Welcome one and all, as we embark on what is sure to be a memorable and informative journey. Adventure awaits dear friends, but before we begin talking to these passionate and insightful individuals, allow me to set the stage. Only then, can we begin. executive producers CK “CKD” Dhaliwal Ken "sharktankone" Bautista Tristan "Ravanos11" Ham produced by Cory "Sellarcast" Sellar music by Envato cover art by Canva hosted by Cory "Sellarcast" Sellar --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodgameyeg/message

GameCon Canada, the country's largest gaming convention, is making Edmonton its home for the next three years after a successful inaugural event in 2023, down in Calgary. The brainchild of Maybel Consulting during the pandemic, this massive convention features a wide array of gaming experiences like video games, board games, AR/VR, and tabletop RPGs with a focus on community building through partnerships with local organizations. After receiving bids from multiple cities, Edmonton won the rights to host GameCon's immersive gaming paradise that aims to showcase the industry, provide opportunities for local talent and businesses, and implement health/wellness initiatives - all while continuously improving based on community feedback. We’ll see you at Game Con! Plus, have the chance to get a hug for your eyes and mind with ümay.rest. GLHF Important Links: https://gameconcanada.com/ https://www.tixr.com/groups/gameconcanada/events/game-con-canada-powered-by-telus-82766  https://GCC2024.expofp.com?umay  https://umay.rest/pages/discover-umay-rest  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/good-enough9 Join the conversation: Send your thoughts via text or voice message to [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodgameyeg/message

As we explore the esports program at Vimy Ridge Academy, we talk to their Esports Director, Travis Bouchard. He shares his first interaction with video games and how his passion for gaming led him to start the program. Travis explains the process of gaining buy-in from decision-makers, students, and parents, highlighting the importance of trust and open-mindedness. He emphasizes the benefits of the program, including building a community, developing communication skills, promoting physical fitness, and exploring various career opportunities in the esports industry. #VIMYPROUD Important Links: https://vimyridge.epsb.ca/programs/esports/https://www.esportcanada.org/about-ed-edu Join the conversation: Send your thoughts via text or voice message to [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodgameyeg/message

This installment features Allyson Cikor, an Environment Art Outsource Manager for the Coalition Studio, and she shares her journey in the gaming industry. She discusses her early experiences with games and her passion for game development. Allyson also talks about her indie VR game studio that she co-founded with her husband, the challenges of funding in the gaming industry, and the rise of indie studios. She highlights community's importance and involvement with the Lethbridge Game Developers Guild. We also explore the differences and opportunities in game development, gaming, and esports, the passion and community of esports, the development of the esports program at Lethbridge College, overcoming resistance to esports in education, the landscape of esports programs in post-secondary education, and the significance of the High Level Innovation Conference in Lethbridge. Important Links: 📧 [email protected]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyson-cikor-b6654b108/  https://www.gearsofwar.com/neverfightalone/ https://discord.gg/Ec7jZB8WHa  https://lethbridgecollege.ca/programs-and-courses/virtual-and-augmented-reality https://highlevelinnovation.com/  https://playnightingale.com/ Join the conversation: Send your thoughts via text or voice message to [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodgameyeg/message

Class has begun and Shadi “Zedi” Hanna shares how his experiences and passion for video games led him to a sustainable career in esports. From his time navigating college to landing his most recent gig as an instructor for the Esports Business Management program at Bow Valley College in Calgary.  Important Links Esports Business Management | Bow Valley College Events Calendar — ALBERTA ESPORTS ASSOCIATION Alberta Esports Championship 2024 | About High Level Innovation Conference - Tech, Tourism, and Gaming Tickets, Fri, 3 May 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite Connect with Shadi Email: [email protected] Linkedin: Shadi Hanna - Bow Valley College | LinkedIn Join the conversation: Send your thoughts via text or voice message to [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodgameyeg/message

The game is set with a fresh sheet of ice as Ben “uninsta1l” Thomson, clutches his controller as he awaits for puck drop at another EA SPORTS NHL World Championship. He’s repped an Oilers jersey for the past three seasons but will wear some new threads as he reps the Florida Panthers for 2024. Please sit back and enjoy the game as we chat about his competitive journey, buy-in from his parents, growing the local CHEL scene, and where he hopes to land as he continues to build his career. #LetsGoOilers Special thanks to Nate Thomson. Good Talk! Connect with uninsta1l https://www.twitch.tv/uninsta1l (Twitch) https://twitter.com/uninsta1l (X/Twitter) Join the conversation Send your thoughts via text or voice message to [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodgameyeg/message

The return of esports events was bestowed upon Edmonton City Council on Feb. 7, 2024, with a report prepared by City Administration that consisted of different actions identified in the Alberta Esports Strategy that would fall under municipal control and within its existing budget. It was noted that careful consideration was made based on existing budgets, resources, mandates, and city council priorities for the report’s creation. The discussion was a mix of what was and what wasn’t included in the report. The opposition primarily being, a lack of community engagement outside of the municipal agencies. In this episode, I discuss things that stood out to me from the conversation between council, administration, and guest speakers on this agenda item. Watch the Council Mtg Discussions 24.02.07 - YEGCC Exec Committee Mtg | https://tinyurl.com/ysxnv8r4 23.04.04 - YEGCC Mtg | https://tinyurl.com/3sxde4yz Report Links: Alberta Esports Expo Summary Report 2023 | https://tinyurl.com/3ukcjxtf Actions Within Municipal Influence | https://tinyurl.com/2wjj79ra Possible Expansion of Roles | https://tinyurl.com/53cnepvv Gaming Initiatives and Future | https://tinyurl.com/3dt4fjjy Game Con Canada | https://tinyurl.com/4fmvkfc5 CoE Esports Events Presentation | https://tinyurl.com/yj5ff652 Join the conversation: Send your thoughts via text or voice message to [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodgameyeg/message