1520 Queen Street East,
Room NW307
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
P6A 2G4
T: 705-942-7927
F: 705-942-6169
www.ssmic.com
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Expert game developer to present on “The
Challenges of Starting a Video Game Studio” at
Algoma U
Founder of Pseudo Interactive, Richard Hilmer, speaks at a free workshop
for local game developers interested in starting their own video game studio
March 5, 2009: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to start a video game studio? Are you an
entrepreneur looking into starting your own video game studio but not sure where to begin? The Sault Ste.
Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) in partnership with the National Research Council – Industrial Research
Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) is pleased to present a free workshop on The Challenges of Starting a Video
Game Studio. The workshop is geared towards the emerging gaming industry in Sault Ste. Marie and will
discuss the various challenges involved with being an entrepreneur in game development.
Taking place on Friday March 13, 2009 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., The Challenges of Starting a Video Game
Studio features guest speaker Richard Hilmer, founder and president of successful gaming studio Pseudo
Interactive. Richard will explore topics such as: getting that first contract, building a team, project selection
and more.
“This is a great opportunity for local entrepreneurs in gaming to connect and gain valuable insight from an
established industry expert,” said Dwayne Hammond, strategic advisor computer games technology, SSMIC.
“We are very fortunate to have Richard Hilmer visit and speak about the challenges and his experiences in
founding and operating a successful video game studio to our gaming community.”
The free workshop takes place at Algoma University, Rm. WW103. While it is not required, registration is
recommended in order to reserve a seat. Parking tokens will be provided to all attendees. Two
complimentary books will be given to registrants and attendees on a first-registered-first-served basis while
supplies last:
• Secrets of the Game Business by Francois Dominic Laramee
• Business and Legal Primer for Game Development by S. Gregory Boyd
About Richard Hilmer, founder and president, Pseudo Interactive:
Richard is a technical entrepreneur seasoned in many facets of business creation, software development, team
building, project management and financing, having accumulated over 12 years of experience in the
videogame industry. As a founder and President at Pseudo Interactive, he grew the company to over sixty
developers and led teams that released games on the Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox 360 and
PlayStation 3, while working with industry giants such as Electronic Arts, SEGA, Intel, and Microsoft. Richard is
also experienced with tax programs such as the SRED credit, and government organizations such as the
OMDC, that assist interactive media companies.
The workshop is free to attend and tokens for parking will be provided. To register, contact:
[email protected]
The Challenges of Starting a Video Game Studio
When:
Time:
Location:
March 13, 2009
1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Algoma University, Rm. WW103
1520 Queen St. E
Cost:
FREE! Tokens for parking will be provided.
For details on the agenda and more information visit: www.ssmic.com
For questions or to register, contact Tim Harmar, business development manager at [email protected] or
942-7927 x3129.
-30About NRC-IRAP
The NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) provides a range of both technical and business oriented
advisory services along with potential financial support to growth-oriented Canadian small - and medium-sized
enterprises. Working directly with clients, NRC-IRAP supports their innovative research and development and helps them
become commercialization-ready with their new products and services.
NRC-IRAP views SMEs as the strategic backbone of the Canadian economy and is committed to working with them while
they realize their full potential and turn knowledge and innovation into strategic opportunities, jobs and prosperity for all
Canadians.
Recognized globally for research and innovation, NRC is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based
economy for Canada through science and technology.
IRAP can be your guide to a successful innovative journey. Contact the IRAP Regional Office nearest you by calling our
toll free number: 1-877-994-4727.
About Algoma University
Algoma University is home to approximately 1,200 students. Offering a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree
options including programs in Computer Science, Business Administration, Fine Arts, Community Economic & Social
Development, and Biology; Algoma U is committed to offering a personal education experience unlike any university in
Ontario. Algoma University also offers accelerated second degree programs in Business Administration and Computer
Science on its Brampton campus through a partnership with the Education Invention Centre of Canada. To learn more
about Algoma University at Brampton, visit www.eicc.ca. To learn more about Algoma University, visit
www.algomau.ca
Algoma University
1520 Queen St. E.
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G4
Telephone: 705-949-2301
About Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre was founded in 1999 as a catalyst for economic development activities in the IT
and knowledge based sectors in the Algoma District. It works closely with community partners to enhance and improve IT
sector opportunities.
The Innovation Centre is focused on three core areas: the operation of a business incubator to encourage the
establishment and growth of technology start-ups; the provision of support services to the SME (Small to Medium
Enterprise) IT community and the development of strategic markets such as the highly successful GIS project. The
Innovation Centre has developed and implemented an award-winning GIS product, which serves a number of municipal
customers and is responsible for the growth of private sector GIS firms in the Algoma District.
Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
1520 Queen Street East, NW 307
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G4
Telephone: 705-942-7927
http://www.ssmic.com
http://www.itssm.com
For more information contact:
Donna Woldanski
Divisional Director of Communications
Algoma University
1520 Queen St. E.
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G4
705-949-2301, Ext. 4120
[email protected]
www.algomau.ca
Mei Ling
Communications Manager
Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
1520 Queen St. E., Rm. NW307
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G4
705-942-7927, Ext. 3122
[email protected]
www.ssmic.com
www.itssm.com