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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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.

I want to wear shorts and a t-shirt OUTSIDE. But we’re getting there, I can feel it! Hang in there friends, the best is yet to come!

There are tons of events this month so slap on those thermal undies, get out there and get inspired! You can do this! I believe in you! Let’s go February!

Here is a still from Yakuza 0 to both confuse you and inspire you to make new friends!

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

February 1 & 2

Heck yeah to Digital Futures Open Show at OCADU!  Go see what’s new!

February 2

There’s a Game of Thrones metagame coming to Toronto! Get your tickets! WHY AM I YELLING? SPRING IS COMING.

February 3

Game Design Meetup! Play tabletops or learn how to make your own? Sounds like a good deal!

February 4

The GTA’s coolest mom+friends are hosting a charity Twitch stream! For a whole week, you can tune in, donate and chat with friends! And that’s not all!

They even have a grand prize of a trip for 2 to LA to see the Toronto Defiant (our Overwatch team) compete and a meet and greet.  It comes with round trip air fare, hotel accommodations and $500 spending money!  Nintendo has also given them 7 switches and games to give away (one for every day!)

HYPE!!

February 7

Interactive Writing with Texture: Valentine’s Edition!

February 13

Tiny 2D Point and Click Adventures in Unity! Dang, this sound fun as heck! Maybe you’ll see ME there!

February 16

Every wonder what the hell to do with your money while making an indie game? Behold, Budgeting for Indie Games. DMG is on a roll!

February 23

Feb Fatale 6: Killing Cyberpunk–a DMG Game Jam *cue Blade Runner music*

February 22 & 23

Foxconn Frequency–a work of “algorithmic theatre” that incorporates real-time game mechanics, piano pedagogy, 3D-printing, and the poetry of former Foxconn worker Xu Lizhi. Whoa!

WHERE TO HAUNT – SOCIALS

February 6

The Breakfast Game Audio Club meets again! Reminder: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

February 9

Black and Indigenous Futures! Come chat about the intersection between artists, writers and more!

Sick of the weather? Jam with some cool art and cool music at Long Winter!

February 14

Don’t spend Valentine’s alone! Find Your Player 2 (Gosh, that’s cute as heck) at Power Up!

February 27

Let’s Talk About Vogue Dancing! I know some of y’all are interested in dance, so maybe you can check this out, too? Maybe some tips if you want to add dancing to your games? Also a great way to see movement for animating too? It’s freeeeeee!

The Hive E-sports is still buzzin’ (I’m not gonna stop with the bee puns) Anyways, The Indie Mixer is back! Go meet people from the community! Make friends! Make games! Yay! Starts at 7pm and goes to 10pm.

Trends in The Gaming Industry is being hosted at triOS College HQ! Check out their info session

Casual Gaymer Wednesday is over at Power Up Bar! They have Mario Party, and that’s always a good time!

COMING AND GOING ATTRACTIONS

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The amazing folks over at ID@Xbox have been so kind to host a Q&A with local devs on how to get your games up and running on their platform! Spots are limited, so sign up ASAP!

P.S. They got light nom’s also! Mmmm food!

SIGN UP!

Our submissions for ComicsXGames is still open! Please submit your games! Deadlines are February 7th!

GAIA is here! That’s The Game Arts International Assembly, mind you. And you, yes you, can submit talks, panels and more! Deadline is at the end of the month. See for yourself!

#ICYMI

Gig Economy is as decribed as follows: “Defend your minimum-wage job against impending automation” OOF

Toronto born and made, baby!

Benjamin Rivers announced a new game!

BREADWINNER – JOBS/GIGS/OPPORTUNITIES/DEADLINES

Our friends over at Prodigy has jobs. Like, a lot of jobs. JOBS!

Reptoid Games is looking for a Producer and an Animation Director!

Studio MDHR is in a documentary by Red Bull Gaming! Ahh! That’s so rad! Check it out! They have more content from other cool things happening in games, so be sure to check their channel out!

Scott is so cool omg. I don’t know what these tweets mean, (he’s full of secrets imo) but maybe send him stuff anyway?

VividFoundry is looking for a 3D environment artist *stressing on* folks from Ontario, Canada. Quickly you have until midnight Feb 2nd to apply!

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.

We are excited to announce a very special event, courtesy of official Hand Eye Society Ball partner, Snap Inc., and the Toronto Media Arts Centre (TMAC). Join us for a cozy evening with the Snapchat team, as we explore the new Lens Studio Augmented Reality platform: A great way for artists, students, developers, animators, and practically anyone to unleash their creativity — and share it with the 70 million people who play with Lenses on Snapchat every single day!

Event Info

Friday, November 16
6 PM to 9 PM
Toronto Media Arts Centre (TMAC)
32 Lisgar Street

No experience with AR needed! Light catering will be provided.

AGENDA

• 6:00 Arrival
• 6:30 Intro to Lens Studio & Demo
• 7:00 Inspiration & Creative Best Practices
• 7:15 Q & A
• 7:30 Happy Hour and Fun!

This event is FREE, but space is limited.

[button size=’large’ style=” text=’Click here to reserve your spot!’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://www.universe.com/events/an-evening-with-snap-lens-studio-tickets-toronto-J6VF9G’ target=’_self’ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]

Meet a Snapchat developer as they demonstrate the process of importing your artwork, crafting your interactive experience using Lens Studio templates, and finally publishing your finished Lens to Snapchat. Attendees will also get to learn more about the best practices of creating a Lens and the unique possibilities that Lens Studio and AR can offer independent artists and developers. There will be a Q&A, followed by drinks, mingling, and a chance to talk with the Snap Lens Studio folks; possibly even a Lens scavenger hunt!

Snap to unlock!

We know it’ll be a cold winter’s eve, so warm up with Lenses like Flaming Skull, open a magic door to a tropical paradise, or just make your very own mug of hot cocoa appear no matter where you are. Bring your coolest (or hottest) ideas, and see you there!

Disclaimer: By registering for the workshop, you opt-in to receive emails from Snap’s Lens Studio team and the Hand Eye Society.

Partners