Do you miss the days when you would stay up all night listening to the radio, waiting for the perfect song to record for your crush? How about scouring Limewire trying to find an actual download of “Simple and Clean”? There’s something awesome about collecting something you think is really cool and being able to share it with friends, so we’ve decided to put together a bundle of Toronto-made games! We’re looking for 5 games to include in Volume 1 of the HES Mixtape.

APPLY NOW!

What type of games?

• Toronto-made
• Playable and complete (as defined by the creator)
• Any length
• Any genre
• Any visual style
• Able to be zipped into an Itch.io bundle

Games included will receive a $50 honourarium for being part of the bundle. The Mixtape will be distributed for free on our Itch page. If you’re interested in supporting the Mixtape directly and other showcasing opportunities send us an email at sponsor@handeyesociety.com.

Once the bundle is done, we’ll be playing the games over on our Twitch, so keep an eye out for the announcement! You can also join us weekly for Hand Eye Hangouts, every Tuesday at 6PM ET. Come chat, play some games, and talk about art.

This call closes March 21 2022 11:59 EST

Send us your weird games!!

Have questions? Want to know more about what the Society does? Send us an email at info@handeyesociety.com!

The program will be running Saturdays starting October 9 through November 27th from 1-4PM.

Applications close October 1st!

Over the course of the past 4 years, we’re refined the course using interviews with experienced game creators, past alumni, and working closely with partners to get to the most critical and useful business learning for folks in the Ontario region. From things like tax credits to how to run your social media you’ll be going through a wide array of exercises via talks, homework, and discussion.

This program could be a good fit for you if:

• You have an awesome game prototype with commercial potential -OR- you’ve made game prototypes in the past and have an idea for a game with commercial potential
• You have less than 3 years of full time industry experience
• You are able to connect online for sessions
• You can commit to 3-6 hours a week for the hands-on assignments
• You are an Ontario resident

We ask that one or two representatives from your team attend. Throughout the program, you’ll be working on getting yourself, your studio, and your game ready to hit the ground running for things like pitching and applying for funding. Every week there will be homework associated with the topic of the upcoming session.

Selections will be made by Hand Eye Society staff in consultation with Ontario Creates, with an eye towards cultural innovation and viability. The HES is also committed to ensuring a diverse range of participants are considered, so you are strongly encouraged to apply if you or your team are from a traditionally underrepresented background such as women, BIPoC (Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour), LGBTQIA+, etc. If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out at info@handeyesociety.com.

The six (6) participants who complete the program will be eligible to submit an application to the IDM Fund Concept Definition or Production programs starting in the Spring 2022 deadline. This will allow you to bypass the 3 years of full time industry experience requirement. Applicants that apply to more than one partner organization in the Fund Futures stream will only be accepted to one program.

Fund Futures covers topics about how to start your studio, hiring, building your community, and so much more!

Topics covered in this years programs are as follows:

• October 9: Pitching and Financing: Funding Sources, Publishers, Tax Credits, Deferrals
• October 16: Legal: Incorporation, Insurance, and Contracts
• October 23: Budgeting: Payroll, Cash Flow & Accounting
• October 30: Production Methodology: Scaling Up, Hiring, Timelines/Schedules
• November 6: Audience Connection: Community Building, Publicity & Marketing
• November 20: Strategy: Designing Your Company & Alternate Income Streams
• November 27: Repitch: Moving Forward With Grant Writing

Apply By October 1st!

There is no cost to apply. If selected, you will be required to become a Hand Eye Society member ($7/month) and pay a $100 deposit that will be returned to you on successful completion of the program. As we only have 6 spots available, we want to ensure that all the spots are filled by participants who are committed to finishing the course.

Got questions about the program? Feel free to send us an email at info@handeyesociety.com! Make sure you’re signed up to our mailing list for updates, as these programs tend to fill up fast.

This program is in partnership with Ontario Creates.

Hi again! A new opportunity has emerged since we sent out the first version, so we thought we’d iterate on it, clarify some things about the program, and extend the deadline. Thanks to everyone who applied to v1. We you!

We are seeking 2-3 complete, small games to make online compatible as part of the Canada Council for the Arts’ Digital Originals initiative! The creator(s) will be paid artist fees, in addition to technical support. The adapted work will be exhibited as part of the 2020/2021 Toronto Long Winter online season, and through HES’ itch.io page.

We are looking for short, fun experiences that will brighten people’s online experience in the virtual venues created by Toronto Long Winter. All applications are welcome, but our selection criteria may include ease of porting to an online platform with a minimum of technical changes.

[button size=’large’ style=” text=’Apply Now!’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://forms.gle/cSF5GUzeaHz4EA91A’ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]

*NEW* DEADLINE: JANUARY 8th @ 4:00 PM

DETAILS

• Artist(s) will be paid $1250 per game
• Artist(s) must reside in Canada
• Game must be complete and take 10 minutes or less to play a round or session
• Game will be shown as part of the upcoming 2020 Toronto Long Winter season; as part of the January, February, or March event, depending on technical factors
• Artist(s) retain all rights to their game. Optional opportunities to showcase the game as part of other HES events or initiatives may be offered, including appropriate artist fees.

WHAT DOES “ONLINE COMPATIBLE” and “PORTING” MEAN?

We are looking for existing games that can be reasonably converted to (or “exported to”, “built for”) HTML5, which will allow them to be played directly in an Internet browser such as Firefox or Chrome. Games made in recent versions of Unity, Gamemaker Studio, or UE4 will have an option to build for HTML5, so depending on your project, it could be as easy as pressing a button. We will work with artists to ensure that their project is ready for showcasing in the contexts mentioned above, and provide access to a web server context for testing; estimating about a month for the porting process.

The 8th annual WordPlay Festival takes place Saturday, November 21th & 22th 2020!
Sat. November 21th, Sunday November 22th

Hello friends! It’s now November and WordPlay is coming in just a few weeks! We’re so excited to be able to share some amazing speakers and games this year as we transition from a physical space festival to an online one. But we cannot do it without your help! We’re looking for volunteers to help make this event a safe space on our Twitch as well as Discord platform to make it a fun experience for all!

[button size=’large’ style=” text=’WordPlay volunteer form’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://forms.gle/77bVyyTaKAkXMyNN9′ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]

Interested? Then fill in our handy dandy volunteer form above and let us know! Note: volunteer hours can be used towards a Hand Eye Society Membership status! More info on that here! Also, if you haven’t seen the good news, we have our full lineup of speakers and games highlighted for this year’s festival! Please check them out from the buttons below! Support them, purchase their games, and consider tuning in to see what they have to say! We’re so so SO excited to make this happen and we appreciate all the support from our ongoing members! Thank you for supporting us as we transition our events!

[button size=’large’ style=” text=’Check out the WordPlay Speakers’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://www.handeyesociety.com/event/here-are-our-wordplay-2020-speakers/’ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]

[button size=’large’ style=” text=’Check out the games of WordPlay’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://www.handeyesociety.com/event/here-are-our-wordplay-2020-games/’ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]

Don’t forget to follow our socials to make sure you get all up-to-date information on WordPlay and other events Hand Eye Society is up to these days! Stay safe out there, wear a mask and see you at the WordPlay Festival!

Here in Toronto we’ve developed a rich videogame art scene and a vibrant interactive digital media industry, but how will it continue to thrive as the international market gets increasingly saturated? We think a part of the answer is a focus on business skills, and we are partnering with Ontario Creates (formerly OMDC) to run a program to give promising emerging game creators and developers a leg-up in our changing world. It’s the Interactive Digital Media Fund Futures program!

The six (6) participants who complete the program will be eligible to submit an application to the IDM Fund Concept Definition or Production programs starting in the Spring 2021 deadline. This will allow you to bypass the 3 years of full time industry experience requirement.

Subjects from last year’s program include:

• October 3: Overview: Funding Sources, Publishers, Meet and Greet
• October 10: Project Management and Funding
• October 17: Budgeting: Payroll, Cash Flow & Accounting
• October 24 Legal: Incorporation and Contracts, Company Model
• October 31: Strategy: Taxes, Tax Credits & Insurance
• November 7: Audience Connection: Networking, Promotions, and Community
• November 14: Re-pitch and Critique

We have developed a curriculum from scratch using interviews with experienced game creators to uncover what are the most critical and useful business learnings for people in our region, from tax credits to connecting with an audience. One or two representatives from each company or team will be accepted, and they will be working on one game idea throughout the program. This program could be a good fit for you if:

• You have an awesome game prototype with commercial potential -OR- you’ve made game prototypes in the past and have an idea for a game with commercial potential
• You have less than 3 years of full time industry experience
• You are able to connect online for sessions
• You can commit to 3-4 hours a week for the hands-on assignments
• You are an Ontario resident

[button size=” style=” text=’Apply by Sept 30!’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://forms.gle/j7fWLBdwnbi7g83k7′ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]

There is no cost to apply. If selected, you will be required to become a Hand Eye Society member ($7/month) and pay a $100 deposit that will be returned to you on successful completion of the program. As we only have 6 spots available, we want to ensure that all the spots are filled by participants who are committed to finishing the course.

Selections will be made by Hand Eye Society staff in consultation with Ontario Creates, with an eye towards cultural innovation and viability. The HES is also committed to ensuring a diverse range of participants are considered, so you are strongly encouraged to apply if you or your team are from a traditionally underrepresented background such as women, BIPoC (Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour), LGBTQ, etc. Make sure you’re signed up to our mailing list for updates, as these programs tend to fill up fast.

Please contact info@handeyesociety.com with any questions.

In May, the games will be officially unveiled at a Bentway event.

Compensation will include a $600 honorarium per participant, plus meals and transportation.

[button size=” style=” text=’Apply to Be a Participant!’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://forms.gle/RjVW5FPH3kwDmR6n8′ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]

Submissions are open until February 28. Artists will be confirmed in early March. Selected participants must be available for all on-site sessions, and the launch event. Creators from non-gaming backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=”” css=”.vc_custom_1580788041896{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Inspiration

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]What kind of games will you be making? They’ll be non-digital. They’ll need to be playable with no supplies at all, or only those that people commonly carry around. They’ll need to be simple enough to be fully playable after reading the instructions off of a sign. They’ll need to be accessible enough to be played by the wide range of visitors who pass through the space.  

We’re not after deep strategy or rich immersion here. The goal is to encourage playful exploration The Bentway, and an engagement with the issues it presents, as an urban experiment that knits together seven neighbourhoods and serves as a public space in the heart of the city. Think about poem-like games that evoke a mood, explore a thought, or examine an interaction in a focused way.

Of course, the games will also need to be fleshed out and playable, since they’ll be seen by thousands! That’s why we’re making sure to facilitate playtesting sessions during the design process.

Still not sure what we’re looking for? This project was inspired by initiatives like the ones included in the list to the right. Check out the links, get inspired, and don’t forget to apply by February 28![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Playlist

Six for Bricks
by Hand Eye Society

Casual Games for Protesters
by Molleindustria and Harry Giles

Tiny Games
by Hide&Seek

Games For People
by Pat Ashe and George Buckenham

A Small Book with Games In It
by Gloam Collective

Games for Walkers
by Harry Giles

Casual Games for Casual Hikers
by Aitch Giles

Games at Dorset Park
by Hand Eye Society[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=”” css=”.vc_custom_1580788062957{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

FAQ

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]What will the final game installations look like? 

We’re working out the specifics of the exact format. However, the final game instructions will be passed onto a graphic designer who will produce some form of signage, which will printed and posted in the space. The visual footprint of this project is important to all parties, so expect something cool!

What’s the final deliverable? Am I expected to help out with creating the actual installation? 

Participants just need to produce final game instructions in text form. We’ll take it from there. Here’s an example of our past game jam completed for Evergreen Brick Works that was turned into a zine!

What’s the process and time commitment like?

Participants will be on-site for one “game jam”-ish day, where you’ll explore the site, talk to Bentway staff, and riff on ideas with one another. Several weeks later, you’ll meet up again on-site for a few hours to playtest your ideas. And several weeks after that, you’ll meet up one more time to do a final test and finalize their games. You are expected to do some of the conceptual design and development on your own time in between sessions.

You’ll also need to be on-site for the launch weekend, where you’ll be asked to show off your game to groups a few times each day.

Travel and food for the on-site sessions will be covered.

I have more questions!

Send us an email at info@handeyesociety.com![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=”” css=”.vc_custom_1580788367679{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

In Partnership With

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We’re holding an open call for games to be showcased on-site at the Toronto Comics Arts Festival (May 9th and 10th) as part of this year’s Comics X Games 8! Comics X Games fosters collaboration between the independent game and comic communities through a variety of projects, partnerships and events. Every year with our partners during TCAF, we present unique, game-focused content — from arcades and gallery shows, to panels, talks, and even cross-collaborative game jams. It’s a great opportunity to expose your game to TCAF’s diverse audience of over 20,000+ visitors. Table space is limited, so apply now!

[button size=’large’ style=” text=’Click here for the 2020 Exhibitor Application Form’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdJq3LztgFkQUdEDbR1uoF8NNYEN6gwjz_ZDWbjAoafU9ZiA/viewform’ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=’center’ margin=”]

Submissions close February 9 2020 at midnight EST. 

Exhibitors must be able to attend TCAF in Toronto, Canada both days to set up and staff their table. Send any questions to the Comics X Games Team at cxg@handeyesociety.com (Sagan Yee, Ken Cho, Amanda Wong).

Note: TCAF has traditionally been held at Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street. However, due to the disappointing events that transpired in October 2019, TCAF has made a statement that the event will exist in multiple venues and so we are waiting to hear back from organizers on their decision. For more information, please read TCAF’s statement on the issue that was published on December 31, 2019 here: http://www2.torontocomics.com/2019/12/30/tcaf-statement-about-toronto-public-library-and-the-2020-festival/

Table Fees Information: Please Read!

Taken by our Director of Technology Ken Cho while prepping for WordPlay

For the first time in 7 years, we are requesting a small fee of $30 per table and $10 for each piece of rented equipment (computers and monitors) for a maximum of $50. This money will go directly towards replacing and maintaining our tech, which takes a lot of wear-and-tear during events like this. Capital costs such as computers, monitors and speakers are often disqualified from funding sources such as government grants, and we’re always on the lookout for ways to replenish our weary machines. Additionally, financial support for Comics x Games often varies widely from year to year, so this will help ensure that we can continue to run this program sustainably.

You always have the option to waive the fee if you feel it would be a barrier to applying; simply check the appropriate box when applying through the exhibitor form.

Compared to other trade show table fees and considering games don’t make a ton of money off merch, we feel this is a fair price. However, you won’t be penalized for waiving the fee – we want to keep things accessible and inclusive! Consider it a suggested donation for those who are able to afford it, and know that we will forever appreciate your contributions to making our programming free and open to the public. This is a new thing we’re trying out, so we look forward to hearing your feedback.

For Toronto/GTA and sometimes international artists, we have several non-vendor exhibition opportunities where we pay out artist fees (such as Waterfront Arcade, Curious Cabinets, WordPlay and the Oakwood Village Residency in 2017), so please keep an eye out for ongoing activities throughout the year!

Application FAQ

When and where is TCAF?  The Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2020 will take place Saturday, May 9th, 9am-5pm, and Sunday May 10th, 10am-5pm, at Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street. The Comics x Games exhibit usually takes place on the second floor.

How does Comics X Games fit into this? TCAF is its own event/organization, but the Comics x Games programming is coordinated by the Hand Eye Society and promoted as a cross-disciplinary part of the main festival. It’s a partnership that started in 2012 between TCAF and HES co-founder, Miguel Sternberg, with support from TIFF.nexus. We are extremely grateful to TCAF for being a great host all these years!

Do I need to live in Toronto to take part? Nope. International guests are welcome as long as you’re able to travel to Toronto for TCAF and staff your table over the two days. TCAF’s FAQ has some good travel information for out of town visitors.

Is there a table fee for confirmed applicants? Yes, but we are very flexible. For the first time in 7 years, we are charging a small fee of $30 per table and $10 for each piece of loaned equipment (computer and/or monitor) so the maximum ask won’t be higher than $50 CAD. This money will go towards the wear-and-tear on our equipment, which is expensive to replace and difficult to fund through normal channels. However, you won’t be penalized for waiving the fee – we want to keep things as accessible and inclusive as possible!

Can I sell merchandise for my game? Yes; in fact we encourage it! Banners, postcards, download codes, plushies, etc. are all fine. However first and foremost this is a games showcase so you need to have your game set up for people to play, and to please respect your neighbour’s table space.

My game has nothing to do with comics, so can I still apply? Yes! While we are always excited to see game submissions with some connection to the world of comics, such as visual novels or interactive experiments that play with the concept of sequential art (or comic artists who are also making indie games), all are welcome to apply! Click here to see a list of previous exhibitors.

I don’t have a game, but my comic is super relevant to games, can I exhibit at Comics x Games? Unless it’s some form of interactive comic (like Meanwhile or Framed), probably not. Send us an email if you want to be put on a list and we’ll let you know if extra space becomes available. Alternatively, you can let us know you are interested in being a speaker or a panellist, as we’ve had many guests such as Jason Shiga talk about their comics in an interdisciplinary context.

How do you decide which games get selected for the arcade? We get more and more submissions every year and only have enough table space to select about 30 games, so there are many factors that go into making the final selection. Once submissions close, the HES team sits down and plays through all of the games that were submitted. There is no main criteria that governs our choices, but we like to see a wide variety of types of games (multiplayer, story-driven, puzzle, experimental, even tabletop), as well as prioritizing games that demonstrate the independent creative spirit of TCAF. Some of the other things we look for are: Is the artist/studio from Toronto or the GTA? Are they a student or emerging artist who could use the exhibition experience? Are they from a marginalized or traditionally underrepresented background? Above all, balance is key!

Do I need to provide my own computer equipment? Yes, you should bring everything you need to showcase your game. However, you can rent a computer and/or monitor if you’d like (see the form). A small number of loaner set-ups will be available, although they are fairly underpowered and we will have to test your game on them to make sure they run properly. Priority will be given to guests coming from outside of Toronto/the GTA.

Will there be internet on site? Not particularly. While the library technically has free Wi-Fi, it’s spotty at the best of times and borderline useless during TCAF. We strongly recommend having a build that is is playable offline.

I only want to showcase for one of the days, can I do that? Probably not. Priority will be given to exhibitors showing both days but you can send us an email with your preferred day if you want to be put on a list.

I exhibited in previous years and the space was kind of difficult to navigate. Will there be any changes this year? Unfortunately there is unlikely to be any changes to the physical area as long as TCAF remains in the Toronto Reference Library. The second floor space is what we’ve been given to work with, and the tables are bolted to the floor, which makes changing the layout basically impossible. We’ve flagged the risers as an accessibility issue, but until a solution is found, we will continue to do our best to make sure everyone’s needs are met!

Question not on the list? Email cxg@handeyesociety.com

For more information about TCAF:

Website: www.torontocomics.com
Twitter: @Torontocomics
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TorontoComics
Tumblr: torontocomics.tumblr.com

This program is part of Game Curious at Evergreen Brick Works, a free, public event series that uses game design and playful media as a lens to explore interconnected systems of urban sustainability, food security, arts/culture, history, and technology. Based on our popular Game Curious initiative, programming will take place on-site at Evergreen Brick Works in the Don Valley over the course of one year, activating different areas and audiences throughout the changing of the seasons.

Spring Jam 2019

Ah, spring. A time for cherry blossoms, sweater weather, and game jams!

You may ask, “But what is a game jam, anyway?” Think of it this way: Say you took an artist, someone who knew how to program, and a designer, and told them to make Super Mario in 3 days. That’s the traditional definition of a game jam as we know it.

This jam is different. We’re looking for 6 artists, thinkers, and dreamers from various disciplines, who have the ability to distill current challenges and future dreams into small, poetic game-like experiences that go beyond the digital screen. Inspired by projects like Casual Games for Protesters (Molleindustria and Harry Giles), Tiny Games (Hide&Seek), and A Small Book with Games In It (Gloam Collective), selected participants will tour Evergreen Brick Works in the Don Valley to learn about its history and various initiatives. They will then spend another 2 days in April designing playful, bite-sized interactive works based on the interconnected networks of natural and urban systems at the site. The final game concepts will be documented in the form of a digital and printed zine, designed by Chris White and illustrated by local artists.

Details

We are looking for 6 game jammers and 6 zine illustrators, no game-making experience necessary. Submissions are open until February 28. Jammers and illustrators will be confirmed early March. Selected jammers must be fully available for all three on-site days, and the zine launch.

[button size=” style=” text=’Click here for more information, FAQ, and application form!’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’http://handeyesociety.com/game-curious-spring-jam/’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]

Jam Sessions: April 5 to 7 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Zine Launch: Sunday, June 16

Compensation will include a $500 honorarium per game jammer, plus meals and transportation. Zine illustrators will be paid $200 per image.

Partners

Game Curious at Evergreen Brick Works is a Toronto Arts Council (TAC) Animating Historic Sites program in partnership with Evergreen. TAC is the City of Toronto’s funding body for artists and arts organizations. Since 1991, Evergreen, a Canadian charity and international thought leader, has provoked bold action in transforming public landscapes into thriving community spaces with environmental, social and economic benefits.

[button size=’large’ style=” text=’Click here for the 2018 Exhibitor Application Form’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://goo.gl/forms/rkaJfHnw1hZuVYq92′ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=’center’ margin=”]

Submissions end January 31 2018 at midnight EST. 

Exhibitors must be able to attend TCAF in Toronto, Canada both days to set up and staff their table. Send any questions to the Comics X Games Team at cxg@handeyesociety.com (Sagan Yee, Ken Cho, Amanda Wong).

New Table Fees In Effect: Please Read!

Taken by our Director of Technology Ken Cho while prepping for WordPlay

For the first time in 7 years, we are requesting a small fee of $30 per table and $10 for each piece of rented equipment (computers and monitors) for a maximum of $50. This money will go directly towards replacing and maintaining our tech, which takes a lot of wear-and-tear during events like this. Capital costs such as computers, monitors and speakers are often disqualified from funding sources such as government grants, and we’re always on the lookout for ways to replenish our weary machines. Additionally, financial support for Comics x Games often varies widely from year to year, so this will help ensure that we can continue to run this program sustainably.

You always have the option to waive the fee if you feel it would be a barrier to applying; simply check the appropriate box when applying through the exhibitor form.

Compared to other trade show table fees and considering games don’t make a ton of money off merch, we feel this is a fair price. However, you won’t be penalized for waiving the fee – we want to keep things accessible and inclusive! Consider it a suggested donation for those who are able to afford it, and know that we will forever appreciate your contributions to making our programming free and open to the public. This is a new thing we’re trying out, so we look forward to hearing your feedback.

For Toronto/GTA and sometimes international artists, we have several non-vendor exhibition opportunities where we pay out artist fees (such as Waterfront Arcade, Curious Cabinets, WordPlay and the Oakwood Village Residency in 2017), so please keep an eye out for ongoing activities throughout the year!

Application FAQ

When and where is TCAF?  The Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2018 will take place Saturday, May 12th, 9am-5pm, and Sunday May 13th, 10am-5pm, at Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street. The Comics x Games exhibit usually takes place on the second floor.

How does Comics X Games fit into this? TCAF is its own event/organization, but the Comics x Games programming is coordinated by the Hand Eye Society and promoted as a cross-disciplinary part of the main festival. It’s a partnership that started in 2012 between TCAF and HES c0-founder, Miguel Sternberg, with support from TIFF.nexus. We are extremely grateful to TCAF for being a great host all these years!

Do I need to live in Toronto to take part? Nope. International guests are welcome as long as you’re able to travel to Toronto for TCAF and staff your table over the two days. TCAF’s FAQ has some good travel information for out of town visitors.

Is there a table fee for confirmed applicants? Yes, but we are very flexible. For the first time in 7 years, we are charging a small fee of $30 per table and $10 for each piece of loaned equipment (computer and/or monitor) so the maximum ask won’t be higher than $50 CAD. This money will go towards the wear-and-tear on our equipment, which is expensive to replace and difficult to fund through normal channels. However, you won’t be penalized for waiving the fee – we want to keep things as accessible and inclusive as possible!

Can I sell merchandise for my game? Yes; in fact we encourage it! Banners, postcards, download codes, plushies, etc. are all fine. However first and foremost this is a games showcase so you need to have your game set up for people to play, and to please respect your neighbour’s table space.

My game has nothing to do with comics, so can I still apply? Yes! While we are always excited to see game submissions with some connection to the world of comics, such as visual novels or interactive experiments that play with the concept of sequential art (or comic artists who are also making indie games), all are welcome to apply! Click here to see a list of previous exhibitors.

I don’t have a game, but my comic is super relevant to games, can I exhibit at Comics x Games? Unless it’s some form of interactive comic (like Meanwhile or Framed), probably not. Send us an email if you want to be put on a list and we’ll let you know if extra space becomes available. Alternatively, you can let us know you are interested in being a speaker or a panellist, as we’ve had many guests such as Jason Shiga talk about their comics in an interdisciplinary context.

How do you decide which games get selected for the arcade? We get more and more submissions every year and only have enough table space to select about 30 games, so there are many factors that go into making the final selection. Once submissions close, the HES team sits down and plays through all of the games that were submitted. There is no main criteria that governs our choices, but we like to see a wide variety of types of games (multiplayer, story-driven, puzzle, experimental, even tabletop), as well as prioritizing games that demonstrate the independent creative spirit of TCAF. Some of the other things we look for are: Is the artist/studio from Toronto or the GTA? Are they a student or emerging artist who could use the exhibition experience? Are they from a marginalized or traditionally underrepresented background? Above all, balance is key!

Do I need to provide my own computer equipment? Yes, you should bring everything you need to showcase your game. However, you can rent a computer and/or monitor if you’d like (see the form). A small number of loaner set-ups will be available, although they are fairly underpowered and we will have to test your game on them to make sure they run properly. Priority will be given to guests coming from outside of Toronto/the GTA.

Will there be internet on site? Not particularly. While the library technically has free Wi-Fi, it’s spotty at the best of times and borderline useless during TCAF. We strongly recommend having a build that is is playable offline.

I only want to showcase for one of the days, can I do that? Probably not. Priority will be given to exhibitors showing both days but you can send us an email with your preferred day if you want to be put on a list.

I exhibited in previous years and the space was kind of difficult to navigate. Will there be any changes this year? Unfortunately there is unlikely to be any changes to the physical area as long as TCAF remains in the Toronto Reference Library. The second floor space is what we’ve been given to work with, and the tables are bolted to the floor, which makes changing the layout basically impossible. We’ve flagged the risers as an accessibility issue, but until a solution is found, we will continue to do our best to make sure everyone’s needs are met!

Question not on the list? Email cxg@handeyesociety.com

For more information about TCAF:

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