Expert game developer to present on The Challenges of Starting a Video Game Studio at AU

March 5, 2009: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to start a video game studio? Are you an entrepreneur looking into starting your own video game studio but not sure where to begin? The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) in partnership with the National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) is pleased to present a free workshop on The Challenges of Starting a Video Game Studio. The workshop is geared towards the emerging gaming industry in Sault Ste. Marie and will discuss the various challenges involved with being an entrepreneur in game development.

Taking place on Friday March 13, 2009 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., The Challenges of Starting a Video Game Studio features guest speaker Richard Hilmer, founder and president of successful gaming studio Pseudo Interactive. Richard will explore topics such as: getting that first contract, building a team, project selection and more.

“This is a great opportunity for local entrepreneurs in gaming to connect and gain valuable insight from an established industry expert,” said Dwayne Hammond, strategic advisor computer games technology, SSMIC. “We are very fortunate to have Richard Hilmer visit and speak about the challenges and his experiences in founding and operating a successful video game studio to our gaming community.”

The free workshop takes place at Algoma University, Rm. WW103. While it is not required, registration is recommended in order to reserve a seat. Parking tokens will be provided to all attendees. Two complimentary books will be given to registrants and attendees on a first-registered-first-served basis while supplies last:
• Secrets of the Game Business by Francois Dominic Laramee
• Business and Legal Primer for Game Development by S. Gregory Boyd

About Richard Hilmer, founder and president, Pseudo Interactive:

Richard is a technical entrepreneur seasoned in many facets of business creation, software development, team building, project management and financing, having accumulated over 12 years of experience in the videogame industry. As a founder and President at Pseudo Interactive, he grew the company to over sixty developers and led teams that released games on the Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, while working with industry giants such as Electronic Arts, SEGA, Intel, and Microsoft. Richard is also experienced with tax programs such as the SRED credit, and government organizations such as the OMDC, that assist interactive media companies.

The workshop is free to attend and tokens for parking will be provided. To register, contact: tharmar@ssmic.com

The Challenges of Starting a Video Game Studio

When: March 13, 2009
Time: 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Algoma University, Rm. WW103
1520 Queen St. E

Cost: FREE! Tokens for parking will be provided.

For details on the agenda and more information visit: www.ssmic.com

For questions or to register, contact Tim Harmar, business development manager at tharmar@ssmic.com or 942-7927 x3129.


About NRC-IRAP

The NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) provides a range of both technical and business oriented advisory services along with potential financial support to growth-oriented Canadian small - and medium-sized enterprises. Working directly with clients, NRC-IRAP supports their innovative research and development and helps them become commercialization-ready with their new products and services.
NRC-IRAP views SMEs as the strategic backbone of the Canadian economy and is committed to working with them while they realize their full potential and turn knowledge and innovation into strategic opportunities, jobs and prosperity for all Canadians.
Recognized globally for research and innovation, NRC is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology.
IRAP can be your guide to a successful innovative journey. Contact the IRAP Regional Office nearest you by calling our toll free number: 1-877-994-4727.


About Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre

The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre was founded in 1999 as a catalyst for economic development activities in the IT and knowledge based sectors in the Algoma District. It works closely with community partners to enhance and improve IT sector opportunities.

The Innovation Centre is focused on three core areas: the operation of a business incubator to encourage the establishment and growth of technology start-ups; the provision of support services to the SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) IT community and the development of strategic markets such as the highly successful GIS project. The Innovation Centre has developed and implemented an award-winning GIS product, which serves a number of municipal customers and is responsible for the growth of private sector GIS firms in the Algoma District.

Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
1520 Queen Street East, NW 307
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G4
Telephone: 705-942-7927
http://www.ssmic.com
http://www.itssm.com

For more information contact:
Mei Ling
Communications Manager
Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
1520 Queen St. E., Rm. NW307
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G4
705-942-7927, Ext. 3122
mling@ssmic.com
www.ssmic.com
www.itssm.com