Look at me gooooooooooooo : Paul Hillier

Y’all, I’m STILL recovering from the Hand Eye Society Ball. Like, oh wow, it was so magical! I get teary-eyed thinking about how you, the community made our 10-year anniversary literally PERFECT! Thanks again to all you hard-working volunteers, fantastic artists, sponsors, friends and ahhh just everyone!!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!

Didn’t go to the Ball? Sorry to say, but you missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime event, but I’m sure it won’t be the last… but here’s a recap!

Get Involved!

One of our fantastic sponsors, Game Workers Unite Toronto has a Discord! Apply here! Who is Game Workers Unite? Well:

Game Workers Unite is a broad-reaching organization that seeks to connect pro-union activists, exploited workers, and allies across disciplines, classes, and countries in the name of building a unionized game industry.

Photos

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Trending: #HESBall19

https://twitter.com/HillaryPredko/status/1175787680719921152

https://twitter.com/HillaryPredko/status/1175790890280992768

Sponsors

Huge thanks to Ubisoft Toronto, Aird & Berlis LLC, CWA Canada, Game Workers Unite, Slanted Door, MKM Group and ID@Xbox for their support!

Lead Sponsor

Artist Patrons

Venue Partner

Booklet design by Chris White.

The final countdown is on for Toronto’s fifth fancy videogame party, the Hand Eye Society Ball. But there’s a catch: A nefarious, eldritch creature called The Party Crasher is threatening to kill the good vibes, and the only way to banish it forever is… to have a most excellent time! To aid you on your mission, we’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and other information so you can enjoy Saturday night with a minimum of fuss. Forecast is looking good, so get your weather-appropriate fancy on and we’ll see you on Saturday!

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Previous #HESB19 Posts

Games Showcase #1

Wobble Garden, Manifold Garden, GEMETON, Skeeper, Schwister, Axe in the Dark

Games Showcase #2

Light Organ, Sloppy Forgeries, Plunge, Creepy Creperie, Snake Set

Art, Food, and Grooves

Bronwen Alexina, The Only Alexandria, Emissive, Electric Perfume and Peruvian delights

BUT FIRST: An important word about this event:

What Makes the HES Ball a Fundraiser?

After a full decade of videogame arts programming, Hand Eye Society needs your help!

As one of the most established, longest-running videogame arts organizations in the world, HES is at a critical junction. In its decade-long history, relying on an ever-fluctuating combination of project grants, membership fees, sponsorships, and volunteer power, Hand Eye Society has delivered a remarkable range of truly innovative programming that is recognized and emulated worldwide. Our activities have made a real impact in communities across Toronto, introducing hundreds of people to the gaming arts and giving game-makers a vital creative platform to express themselves. Today, Hand Eye Society continues to expand and develop its operations and programming, serving both the games community and the “game curious” public in Toronto, the GTA, Mississauga and beyond. 

Now in its 10th year, Hand Eye Society is closer now than ever to becoming an established, sustainable non-profit arts operation, staffed by a diverse and passionate group of artists, admins, and technologists who love the medium and the community. This year, we received our very first Operating Grant courtesy of the Toronto Arts Council, which is a huge step towards our sustainability goals. However, it’s not nearly enough to cover our day-to-day operations. We are always seeking alternative revenue sources in order to cover artist fees, staff labour, equipment purchases, research and development for new programming, and everything from flying in international guests to providing TTC tokens and snacks for our hard-working volunteers.

And that’s where you come in. Every ticket purchased, every sticker or shirt bought, every Membership dollar, helps keep this organization alive and thriving. It also ensures the vast majority of our year-round programming remains free, accessible, and open to the public. And with your help, we will soon be able to fully realize our long-term dreams, including artist residencies, commissioned work, new workshops and programs, more meaningful community engagement, and so much more!

We have so many plans for the future. To all of you who are helping to make that happen by volunteering, sponsoring, purchasing a ticket to the Ball, or any number of ways big and small, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

What do we do for the other 364 days of the year, when we’re not running the Ball? In 2019 alone, we also organized the following major events and initiatives: Comics X Games / Camp Make-A-Game / Game Curious at Chester Le and 4 whole programs with Evergreen Brick Works / Ontario Creates Fund Futures / WordPlay / Geek Chic Fashion Show and Play2Practice / Numerous workshops at Toronto Public Library branches all over the GTA / I could go on!

#HESBall19: 100% Walkthrough

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Important Items to Bring
• General FAQ
• Wheelchair and Accessibility
• Safe Spaces and Contact Info
• Sponsors

Important Items to Bring

TICKETS

You will need to bring your Universe ticket with a QR code and unique alphanumber underneath, preferably printed out to minimize fumbling with devices. Each ticket is good for ONE scan at the door, after which you will need a hand stamp for re-entry.

Tickets at the door will be $60, cash only. Subject to availability.

Transfers and Refunds

There is no guest list and we don’t check names unless you are a Member or VIP ticket holder, so transferring is a simple matter of giving someone else your ticket as long as it hasn’t been already scanned. Refunding is also easy; just do it via your Universe account, or e-mail amanda@handeyesociety.com and we will sort you out.

GOVERNMENT-ISSUED ID

This is a 19+ event and venue security will be checking ID at the door. No exceptions.

CASH + CREDIT

Food: Our food vendor Comiditas takes cash and credit.

Drink: The venue is licensed and will be running a cash bar.

Merch: We will be taking cash and credit.

There is an ATM onsite by the elevator landing on the main level, and another at the convenience store across the parkette on Scollard Street.

WRISTBAND IDENTIFICATION

We will be issuing these at the door. Please keep your wristband on at all times! It is your passport to magic and adventure, and also lets Security know you belong in the building and aren’t some minion of the Party Crasher looking to give folks a hard time.

PURPLE: VIP

GREEN: Members

TEAL: General Attendees

YELLOW: Staff

PINK: Volunteer

LIGHTS: Staff and Safe Spaces Officers

General FAQ

When do doors open? How late can I dance for?

Doors open to VIPs at 7 PM and general attendees at 8 PM sharp. This year, we are also offering tickets at the door! Door tickets are $60 cash only, subject to availability.

The party officially ends at 1 AM, though things typically start winding down after midnight (we do encourage you to stick around at least until then, just in case something interesting happens. Just a hunch!)

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Is there a dress code?

This is probably one of our most asked questions! There is no strict or enforced dress code, but we do encourage people to put the “fancy” in “fancy videogame party”. Whatever that word means to you, whether it’s a decadent masquerade ball mask or 20 top hats stacked on top of each other, feel free to wear it!

We will also have a coat check. It is free, but neither Hand Eye Society nor 888 Yonge Inc will be responsible for lost or damaged items, so please keep all valuables on your person!

What’s the sitch with food and drink?

Our food vendor Comiditas will be providing a variety of tasty Peruvian fare including gluten free and vegan options! Check out the full menu and price list here (may be subject to change).

This year, the bar is being operated by 888 Yonge, which is a licensed venue. Beer, wine, and mixed drinks will be offered. There will be bars on both the main floor in the Concert Hall and the Red Room.

Whatcha Buyin’? Whatcha Sellin’?

We’ve got merch this year, emblazoned with our cute, wide-eyed logo designed by Josh Holinaty! All proceeds go directly to Hand Eye Society’s operations and programming.

Enamel Pins: $15

Tote bags: $10

Stickers: $3

Posters: $10 ea., $15 for both

Bundle (1 ea. of above + 5x stickers): $30

Bundles are a value of $55! Save $25 and support your local videogame arts non-profit at the same time.

Plus, HES Members and VIP get 15% off! Just flash your appropriately-coloured wristband.

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Will there be WiFi?

Unfortunately, there will not be WiFi this year, so if you don’t have data, bring a friend who does! Use of the #HESBall19 hashtag is encouraged.

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Are photography and videography allowed?

We will have an official photographer and videographer on site, so please keep in mind you may be recorded over the course of the evening. Footage and photos may be used for Hand Eye Society promotional purposes, such as Youtube videos or public photo albums.

Informal photography, videos, and sharing on social media using the #HESBall19 hashtag is generally encouraged. However, please be mindful of people’s space and privacy. Refrain from taking and sharing photos that are focused on strangers’ faces or bodies without their consent, and be mindful that just because someone is dressed up in a cool outfit doesn’t mean they want people taking photos of them. Ask permission if you are unsure.

See also our Safe Spaces Policy below.

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Is there parking in the area?

There’s no venue parking, but there is some street parking on Davenport. Don’t park in the Canadian Tire lot as it closes early and traps cars. That being said, the venue is just a few minute’s walk from Bloor-Yonge Station if you’re taking the TTC.

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What about smoking, vaping, and cannabis?

The usual laws apply and you will be asked to move an appropriate space away from the venue if you need to light up outside. There is a parkette called, appropriately enough, The Ancient Path across the street that you may use as well.

888 Yonge is a licensed venue and as such, it is illegal to bring in outside drink, edibles, or other substances.

~~~

HES throws awesome parties, but what else can I do to get involved?

So glad you asked! We’re a non-profit videogame arts organization that runs a variety of cultural and educational programming year-round, some of which is supported by your ticket purchase. Some of these activities include game-making workshops, social meetups, annual festivals and partnerships with other artistic communities both local and international. Visit our Programs and Initiatives page for more information, and consider subscribing to our e-mail newsletter, Facebook group and Twitter feed to get news fast. You might also consider becoming a member or volunteer!

Ssshh, the Ritual is in Session….

You! You remember. The Archivist can see it in your eyes. Yes. The history of this place and the Hand Eye Society may have been scattered to the wind by evil forces, but you can help. Every memory restored in the Timeline is a seed of victory. What do you remember?

Every year during the Ball, mysteries abound. There is no FAQ for that which presents no easy answer. You may however catch an exclusive glimpse of the strangeness to come by purchasing a VIP ticket, which comes with a free drink, access to a pre-party reception in the fabled Red Room, and a chance to experience a custom game (available to VIP ticket-holders only!) designed by acclaimed local game designer Droqen and co.

As for the rest of you general attendees? Never fear! There’s always something growing in The Thousand-Year Garden, a meeting place that transcends time and space. Play games, do quests, and defeat the Party Crasher once and for all by having an inter-dimensional blast!

This year’s meta-game is brought to you by Len Predko, Paloma Dawkins, Daniele Hopkins & Kyle Duffield of Electric Perfume, Jillian Wakarchuk, Jesse Gazic, Andrew Shenkman, Alexander Martin (Droqen), Dani Jones, Mark Sparling, Kit Grant, Dani Jones, and Saffron Aurora.

Wheelchair and Accessibility

Regretfully, although there is an access lift to certain parts of the building, 888 Yonge is not a particularly wheelchair-friendly space. There is an alternative entrance around back for wheelchairs so it is possible to get to the main Concert Hall. However, the 2nd floor is completely non-accessible due to stairs and the 5th floor may require some trial-and-error with the elevator due to maintenance issues causing the car to not line up perfectly with the floor when it stops.

There is a wheelchair bathroom off the main lobby.

If you are Disabled and/or in a wheelchair and intend on coming to the Ball, we encourage you to contact staff at ball@handeyesociety.com so that we may assist you in any way possible.

Safe Spaces Policy and Contact Info

We have a Safe Spaces Policy which will be enforced and violators ejected. If you experience or witness harassment, contact any of the volunteers who will be prominently wearing an easily identifiable coloured light about their person. We will also have Safe Spaces Officers who are available to take down reports, and hired security onsite.

You are also encouraged to tell Safe Spaces Officers or staff about incidents or people who have made you uncomfortable, even if you don’t want any action to be taken. Awareness is a good step to prevention!

You may email us at safe@handeyesociety.com or use our anonymous reporting form to let us know of any concerns, or contact the general HES Ball team at ball@handeyesociety.com with general inquiries.

HES Ball Team

• Sagan Yee: Executive Director
• Amanda Wong: Ticketing
• Ken Cho: Tech and Equipment
• Len Predko: Meta-Game
• Brendan Lehman: Music
• Pree Rehal: Volunteer Coordinator
• Kit Grant: Volunteer Coordinator
• Kai Winter: Volunteer Coordinator

Our Sponsors

Huge thanks to Ubisoft Toronto, Aird & Berlis LLC, CWA Canada, Game Workers Unite, Slanted Door, MKM Group, EGLX and ID@Xbox for their support!

Lead Sponsor

Artist Patrons

Venue Partner and Fundraising Support

Illustration by Jenn Woodall

Are you ready? Are you feeling the excitement yet? The burn? The wow-factor? Good. We’re less than a two weeks away from the fifth Hand Eye Society Ball at 888 Yonge, Sept 21! I know you have been wodering when the second wave of games to be announced for our 10-year anniversary party, so without further ado, feast your eyes on more fun and games to experience at this year’s videogame party! See you…at the Ball!

☞◉❖   [button size=’large’ style=” text=’Buy Tickets!’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://www.universe.com/events/hand-eye-society-ball-10th-year-anniversary-tickets-toronto-NK58SG’ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]   ☞◉❖

Already got your tickets? Please RSVP on the Facebook event and spread the word on social media with #HESBall19! And remember: All HES membership tiers get a 15% discount on all ticket tiers, new Annual memberships get a 20% discount, and VIP ticket holders get access to an exclusive pre-party reception featuring a custom game by Droqen.

!!! GAMES GAMES GAMES GAMES Part 2!!!

Light Organ
David Fono & Aaron Bernstein / Toronto, ON

A musical instrument that immerses you in light, and a rhythm game controlled with air.

Sloppy Forgeries
Jonah Warren / North Haven, Connecticut, USA

Sloppy Forgeries is a competitive painting game where players compete to copy famous paintings from art history as quickly and accurately is possible.

Plünge
Plünge Team / Oakville, ON

Control two plumbers as they battle through epic minigames including but not limited to: wizard battles, pipe tennis, and dating a sexy plumber.

Creepy Crêperie
Jessica Zhang, Liana Valdez, Justin San Juan, Harrison Pitts / Oakville, Brampton, and Toronto, ON

Creepy Crêperie is a fast paced alternative controller game where you assemble crepes as fast as you can! Use the different tools on the table to build each customer’s crepe.

Snake Set
sinefool / here, now

An extra-sensory snake-filled soundscape that explores the relationship between the player and the creator, combining live performance, classic arcade game, and occult journey.

!!! VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER !!!

Did you know you can get a FREE TICKET to the Ball? All for the low, low cost of helping us put on a great show for a couple hours, leaving you to enjoy the rest of the party! We’re looking for Safe Spaces Officers, game attendants, set-up and tear-down crew, and even Drama Kids with some acting/storytelling chops. Simply fill out the form below or e-mail amanda@handeyesociety.com with direct inquiries or questions about specific roles.

[button size=” style=” text=’Become a #HESBall18 Volunteer!’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://goo.gl/forms/WeuEgtqb1l9ny43l1′ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]

!!! OUR SPONSORS !!!

Huge thanks to Ubisoft Toronto, Aird & Berlis LLC, CWA Canada, Game Workers Unite Toronto, EGLX, Slanted Door, MKM Group and ID@Xbox for their support!

Lead Sponsor

Artist Patrons

Venue Partner and Funding Support

Got questions for the team? E-mail us at ball@handeyesociety.com

Illustration by Saffron Aurora

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Celebrate our 10th Anniversary on Sept 21 at the Hand Eye Society Ball!

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We’re less than a month away from the fifth Hand Eye Society Ball at 888 Yonge, Sept 21! Before we show you the first glimpse of this year’s fantastic games lineup, we’d just like to remind you that ticket prices will increase from $50 to $60 starting September 1! That means you have just 3 days to take advantage of this month’s pricing! All proceeds will go directly towards Hand Eye Society’s operations for 2020 and beyond. We’ve made it to the ten year mark and don’t intend to stop any time soon, but we need your help to continue maintaining our existing programming, develop new initiatives such as residencies and travelling exhibits, pay artists and staff fairly, buy new equipment, and tons of other exciting and important things. One VIP ticket goes a long way, and every little bit counts!

☞◉❖   [button size=’large’ style=” text=’Buy Tickets!’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://www.universe.com/events/hand-eye-society-ball-10th-year-anniversary-tickets-toronto-NK58SG’ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]   ☞◉❖

Already got your tickets? Please RSVP on the Facebook event and spread the word on social media with #HESBall19! And remember: All HES membership tiers get a 15% discount on all ticket tiers, new Annual memberships get a 20% discount, and VIP ticket holders get access to an exclusive pre-party reception featuring a custom game by Droqen.

!!! GAMES GAMES GAMES GAMES !!!

Now without further ado, here’s a look at the first half of the games waiting for you at this year’s Ball. Hailing from around the world, many of them won’t be available to play on just any old night; from toilet plunger-operated minigames to LED alternative controllers, these games were meant to be played IRL. And where better to experience them than at Toronto’s fanciest videogame party? Check out the list and stay tuned for more soon!

Wobble Garden
Robin Baumgarten / London, UK

Wobble Garden is an experimental hardware controller and interactive art platform with sensing springs and mesmerizing LED rings. The bright and colourful lights reflect of the springs and create a unique audio-visual and tactile experience. Plus: Meet the artist in person!

Manifold Garden
William Chyr Studio / Chicago, USA

Manifold Garden is a game that reimagines the laws of physics. Rediscover gravity and explore an Escher-esque world of impossible architecture. Not yet released!

GEMETON
Hangedman / Ottawa, ON

A digital divination engine, an occult fortune-teller in which the player participates in a nostalgic ritual to tell their own story of digital daemons.

Skeeper
Gregory Kogos / Germany

A colour-matching rhythm game played with 2 buttons on a long LED contraption. Give yourself over to soothing lo-fi beeps and bloops while the hypnotic gameplay puts you into the flow state.

Schwister
Electric Perfume (Daniele Hopkins & Kyle Duffield) / Toronto, ON

A team-based multiplayer competitive light-up tabletop arcade game that combines the spirit of Twister with the frenzy of Whack-A-Mole! Tiles randomly shuffle with each play, and two teams, red and blue, compete to turn off all their tiles before the other team.

Axe in the Dark
Team Axe in the Dark / Greater Toronto Area

A thrilling competitive fighting game. Hide among the shadows and hunt your opponents down in a fresh new hide-and-seek experience!

!!! VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER !!!

Did you know you can get a FREE TICKET to the Ball? All for the low, low cost of helping us put on a great show for a couple hours, leaving you to enjoy the rest of the party! We’re looking for Safe Spaces Officers, game attendants, set-up and tear-down crew, and even Drama Kids with some acting/storytelling chops. Simply fill out the form below or e-mail amanda@handeyesociety.com with direct inquiries or questions about specific roles.

[button size=” style=” text=’Become a #HESBall19 Volunteer!’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://forms.gle/sZ5sD4m6kPFE1jpu8′ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]

!!! OUR SPONSORS !!!

Huge thanks to Ubisoft Toronto, Aird & Berlis LLC, CWA Canada, Game Workers Unite, Slanted Door, MKM Group, EGLX, Highness Global and ID@Xbox for their support!

Got questions for the team? E-mail us at ball@handeyesociety.com

Hand Eye Society Ball: 10th Anniversary Edition

Sept 21, 2019 — The Concert Hall, 888 Yonge St.

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This is a 19+ Event. All attendees will be asked to provide legal ID at the door.

Toronto’s one-night celebration of contemporary art games and playful experiences from around the world returns! Our annual fancy videogame party helps us raise funds to sustain our ongoing year-round programming, as well as contribute towards another amazing decade exploring and supporting the playful arts. We’re planning our biggest bash yet, so don’t delay: Buy your tickets today, and spread the word!

!!!GAMES GAMES GAMES!!!

GAMES, WAVE 1

GAMES, WAVE 2

#HESBall19 / Twitter / Facebook Event

!!!ART MUSIC FOOD & MORE!!!

DJs, nom noms and special guests!

!!!FAQ!!!

Questions + Answers

Ticketing Info

Sponsorship includes Regular and VIP ticket packages. See our Sponsorship Deck for details.

VIP TICKET-HOLDERS RED ROOM RECEPTION! Get access to a special pre-party reception at 7 PM in 888 Yonge’s fabled Red Room. Have a drink on us, meet the artists, and play a custom mini-game designed exclusively for VIP ticket-holders. Includes a 1-year Hand Eye Society Membership!

DON’T MISS OUR JULY EARLY-BIRD SPECIAL! Save $20 off the regular Sept ticket price! Members get an additional 15-20% off!

HAND EYE SOCIETY MEMBERS GET DISCOUNTS ON ALL TIERS! Not a Member? Sign up now for as little as $5-7/month and get your code upon registration! New Annual and Studio Memberships registered after July 3 get an additional discount. All Members will also receive other perks like 15% off 10th Anniversary HES merch!

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Guest Artists (So Far!)

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Robin Baumgarten

Robin Baumgarten is a German Indie based in London, UK. After researching Artificial Intelligence in Games and working on mobile titles, he is now fully focused on creating playable interactive installations that straddle the divide of games and art, such as Line Wobbler (featured at HES Ball 2016) and Wobble Garden.

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Palgal

Montreal-based Paloma Dawkins AKA Palgal is a cartoonist and self-taught animator turned virtual-reality and video-game artist. Known for her fantastical landscapes inhabited by strange and lovable characters, Paloma strives to create magical spaces inspired by nature and human emotion.

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cos(mos)

cos(mos) is Cale Bradbury’s trip through astrological house music, with snake set wrapping an artistic journey from games>visuals>music back around on itself, bringing all the knowledge gained into an ouroborian experience between the DJ and the players.

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Also featuring poster design by Saffron Aurora, music by Mark Sparling, tech and art by Electric Perfume, and more to be announced soon! Want to join their ranks? Game submissions are open until July 15!

A Party 10,000 Years in the Making

The Thousand-Year Garden is a cooperative Boss Battle for 700 players, featuring unique art, music, and an interactive narrative designed for one night only. Building off the successful elements of last year’s meta-game, The Night of Four Houses, The Thousand-Year Garden will feature custom-made art, experiences, and immersive gameplay by Mark Sparling, Palgal, Electric Perfume, and more, exclusive to Hand Eye Society Ball 2019.

• Explore the Playful Arts Throughout the Multiverse! Dive into alternate timelines featuring various incarnations of the Hand Eye Society throughout ancient history and beyond.
• By Our Powers Combined! Complete sidequests and mini-games to gradually wear down The Party Crasher until the final Midnight Showdown.
• Special Themed Mini-Game for VIP Ticket Holders! Join us in the Red Room for a drink, engagement with the artists, and an exclusive interactive experience custom-made for sponsors and VIP ticket-holders. You may even discover special powers that will be useful in the battle to come…

Get Involved

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We curate artsy games, interactive installations, and playful experiences from Toronto and around the world.

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Support our non-profit and fuel the next decade of year-round programming and initiatives.

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Join the team and help make this a night to remember.

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Sponsorship Inquiries: amana@highnessglobal.com; sagan@handeyesociety.com
General Information: ball@handeyesociety.com
Ticketing and Other Announcements: Subscribe to our Newsletter

FAQ

So many changes this year! What’s going on?

The Hand Eye Society Ball was initially conceived in 2014 as a fundraiser as well as a super cool party, and this year we’ve made some changes to better reflect that intention. With the cost of venue rentals rising and the sheer amount of effort that goes into putting on a production this big every year, we are taking steps to make sure that ticket pricing and sponsorship tiers reflect the true cost of supporting Hand Eye Society’s year-round activities, the vast majority of which are free and open to the public. We will continue to do our best to make sure that all our events are as accessible as possible, while still meeting the long-term needs and goals of the organization.

We thank the community for every single bit of support that comes our way, and look forward to another 10 amazing years of supporting the independent games community in Toronto and beyond!

Where does the money raised from the Ball go?

All proceeds from the Ball will go directly to supporting Hand Eye Society’s year-round programming and initiatives, including Comics X Games, WordPlay, Camp Make-a-Game, Game Curious, Fund Futures, workshops, Mississauga programming, our TPL workshops, the Torontron fleet, the monthly newsletter, and many other partnerships and activities too numerous to list here. Additionally, we have many other operational expenses that cannot be fully covered by other revenue sources like government grants. These include purchasing new computers and equipment, renting office space (a dream we hope to realize in 2020!), and research and development for new programs.

What is the Meta-Game?

The Meta-Game started in 2015 when we started introducing live performance into the Ball, and has since grown into a much more ambitious tradition. Loosely combining elements of videogames mechanics, Escape Rooms, LARPs, and immersive theatre, the Meta-Game is an immersive narrative that overlays the entire party experience. You can read more about last year’s Meta-Game, The Night of Four Houses, which involved live improv, LED bowties, and a haunted piano with secret codes.

Is this a 19+ event?

Very yes. We will be checking ID at the door, no exceptions.

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Image Credits: Annual General Mischief (top photo) by Little Dada, Len Predko and Anthony Swan, 2016. Photos by Paul Hillier, Dean Tomlinson, and Morgan Hotston. Images by The Noun Project creators: Ashwin Dinesh (Eye), sofi (Game), Nathan Morel (Hand), Janet Cordahi (Top Hat).

Hand Eye Society thanks the following organizations for their support thus far. Want your logo at the bottom of every subsequent HES Ball blog post, or even at the bottom of our monthly newsletter for an entire year? Check out our Sponsorship Deck!

Huge thanks to Ubisoft Toronto, Aird & Berlis LLC, CWA Canada, Game Workers Unite, Slanted Door, MKM Group and ID@Xbox for their support!

Lead Sponsor

Artist Patrons

Venue Partner

Celebrate our 10th Anniversary on Sept 21, 2019 at the Hand Eye Society Ball!

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Celebrate Hand Eye Society’s 10th Anniversary

Sept 21, 2019 — The Concert Hall, 888 Yonge St.

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We curate artsy games, interactive installations, and playful experiences from around the world.

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Support our non-profit and fuel the next decade of year-round programming and initiatives.

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Join the team and help make this a night to remember.

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Sponsorship Inquiries: amana@highnessglobal.com; sagan@handeyesociety.com
General Information: ball@handeyesociety.com
Ticketing and Other Announcements: Subscribe to our Newsletter

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Image Credits: Annual General Mischief (top photo) by Little Dada, Len Predko and Anthony Swan, 2016. Photos by Paul Hillier, Dean Tomlinson, and Morgan Hotston. Images by The Noun Project creators: Ashwin Dinesh (Eye), sofi (Game), Nathan Morel (Hand), Janet Cordahi (Top Hat).

The Hand Eye Society thanks the following organizations for their support thus far. More to come soon!