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It’s back and bigger than ever! The Hand Eye Society has partnered once again with the Toronto Comics Arts Festival (TCAF) and Canzine to announce the return of the Comics x Games festival! This year, due to COVID-19 Comics x Games will be making a return, but with a virtual twist! We can’t wait to be able to showcase the works of more local and international artists at this year’s festival! Here are this year’s festival speakers! Please support them!

MAY 8TH – 12TH, 2021

ONLINE via Twitch!

SCHEDULE TBD SOON!

Lina Wu

Website | Twitter

New Ways to Love You

New Ways to Love You explores the legacy of zines as responses to video games, centering pre-existing fanzines and how fan culture influences the creative process. Questions include: How is fan work perceived or misconceived in the arts? What compels us to respond to games with our own narratives and ephemera, and what are we building and expressing together? Do these works function as responses, or do they actually change the way we play and love video games?

Alex Rushdy

Website | Twitter

Bringing Comic Book Monsters to Life

I discuss how to blend 2D and 3D assets, complex shaders, and unique animation workflows to create a unique comic book aesthetic through our upcoming game, Dawn of the Monsters. Our process doesn’t require fancy tech, just fancy technique! I also compare and contrast various approaches to bringing comic books and manga to life on the video game screen and where our approach aligns and differs.

Jedidjah Julia Noomen

Website | Twitter

Words without audio, or how comics taught me to write for voiceless game characters.

When I started out in game writing, I had many years of experience in film, tv and theatre. But the first games I wrote for, had no voice overs… I had to write for (limited) animated characters with text balloons, and suddenly, half of my jokes and nuanced one-liners fell flat, because there wasn’t an actor to give them the right tone of voice. In a bid to learn how to write non-voiced game dialogues, I turned to one of my other favorite story-telling art forms: comics. This is what I learnt.

Geoffrey Golden

Website | Twitter

Now You’re Playing with Panels: The Art of Gamebook Comics

You’re not just a reader with gamebook comics. You’re the hero! Imagine a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book, only with panels instead of text blocks, and monsters to battle with dice rolls. We’ll take a look at the legacy of solo comic gamebooks, from the obscure British comic Diceman (1986) to Marvel’s You Are Deadpool (2018). How are these games designed? What elements do they draw from video games, tabletop RPGs, and interactive fiction? Are they fun? Turn the page and find out.

LeeAnne Ireland

Website

Indigenous Storytelling in Comics

In this talk, we will explore how Indigenous teachings, learning and storytelling is a great mechanism to building the foundation of comics, graphic novels and games. The talk will also explore how to incorporate Indigenous processes, parallel ways of knowing and ceremony into the process to ensure it is as meaningful as the end product. Lastly, people will have an opportunity to explore some of the behind the scenes ways that we created our popular graphic novels into virtual reality game experiences.

Sharang Biswas

Website | Twitter

Understand Comics / Understanding Games: Examining Games Through the Scott McCloud Lens

What can comics teach game designers? How are the visual and interactive arts related? In an increasingly interdisciplinary world, studying an art form through the lens of an another, seemingly unrelated field can yield insights and breakthroughs that defy current expectations of art. In this talk, we’ll be examining games and game-design through Scott McCloud’s classic text UNDERSTANDING COMICS.

Bahiyya Khan

Twitter

Environmental storytelling in the absence of context

This talk will focus on how screenshots from vignette video games that rely on environmental storytelling as a narrative device can exist as a comic when placed out of context as well as how the environmental storytelling present in a comic can be transmuted into a vignette video game. The talk also explores the different mediums approach to environmental storytelling with video games looking at player agency and interpretation and comics relying more on traditional exposition.

Sara Alfageeh & Meg McCurdy

Sara’s Twitter | Meg’s Twitter

Sequential Storytelling: A Look At Table-Top Roleplaying games

Sitting with Sara Alfageeh and Meg McCurdy, creative director and lead artist of ONE MORE MULIVERSE.Talking about visual storytelling by game devs with one foot in comics and the other in table top roleplaying games. Looking at how artists bring over storytelling concepts from one to the other. Understanding how visuals allow us to “move at the speed of story”, and what that means.

OUR PARTNERS

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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

Thanks again for all your hard work for being the best people we can count on! This time around, we’re looking for Hand Eye Society members who can volunteer for Comics X Games! Interested?

What to Wear and Bring
Please dress comfortably and have good shoes for walking around. Try and pack lightly, don’t bring a large bag or any unnecessary valuables if you can. Please do bring a water bottle, though, at minimum! And maybe a back up charger depending on how long you are helping out for.

We’re looking to fill the below time slots!

THE TORONTO REFERENCE LIBRARY

789 YONGE ST

Saturday May 11 – 8:30am-1:30pm and 12:30pm-5:30pm

Sunday May 12 – 9:30-2:00pm and 1:00pm-5:30pm

Email Us!

UPDATE: ROLES HAVE BEEN FILLED. Thank you!!

[button size=large” style=” text=’Comics X Games 2019 Submission Form’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://goo.gl/forms/RxEUGPR5LeWL9r6B3′ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]

SUBMISSIONS END FEBRUARY 7 2019 AT MIDNIGHT EST. 

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

APPLICATION FAQ

When and where is TCAF?

The Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2019 will take place Saturday, May 11th, 9am-5pm, and Sunday May 12th, 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. Since 2018, we are charging a small optional 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! Simply check the appropriate boxes when filling out your submission to indicate your preferences. You can read more about the decision to implement table fees here.

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. Unfortunately, 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 us! cxg@handeyesociety.com

For more information about TCAF:

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

[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:

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

TTC SUBWAY ALERT: For those of you travelling by public transit, Line 2 (the main East-West green line) will be CLOSED on Saturday May 13 from St. George to Broadview. Unfortunately this affects the station closest to the Toronto Reference Library, Bloor-Yonge Station, so give yourself plenty of time as the shuttle buses aren’t quite as fast and a lot of other TCAF-goers may be using them as well. Click here for more info.

Find us on social media:
Twitter: @HandEyeSociety
#TCAF / Comics x Games / CxG
Facebook group

CxG Panels: 1st Floor, Learning Centre 1

PANEL 1: JAMMING WITH THE COMICS X GAMES JAMMERS
For artists looking to get into making games, or anyone who likes comics, games, or both!
Saturday, May 13
1:30 PM

PANEL 2: DETECTIVES, DEVILS AND DATE NIGHTS: A CONVERSATION WITH PILLOW FIGHT
For anyone interested in visual novels, narrative or character-driven storytelling in games, and making a living from your art!
Sunday, May 14
4:00 PM

Arcade Exhibit: 2nd Floor

Exhibitor Game Guide

JAM GAMES: A grocery shopping adventure gone awry, a VR spirit surgery sim, and a 2-player battle for zine supremacy! Check out the Comic x Game Jam games at the arcade, and meet the artists at their panel on Saturday at 1:30 PM.

HEY GRAB ME SOME- • Dispirited • Battle Zine Turbo V

VISUAL NOVELS: Get your noir on with a couple of detective-themed tales, flirt with a slime girl, hack the enemy, and learn about the business and pleasure of North American visual novels with Pillow Fight (We Know the Devil, Rose of Winter) at their panel on Sunday at 4 PM!

Rose of Winter • Monster Girls Gaynerations: Ghoulfriends For Life • Code Romantic • PURITY & DECAY • Detective Madson in Drop Dead Gorgeous

TABLETOP: Craving some cardboard? We’ve got Earthbound-meets-Smash Bros. and Veronica Mars-meets-the Apocalypse in tabletop game form!

Tiny Swords SMAAASH! • We Used To Be Friends

MULTIPLAYER: Brawl, solve puzzles, shoot arrows, get hats, and make a really bad version of Stonehenge with this colourful party platter of multiplayer games.

Arrow Heads • King of the Hat • Monumental Failure • Dead Winter • Runbow • Riverbond

SOLO: A wonderful variety pack of gameplay and art styles, from pixel-perfect arcade games and hand-drawn street dance, to the art of Pascal Campion as a mobile jigsaw puzzle app.

Pirate Pop Plus • Fish Fly Fever • Russian Subway Dogs • Tram-Panic! • Floor Kids • Jigsaw Story

AUTOBIO: Get personal with two autobiographical games exploring — respectively — a job, a relationship, and how sometimes these things come to an end.

I Get This Call Every Day • This is My Memory of First Heartbreak, Which I Can’t Quite Piece Back Together

STRANGE WORLDS: Mystery awaits you here, whether exploring haunted cybernetic realms, human sacrifice, a labyrinth of disembodied hands, or just hanging out with a blind bear in the forest.

Forgotten • GEMETON • Holoscope • The Shrouded Isle • Unspokin • Palmystery

Click here to see the full description of panelists and exhibitors!

ARCADE/TCAF HOURS:

Saturday, May 13th, 9am-5pm
Sunday May 14th, 10am-5pm

If you have any questions, please contact cxg@handeyesociety.com (all e-mail will be forwarded to the CxG/HES Logistics team: Alicia Contestabile, Ken Cho, and Sagan Yee). This event was co-organized with TCAF, sponsored by the OMDC.

The Hand Eye Society is holding an open call for videogames to showcase on-site at the Toronto Comics Arts Festival (May 13th and 14th) as part of this year’s Comics x Games 6! Comics x Games (formerly known as Comics vs Games) fosters collaboration between the independent game and comic communities through a variety of projects, partnerships and events. Every year with our partners during the TCAF, we present unique, game-focused content — from arcades and gallery shows, to panels and talks. 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!

*** click here for the Exhibitor Application Form ***

Applications end March 21 2017 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 cxg@handeyesociety.com

Application FAQ

When and where is TCAF?  The Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2017 will take place Saturday, May 13th, 9am-5pm, and Sunday May 14th, 10am-5pm, at Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street. The Comics x Games exhibit usually takes place on the second floor.

Why did you change the name? Until 2017, this program was previously known as Comics vs Games. We changed it to better reflect the program’s collaborative spirit!

Do I need to live in Toronto 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? Not currently! We have considered it for future exhibits and it may happen someday, but so far it has always been free.

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, all games are welcome to apply! Click here to see a list of previous exhibitors.

Do I need to provide my own computer? Yes, you should bring everything you need to showcase your game. However, you can request a table with a monitor if you’d like (see the form). A small number of loaner set-ups will also be available. 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 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.

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. 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