Montreal International Game Summit 2009

Game On Manitoba is bringing its virtual “A-game” to the 2009 Montreal International Game Summit (MIGS) this November – a two-day event that showcases the very best in video game development from across the globe.

One of the premiere events in the video gaming industry, more than 1,500 members of the international video gaming community are expected to attend the summit, which includes specialized conferences hosted by world-renowned experts in programming, visual arts, game design, production and business, audio design and Serious Games.

“It’s one of the biggest in Canada for video game development,” says Game On Manitoba spokesman Edward Suzuki, Senior Project Manager, Destination Winnipeg. “It is essential for us to be there to not only represent Manitoba’s video gaming sector, but to continue to keep us at the forefront of the industry.”

This year, 12 video game developers and industry stakeholders from Manitoba are attending the event under the Game On Manitoba banner, to highlight the services, products and accomplishments of the local video gaming community.

Like last year, the Game On Manitoba booth is expected to draw some big crowds with their interactive display. Here visitors get a chance to try out and test the latest made-in-Manitoba video games featuring pirates, curling, clones and robotics.

But it’s not all fun and games. The booth will also feature learning based games based on space exploration.

“Here in Manitoba we have business who specialize in both areas – serious games and entertainment, so it is important to showcase the diversity Manitoba’s gaming sector has to offer,” says Suzuki.

According to those who attended the 2008 summit, events like MIGS are hugely important to highlight Manitoba’s gaming industry.

“As a result of Game On Manitoba’s attendance last year, several companies have developed leads and are currently in discussions with their projects. They have also been presented with partnership opportunities, some of which have already developed into business consortiums,” said Suzuki.

This year, Game On Manitoba is hoping to continue to build on the success of last year and increase the overall awareness of Manitoba’s video gaming industry.

For more information on MIGS visit www. sijm.ca