It’s June! Finally! I never thought we’d make it! Give yourselves a pat on the back. This is what I wanted! You ready to feel that H E A T? Let’s sizzle on Queen Street, baby!!!

Anyway, last month was WILD for Hand Eye Society! We had Comics X Games at TCAF and we also had our second Anti-fascist game jam! But alas, it’s June and we get to start over again with more events that’ll make your head spin (in a good way, we don’t want y’all gettin’ dizzy!) Now I want to go to the beach and play my Nintendo DS…mmm yes, that’s a good June to me.

Also, don’t forget to save the date for September 21st! [REDACTED] is happening soon and we’ll be dropping new details in a city near you! Don’t sleep, and keep your eyes on our feed for updates! Let’s go, 30ºC!

Also, I saw this tweet (below) and I was like “oh.”

Please email me your answer because I’M VERY INTERESTED IN YOUR THOUGHTS!111!one!11eleven!11

Don’t forget, there’s Google Calendar, in which you can check out all of the events here in one handy, downloadable place!

WHERE TO HAUNT – SOCIALS

June 10

Game Workers Union Toronto chapter is having their Game Workers Mixer at the Burdock Music Hall! Register and bring your co-workers with you after work!

June 20

The Indie Mixer is back and even more awesome than ever with their collaboration with Bonus Stage! Get your mix on at The Hive and register/RSVP on their website.

#ICYMI

COMING AND GOING ATTRACTIONS

The Long Exposure Festival is will be here next month!

On July 13th, the second Long Exposure Festival will fill Flemingdon park with interactive games, installations, snacks and performances!

This is a free, all-ages event. There will be workshops for kids on how to spin poi and assemble LED toys to explore, alongside the artwork in the park. The Long Exposure Festival features a 8ft glowing moon, an interactive claw machine, aerial dance performers, a glow-in-the-dark ball pit, and more!  This event is located in Flemingdon park between Gateway Blvd and Don Mills Rd, next to the soccer field.

The 4th Annual VRTO – Virtual & Augmented Reality World Conference & Expo! (Hand Eye Society Members keep a lookout in your email for a surprise )

Summer is coming. (take THAT Game of Thrones) And that means Camp Make-A-Game is almost upon us!

https://twitter.com/phoenixsimms/status/1132319992840634368

BREADWINNER – JOBS/GIGS/OPPORTUNITIES/DEADLINES

The 2019 Full Indie Summit is-a comin’ this September! Not only that but they’re looking for speakers! If you have something on your chest, now’s the time to speak up!

This might be useful to Ontario games folk? The Ontario government is speeding up tax credits for your games! Which is good because most other things they’re up to is awful.

https://twitter.com/JanDavidHassel/status/1132577573987336192

Uken has jobs!

Rockstar has jobs!

Ubisoft has jobs!

Disclaimer: This is a monthly compilation of various Toronto game news and events in and around the city — many of which are not organized by Hand Eye Society — and is by no means comprehensive. Always check official links for accurate details and credits, and please send any corrections, additions, or submissions for future months to calendar@handeyesociety.com before the month in which the event takes place.

Yay! It’s May! It’s been a long time coming and there’s great stuff coming up! “But Royel, what kind of stuff you may ask me?” and I’ll say, “ACK! exCUSE ME??? It’s Comics X Games this month! Have you even seen the GAMES or even seen the TALKS?? How dare you!” And then you’ll be like, “I’m sorry I let you down.” And I’ll be like, “It’s fine! See ya there ok thanks byeeee!”

Still, we at Hand Eye Society are hard at work making our other upcoming events are in tip top shape! Speaking of which, S E P T E M B E R…..

Why do I keep mentioning September? So weird… Anyway, it’s time to see what’s up this month and digest the heck out of it!

Don’t forget, there’s Google Calendar, in which you can check out all of the events here in one handy, downloadable place!

WHERE TO JAUNT – EVENTS

May 1

Our friends at Glad Day Bookshop is having a launch party for Shout Out–A queer YA anthology! Sketches and signings and social, oh my!

May 2

Using Twitch Streaming for Performance Art? Uhh… hells yeah, count me in!

May 1-5

Go support OCAD students with their GradEx 104–A graduate exhibition~ It’s all free and features the work of 800 students??? Excuse me?? HOW?

May 4

There’s going to be a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate! Choose Sonic or Jigglypuff who are the best characters! Shout outs to The Black Nerds for hosting!

There’s also going to be a games tournament at Sky Zone Toronto! Could be fun!

May the 4th be with you!  

Ooo bby

May 5

We at Hand Eye Society are hosting our first ever Anti-Fascist Game Jam! Sign up to our form for additional details!

May 7

Toronto Gaymers are back at it with another session of FIGHT CLUB!

May 9

TCAF Drink n’ Draw is here! You can…uhh…drink…and draw! Wild! What a fun time!

Power Up Bar has Rock Band Nights for those who want to get their rock on. Hells yeah, play that GEEETAAAR!

Detective Pikachu! Lmao. Not really Toronto-related, but I sure as heck am going to see this movie! I can’t wait!

May 11

It’s finally here! The One! The Only! It’s the annual Hand Eye Society Comics X Games featuring speakers, over 30 games and endless fun! Ahhh! We’re working hard to bring you the best one yet! It’s going to be awesome!

There’s going to be a TCAF Queer Mixer! Get your queer butts over to the Glad Day Bookshop and chat up a storm with like-minded individuals!

You like Marvel, right? Well, get those superhero tights out and fly on down to Power Up Bar who is hosting the Ultimate Marvel Party! (maybe it’s a good idea to watch Avengers:Endgame before you go? folks might be talking about that movie!)

May 12

Oh wow, what a treat! Perturbator is going to have a concert at The Phoenix! You may remember them from Hotline Miami! It’s gonna be a BOP!

May 13

Another month, another super fun game designers night at Snakes & Lattes. Prototype, play and chat!

May 15

Join us for a FREE night of talk and play with game workers, players and artists confronting capitalism, white supremacy, and misogyny in real and virtual worlds.  Unfeeling Capitalism: Ruptures in Videogame Culture is presented by Mayworks Festival of Working People and the Arts, in collaboration with Hand Eye Society, Dames Making Games, Toronto Media Arts Centre, Unifor National, and Game Workers Unite.

May 16

Want to learn how to create reusable model assets? DMG has their Modular Building with 3DS Max & UE4 event just for youuuuu!

May 29

DMG is hosting a talk about Writing Dialogue For Games! Narrative designers, GET IN HERE!

WHERE TO HAUNT – SOCIALS

May 8

Creator Resource is hosting a Short Stories & Zines Panel and Social in in partnership of TCAF! Looks like a lot of fun!

May 9

It’s the Breakfast Game Audio Club happening at TMAC! Eat light noms, chat about game audio! Have fun!

May 11-12

Again! Yay! Comics X Games at TCAF! It’s gonna be wild! Come play! Come chat! Come sit around and watch everyone say “excuse me” and “sorry” as they bump into each other in the library looking at cool zines, games and more! It’s gonna be so much fun!

The DMG May Speaker Social is ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!

May 20

Friends Play Games #127? Wow, I can’t even count that high! Get out there and play games! Also, if you’re going to talk about Avengers: Endgame, make sure you don’t spoil it for others who haven’t seen it yet. Keep TMAC a Spoiler-free zone! #thoughtful

May 21

B O N U S  S T A G E~ This month’s topic is themes and tropes in games, so you’ll know a lot of folks will have something to say. Check it.

COMING AND GOING ATTRACTIONS

COME TO COMICS X GAMES OH MY GOODNESS IT’S GOING TO BE SO MUCH FUN I CAN’T EVEN DEAL

https://twitter.com/Mr_Tedders/status/1123255783125286913

#ICYMI

https://twitter.com/Mr_Tedders/status/1123907232213630977

There was a feature on CBC about Crunching in videogeames, which I think you REALLY should read. Also, support Game Workers Unite Toronto!

BREADWINNER – JOBS/GIGS/OPPORTUNITIES/DEADLINES

Our friends at Get Set Games has a lot of jobs open for ya!

Ubisoft has jobs!

Rockstar has JERBS!!

Achimostawinan Games is looking for a 2D Animator/Artist and Cree Translator for their new game, Hill Agency!

Disclaimer: This is a monthly compilation of various Toronto game news and events in and around the city — many of which are not organized by Hand Eye Society — and is by no means comprehensive. Always check official links for accurate details and credits, and please send any corrections, additions, or submissions for future months to calendar@handeyesociety.com before the month in which the event takes place.

Yeah, no. For real this time. That groundhog said there was going to be early spring, but it’s all a sham! It lied! I can never trust mammals ever again! I can’t believe I fell for the hype!

Oh, the shame! If you ever see a groundhog, please do me a favour and send them to the shame corner!

This is EXACTLY why I trust hedgehogs. They wont lie to me…will they?

Hmmm…this remains to be seen, but either way March is here regardless and there are tons of stuff to do!

Have fun, friends! Cross your fingers and toes for double-digit positive temperatures!

Don’t forget, there’s Google Calendar, in which you can check out all of the events here in one handy, downloadable place!

March 2

Come celebrate Kingdom Hearts III over at Power Up Game Bar! K-K-Kingdom Nights!

Oh look! It’s Game Gallery 4! Play some games, listen to some music. Just chill out, fam~.

Game Gallery 4! Look at that font! I love it!

March 4

Toronto Gaymers is hosting a D&D Adventures! Go forth!

March 5

Art Strategies for the Modern Animation Warrior. Learn about the challenges and rewards of working as an indie!

How Videogames Can Make You A Better Person. Oh?? Well that’s certainly a term to get me interested!

For International Women’s Day the ultra-rad Anita Sarkeesian will be speaking at the ROM for History vs. Women!

March 7

Want to learn how to do Augmented Reality? Check out this workshop! Registration Deadline is March 5!

March 12-14

There’s going to be a Toronto Kids Digital Festival! Get your kids out to touch, experience and play different forms of media! Tickets are up for sale now!

March 13

Going to GDC and want to know how to make the best of it? Check out the iLunch and get your tickets! You may find some hidden GDC tips and secrets!

DMG is hosting an Intro to Arduino workshop! This sounds awesome! (Moved to April 3rd)

Oh, The Horror Of It All! No, really. That’s the name of the event! Check out what’s going on in horror film and literature!

Feed me horror!

March 13 -23

‘Art Cart Showcase is a partnership between Workman Arts and Gifts of Light, which pairs established Workman Arts member artists with CAMH client services to provide peer-to-peer arts programming with professional materials.’ Amazing!

March 14

Rock Band Night! Now you can play Queen songs… with others! You liked that movie, right? Teehee!

Thursday night Magic the Gathering! I’ve never played magic, but if you do, you are in good company!

March 15

Like stickers, prints and zines? Of course you do! Then maybe check out Zine Zone Winter 2019!

March 16

DMG is also hosting Freelance Negotiations for Artists and Contractors. Talking about money is hard. This workshop seems like fun!

Want to go to Another Unspecific After Party? Power Up Game Bar has you covered!

March 23

Not going to GDC? Yeah, same. However, DMG has their DMG GDC Offsite 2019 Edition! No need to go to San Francisco for this one!

March 27

Ever wanted to create a controller for a your body? Hells yeah you do! There’s a workshop for that! Body-Centric Game Controllers at DMG!

WHERE TO HAUNT – SOCIALS

March 5

The first rule of Fight Club–DARN IT! Anyways, here’s Fight Club!

March 18

Game Designers Night at Snakes and Lattes! Play some new table tops and make your maybe?

March 27

Do you create stuff? Well, Glad Day Bookshop is having a Creator Social. Details TBD, but it seems interesting…

March 28

Glad Day Bookshop is having a Network Event! Tell those folks who you are and what you do!

COMING AND GOING ATTRACTIONS

March 18- March 22

Game Developer’s Conference in San Francisco! Bring a sweater! That part of California isn’t as hot as you think!

March 28 – March 31

Penny Arcade Expo in Boston, which still has a few tickets for a few days!

#ICYMI

BRAVERY NETWORK ONLINE!!!

Look at this impressive vinyl!

https://twitter.com/Mr_Tedders/status/1106951021098614787

Real actors in a game? Excuse me? What year is this, 2099???

BREADWINNER – JOBS/GIGS/OPPORTUNITIES/DEADLINES

The Mixer is having a Game Environment Art Challenge! Concept submissions will be held from March 25 to April 7th! Maybe check it out and see what you can make?

Our friends at Get Set Games has a lot of jobs open for ya!

Ubisoft has jobs!

Rockstar has JERBS!!

The folks over at Sonderlust Studios are looking for a Lead Writer, Designer and an Environment Artist! Apply!

Glu has a lot of cool openings!

Are you a Software engineer or Backend engineer looking for work? Uken has your back!

Disclaimer: This is a monthly compilation of various Toronto game news and events in and around the city — many of which are not organized by Hand Eye Society — and is by no means comprehensive. Always check official links for accurate details and credits, and please send any corrections, additions, or submissions for future months to calendar@handeyesociety.com before the month in which the event takes place.

It’s true: Hand Eye Society is looking for someone to help deliver our vision of growing, supporting, and exploring the video game arts to Toronto and beyond! The Communications Manager will work alongside the Operations and Projects staff to engage audiences about our various programs, as well as signal-boost other gaming arts-related events through our newsletter and social media channels. We’re a diverse team who have worked to bring the playful arts to a variety of spaces, from public libraries and schools to film festivals and art galleries, and we are looking for someone who is excited to help shape the future of the medium with us!

[button size=’large’ style=” text=’Apply here before August 26!’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScurqtHD0E1TED9OEGFCMYvQodcpVob8BwtmYiypGPXrwyzlg/viewform?usp=sf_link’ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=’center’ margin=”]

Our staff is made up of people from a wide range of backgrounds (including PoC, WoC, LGBTQ, and Disabled), and several of us are involved to some degree in social justice movements or activities. Candidates from marginalized or underprivileged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply —  Lived experience is expertise! If there is anything in this application process that would pose a barrier to applying beyond the main requirements, please contact Sagan at sagan@handeyesociety.com to discuss options.

About Us

Hand Eye Society (HES) is a nomadic non-profit arts organization whose mission is to support and celebrate games and playful media made primarily as a means of creative expression. We aim to engage artists, players, and the game curious in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with a wide variety of year-round programming, including festivals, workshops, exhibits, and other events and partnerships. Founded in 2009, HES played an instrumental part in laying the foundation for Toronto’s vibrant, active indie games community, and continues to grow as it approaches its 10th anniversary in 2019.

Job Description

HES Communications encompasses the following activities: Newsletter and Calendar; Website; Social Media; Promotion and Marketing; Documentation; Memberships; some Fundraising and Sponsorships. As HES continues to grow, the Communications Manager may eventually delegate certain responsibilities to other staff. Until then, the selected candidate will work alongside the Executive Director, Director of Operations, Director of Technology, and Project Leads to generally oversee and execute tasks in all of these areas.

• Remote, work-from-home
• $25/hour after probationary period (see Hiring Schedule)
• Approx. 20-30 hours per month
• Start date: September 2018

Main Tasks

• Researching and writing the monthly newsletter and blog posts, approx. 1-4 per month depending on event frequency; maintaining the Google Calendar event list (20%)
• Managing our social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter (15-20%)
• Maintaining and updating our WordPress website (15-20%)
• Promote our events and programming to the general public, members, sponsors, press; create promotional campaigns and strategies for larger HES events, such as Comics X Games, WordPlay and the Hand Eye Society Ball (20%)
• Oversee the creation of promotional and marketing materials such as posters, banners, flyers, trailers, etc. and ensuring sponsorship inclusion (10%)
• Handle incoming memberships and membership engagement (10%)
• Respond to incoming general inquiries, and forwarding specific inquiries to the appropriate staff person if needed (5%)
• Misc administrative duties (3%)
• Update and manage list of promotional resources and press (2%)

Requirements and Expectations

• Lives in Toronto/Greater Toronto Area
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills
• Reliable computer and Internet access
• Broad knowledge of the Toronto video game and media arts communities and organizations (industry, academic, arts, activist, etc.)
• Responds to e-mail, Slack, Twitter and Facebook messages in a timely fashion
• Must be able to work from home with mainly online interaction and the occasional in-person meeting, approximately 1-4 times per month
• Must practice policies of equity and inclusion, including undergoing staff training and making sure volunteers and organizational partners also reflect our community values

Bonus Points!

• Has a unique creative writing voice and the ability to tell a good story
• Knowledgeable about best practices in social media, e-newsletters and blog writing
• General knowledge of international gaming arts networks
• Ability to research news outlets and press, and engage them with our stories
• Owns and is able to use image editing software such as Photoshop
• Understanding of graphic design principles and the process of creating visual promotional material for both print and web (Facebook banners, posters, pamphlets, etc)
• Experience with sponsorship and fundraising

Ideal Platform Proficiencies

• WordPress (strong)
• Mailchimp (strong)
• Twitter (strong)
• Facebook (strong)
• Gmail, Google Drive and Google Calendar (medium)
• Slack (medium)
• Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign (strong bonus)

Benefits and Opportunities

• Flexible hours
• All benefits of HES membership plus free attendance at our workshops and events
• Help program and curate HES activities (Note: Our Conflict of Interest Policy will be in effect, as this is an Operational role)
• Occasional travel/research opportunities to non-HES arts events as appropriate
• Optional health insurance through the Arts & Entertainment Plan offered by AFBS
• Reasonable scheduling accommodations for mental and physical health
• Work with a diverse, passionate team helping to make video games a more inclusive, artsier place!

Hiring Schedule

• Application Period: Submissions close Sunday August 26. Only select candidates will be chosen for an interview, to be scheduled throughout early September. Our final decision will be made by September 30 at the latest, but we are aiming for no later than Sept 10. Interviews will be conducted by the executive director Sagan Yee, and possibly one other staffperson.

• Probationary Period: 3 months from first day of work, to be determined with lead candidate. Compensation during this period will be $20/hour. Training will take place over a few scheduled in-person meetings, after which most communication will take place over e-mail and Slack.

• Review and Renewal: After the Probationary Period, we will review the candidate’s performance with them and, if both parties are in agreement, renew our contract for 2019. Compensation will be raised to $25/hour, in line with Hand Eye Society’s other key Operational roles. Contract will be 1-year renewable.

Code of Conduct

The Hand Eye Society is dedicated to upholding policies which reflect our values around equity, inclusion and diversity. Our staff is made up of people from a wide range of backgrounds (including PoC, LGBTQ, and disabled), and several of us are involved to some degree in social justice activist movements or activities. We do not tolerate offensive verbal comments or attitudes towards gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, ethnicity, or socioeconomic standing; in addition, we strive to ensure that the organizations and individuals with whom we work also reflect our values in this regard. The selected candidate is expected to be open about learning and implementing best practices with regards to diversity and equity policies, including taking staff training if needed. You may also refer to our Safer Spaces Policy.

Please contact the Executive Director at sagan@handeyesociety.com with any questions about this position.