Games Industry Summit. Nearly 200 jammers participated in Global Game Jam across the province.Jen also covers Digital Alberta's upcoming community dialogue, the CMF 2026 intake timeline, a March 18th program announcement on talent development and organizational funding, and additional options through Creative Export Canada, AEP, and Edmonton Screen.Subscribe wherever you listen. Catch all the latest episodes, local esports and game dev directory, and send story leads to goodgameyeg.ca.

​​Ethan Horkulak, co-founder of French Bread Gaming, joins Cory "Sellarcast" Sellar to tell the full story about the local esports organization and how it’s supporting the local competitive fighting game scene.What started with nine-person brackets in a community hall has grown into Bread Basket, now drawing 207+ attendees and live viewership from Smash legends Hungrybox and Larry Lurr. The 2026 edition expands to eight titles and moves into NorQuest College's atrium.In this episode, Ethan maps out the entire journey: the early grind, the pivotal partnership with Canadian Icehouse in Ice District that gave FBG a permanent weekly home, the catering miscalculation that cost him $1,000 out of pocket and nearly ended everything, and how Victory Road brought it all back.One more thing… The BIG announcement. In 2026, French Bread Gaming launches an official esports team anchored by the Rising Star Program, a structured initiative to give minorities and underrepresented players the resources to compete professionally. Ethan also breaks down the broader Edmonton fighting game ecosystem, the Western Canada circuit FBG is building, and the long-term goal: a national-level event at Ford Hall in Rogers Place.

It’s the 2025 Q4 PartyChat from Good Game Edmonton and Digital Alberta!In this quarterly update, we welcomed Rowan Sommerfeld (CGDA), Mike McCready (NAIT/Digital Alberta), and Rosche Rheeder (Lucid Rain Studios) to unpack another productive three months of the evolving game development landscape in Alberta. From the impact of AI on workflows and the challenges of attracting investment to the growth of the Calgary and Edmonton games scenes. And somewhere between a Smash Bros tournament in Calgary and a literal fire alarm at a games conference in Edmonton the provincial scene is progressing. What We Covered:Moving past the hype of AI into actual workflows and how new CRTC standards are reshaping Canadian contentMiles "Soonsay" Foster's global Smash Bros run and the launch of Calgary Games KilnArcanaut Studios lands a Lucasfilm Games partnership for the spiritual successor to KOTOR, headed up by BioWare legend Casey HudsonHow NAIT's new specialized Game Development streams are training next gen developersReal talk on the Alberta Game Series and practical advice for pitch competitionsEdmonton-based Lucid Rain Studios getting IGN feature, plus full-time team Listen now and catch up on everything that made Q4 the most exciting quarter for Alberta games yet.Games & Studios Featured:Hunters Moon by Crimson Herring Studios → Wishlist on SteamINFERIUS by Lucid Rain Studios → Wishlist on SteamConnect With Us:goodgameyeg.cadigitalalberta.comcalgary.games

What happens when a Juilliard-trained playwright and award-winning comedian designs video game narratives?Leif Olesen-Cormack (The Low Road, Tales Noir Preludes) discusses the biggest creative challenges in game development today. Plus, more on his multifaceted arts career.Leif and Cory attempt to unpack their version of the heated debate around artificial intelligence, discussing why AI is fantastic for mundane tasks but can lack the crucial "soul" and human experience needed to craft truly meaningful art and comedy. This leads to a discussion on how Leif’s work in games forced him to reverse-engineer stories to align with existing game mechanics and complex conversation puzzles. Not to mention dealing with the unique difficulty of landing jokes in a game where traditional comedic timing is disrupted. In the final act, we learn why growing up in the Edmonton arts scene provides an unexpected advantage over major creative hubs like New York.Plus, Leif offers a preview of his upcoming comedy album recording, Alone Ranger.Important Links:thelowroad.com/store.steampowered.com/app/2020030/Tails_Noir_Preludes/ leifoc.com/edmontonarts.ca/event/leif-oleson-cormack-alone-ranger-live-album-tapinginstagram.com/leifoc/store.steampowered.com/app/3001200/Tails_Noir_Rebel_Rush

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:Shipping & Scaling: Hear how VR Cave landed CMF funding to build a "full-blown, much larger" game, Heroes Together VR, and scored almost 2,000 wishlists at Gamescom.Co-Dev & AAA: Snowed In (Starfield, Fallout Shelter) offers insight into the essential world of co-development and what it takes to thrive in the AAA pipeline.Industry Shakes: The panel addresses the anxiety around recent widespread layoffs and the massive $55 billion leveraged buyout of EA, offering advice on resilience and why smart studios still greatly value juniors and new professionals.Community Milestones: A rundown of the 10th anniversary of GDX, the recent Alberta Game Jam, new initiatives like Baby Ghosts Alberta, and the Alberta Scholastic Esports League (ASEL) call for venue proposals for the 2026 Alberta Esports Championship.⁠Important Links:digitalalberta.comsnowedin.cavrcave.io basementbunkerlabs.cominteractiveartsalberta.org  itch.io/jam/alberta-game-jam-2025 babyghosts.fund/peer-accelerator lucidrainestudios.comgameinvestwest.ca norquest.ca/esports asel.gg edmontonscreen.com 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. goodgameyeg.cadigitalalberta.com

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 StudioListen to more episodes atgoodgameyeg.caImportant Linksglobalgamejam.org/group/11580/gamesglobalgamejam.org/group/11953/gamesinteractiveartsalberta.org/upperbound.ai/amii.ca/

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 vimyedmonton.ca/esports/ aec2024.ca/ goodgameyeg.ca/episodes/legitimate-sport-jesse-sedlowski esportsalberta.ca/academic-panel goodgameyeg.ca/episodes/academic-build-ft-shadi-hanna esportsalberta.ca/asel esportcanada.org/education atle.ca/whats-happening/prolearn/esports kiwiproductions.ca

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: https://www.norquest.ca/esports/ https://www.norquest.ca/esports/varsity/tekken/ https://www.norquest.ca/esports/varsity/apex-legends/

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: https://www.norquest.ca/esports https://linktr.ee/norquestesports

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://playnightingale.com/  https://askagamedev.tumblr.com/  https://gamecampedmonton.com/ https://itch.io/jam/alberta-game-jam-2024 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1537080/Return/   [email protected]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessacapito Join the conversation: Send your thoughts via text or voice message to ⁠[email protected]

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: https://linktr.ee/GINXCanada 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/  Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism: Mazzucato, Mariana: 9780063046238: Books - Amazon.ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceowarren/ https://fantrust.com/ Join the conversation: Send your thoughts via text or voice message to ⁠[email protected]

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 ⁠[email protected]

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/Join the conversation:Send your thoughts via text or voice message to [email protected]

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 Join the conversation: Send your thoughts via text or voice message to [email protected]

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 [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. Important Links: 📧 [email protected]  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 [email protected]

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 Join the conversation: 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) Join the conversation 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. The discussion was a mix of what was and what wasn’t included in the report. The opposition primarily being, a lack of community engagement outside of the municipal agencies. In this episode, I discuss things that stood out to me from the conversation between council, administration, and guest speakers on this agenda item. Watch the Council Mtg Discussions 24.02.07 - YEGCC Exec Committee Mtg | https://tinyurl.com/ysxnv8r4 23.04.04 - YEGCC Mtg | https://tinyurl.com/3sxde4yz Report Links: Alberta Esports Expo Summary Report 2023 | https://tinyurl.com/3ukcjxtf Actions Within Municipal Influence | https://tinyurl.com/2wjj79ra Possible Expansion of Roles | https://tinyurl.com/53cnepvv Gaming Initiatives and Future | https://tinyurl.com/3dt4fjjy Game Con Canada | https://tinyurl.com/4fmvkfc5 CoE Esports Events Presentation | https://tinyurl.com/yj5ff652 Join the conversation: Send your thoughts via text or voice message to [email protected]

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. executive producers CK “CKD” Dhaliwal Ken "sharktankone" Bautista Tristan "Ravanos11" Ham produced by Cory "Sellarcast" Sellar music by Envato cover art by Canva hosted by Cory "Sellarcast" Sellar