View this email in your browser

Howdy, hey, and welcome back to the IAA newsletter! A happy Mental Health Awareness Month to all who celebrate. How has your spring workload been? I know my own work-life balance has been great the past month. I work all the time and spend the rest of life thinking about work! 😭

In seriousness, we do hope you folks take the space you need to build a productive and nourishing development cycle! For this month’s letter, we have updates on community news in addition to reminders of the awesome tools and spaces IAA has to offer!

Credit: SimonSlavGameDev          

If you would like to have your own games, memes, or news added in this newsletter in the future, please email [email protected] to be included!

This July, be part of a landmark year as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Game Discovery Exhibition!

The 2025 GDX Conference is built around the theme RISE: Resilient Industry, Sustainable Ecosystem, and will spotlight the people, projects, and ideas shaping the future of games. Join hundreds of developers, artists, researchers, and industry leaders for two dynamic days of talks, panels, and meaningful connection in the heart of Alberta’s games community.

Early bird pricing is available until June 11—secure your spot now and be part of the momentum.

📍 Conference Dates: July 16–17, 2025📍 Location: Queen Elizabeth II Building, Edmonton, AB

Get Tickets Here!

GDX is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and we want you to be part of the excitement! Volunteering at GDX is a fun, hands-on way to engage with Alberta’s games community, connect with amazing creators, and support the largest indie games event in North America. We have volunteer roles available across both the conference and exhibition—there’s something for everyone!

Whether you're a game enthusiast, love event organizing, or just want to be part of something big, there's a spot for you on our team. Sign up below to get started, we’ve kept the sign up form open just for you.

Sign Up to Volunteer!

Exhibiting at GDX 2025? Join us on Saturday, June 21 from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at the Walkthrough Collaborative Centre in Edmonton for a hands-on, UX-informed workshop with IxDF Edmonton in collaboration with Interactive Arts Alberta.

IxDF (Interaction Design Foundation) Edmonton is a local group of user experience design professionals and enthusiasts committed to inclusive, thoughtful, and human-centred design. Their team will lead a collaborative session focused on transforming your booth into a purposeful, engaging experience.

The event includes:

Whether you’re looking to playtest, build awareness, or gather feedback, this workshop will help you get there.

RSVP Now!

Upper Bound Comes to Walkthrough

On May 26, 2025, Edmonton's Walkthrough Collaborative Centre buzzed with creativity during the Playtest Night @ Upper Bound. Hosted by Interactive Arts Alberta, this free public event spotlighted student-led and indie-developed projects in game design, artificial intelligence, and interactive media.

Attendees had the opportunity to:

With over 60 folks in attendance, including notable figures like Max Kreminski, Matthew Guzdial, Megan Sumner, and Seth Cooper, the event underscored Edmonton's growing influence in the interactive arts sector. The enthusiasm and support from the community highlighted the city's commitment to fostering innovation in gaming and interactive media.

Make sure to stay tuned for more events in the Walkthrough space.

Like the Cut of Our Jib? Donate Today! ☝️

A reminder that the Walkthrough Collaborative Centre is your community hub, and is a free co-working space for you to access. Walkthrough is kept afloat by donations, so any support you can offer is much appreciated, but not obligatory!

Donate to Walkthrough

Upcoming Canada Media Fund Changes ⚠️👈

What’s New from the CMF for Game Developers

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) has released its 2025–2026 program updates, and there are a few key changes that impact game creators in Alberta:

-Pre-Application Consultations Now MandatoryAll new applicants (except for the Conceptualization Program) must complete a consultation with CMFPA staff before applying. This ensures projects meet baseline criteria and improves application quality.

-Limits on Open ContractsStudios are now capped at two open contracts per phase (Prototyping and Production). Deliverables must be submitted and files closed before applying again.

-One Application Per Program Per RoundApplicants can now submit only one application per program per round to streamline adjudication and prevent duplicate submissions.

-Regional Funding CapNo more than 60% of total IDM funding can go to one region (e.g. Alberta is grouped with BC, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba as “The West”). This promotes national balance in fund distribution.

-Prototyping Program UpdatesIncreased funding cap to $350,000 for projects meeting one of:- $500,000 in gross revenue, or- 20,000+ units/downloads/users-New two-stage evaluation process: Only projects scoring 45+ in originality/creativity will proceed to full assessment.

-10% of budget must be allocated to marketing, community building, or audience engagement.

Innovation & Experimentation Program Changes

-A new Lower Budget Stream (up to $750,000) is now available with separate evaluation criteria—ideal for experimental or culturally driven games.

-Conceptualization + Prototyping Experience RequirementsAt least one shareholder must now have 1+ year of full-time professional experience in IDM, film, or TV. Student work doesn’t count.

-Evaluation Boost for Youth-Focused GamesProjects targeting Children or Youth will receive +2 points in selective program evaluations if this is clearly reflected in the marketing plan or market research.

Read the full summary from CMF 👉 cmf-fmc.ca/document/summary-of-changes

Don’t Forget to FOSS

How Free and Open-source Software Benefits Our Community and Your Games

By Ahmar Rana from Biryani Games

Remember Unity’s runtime fee controversy? Or Adobe’s AI Terms of Service backlash? These are recent, prominent reckonings in the world of game development tools that reflect the pitfalls of chasing short-term profit and unsustainable growth. This near-sightedness can lead corporations to foundationally, and intentionally, misunderstand their core userbases in the pursuit of shareholder value.

FOSS (Free and Open-source Software) is an alternative to these closed-source, proprietary tools. Simply put, open-source software can be distributed, modified and utilized by anyone – free of charge. Many of us have been using open-source software our entire lives, whether we realize it or not. OBS, VLC, Blender, Audacity, 7Zip and Wordpress are examples of highly-adopted open-source software.

Open-source game development engines have gained traction as alternatives to proprietary closed-source stalwarts like Unity and Unreal. The open-source engine Godot continues to steadily climb in adoption rates – with a noted increase following the Unity runtime fee debacle of 2022. Godot users account for ~8% of the game engine market, a momentous rise of 140% from 2022. Prominent Godot games include Cassette Beasts, WEBFISHING and the upcoming Slay the Spire 2.

We see this growth reflected within our own community with Will-o-Works’ Star Apprentice: Dazzling Danmaku Detective and Variable Eye Games’ Within the Vault both being built using Godot. Sentient Starfish Games has several projects available to play in-browser on itch.io thanks to Godot’s built-in HTML5 support. FOSS engines are hardly limited to Godot; anyone who has attended the Game Dev Munch events may have heard Gaian Helmers of Genome Studios spreading the good word of Open 3D Engine. Their ambitious project Awaken, Guardian: Birth is developed in O3DE, an open-source successor to the Amazon Lumberyard engine.

Open-source engines tailored for specific genres exist as well, including the popular Ren’Py visual novel engine (Slay the Princess, Doki Doki Literature Club) and Adventure Game Studio (Gemini Rue, King’s Quest remake). These turnkey FOSS engines serve as a way for developers to make specific types of games without grappling with the sometimes intimidating complexity of genre-agnostic engines.

FOSS programs can also serve as substitutes for expensive proprietary software for smaller developers, sometimes even exceeding the capabilities of software with corporate backing. If there is a foundational program for your production pipeline, chances are there’s a FOSS alternative. Photoshop? Gimp. Illustrator? Krita. Microsoft Office? LibreOffice. Premiere? Give Kdenlive a try.

The financial boon can be significant: freeing studios from a reliance on recurring subscriptions, per-seat pricing, pushy sales teams, and potentially costly software royalties. For studios where every dollar matters, this can make a large difference.

FOSS is not just a set of permissive software guidelines or a way to save money, but a social movement. By detangling our projects from a dependence on corporate-controlled software, we are able to regain a measure of precious control over our art. Because FOSS is dependent on its users for contributions, as more developers adopt FOSS pipelines, support and resources for open-source projects increases in kind.

If you haven’t already, why not consider joining the growing community of FOSS-based game developers? There has never been a better time. Local studios are already embracing the shift.

MacEwan Game Dev Club

This is an introduction to the MacEwan Game Dev Club. A new student club focused on helping aspiring game developers network and learn.

MacEwan University is home to a thriving student community, with numerous clubs and organizations that reflect the diverse interests of its students. However, until recently, there was no dedicated space for students in the Game Development stream. Although a Game Dev Club once existed on campus, it unfortunately dissolved during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving a void in the university’s creative community.

Fortunately, a group of passionate students took the initiative to rebuild the club. Their determination and love for game development led to the founding of a new club last November, the MacEwan Game Dev Club (MGDC). Since its re-establishment, the club has been steadily growing, with new members joining us almost every week. We are open to anyone who has an interest in game development, whether they be a MacEwan student or not. From programmers, to graphics designers, musicians, writers, QA testers, or just someone enthusiastic about video games. This is a welcoming space for everyone to hang out and network, to share ideas and collaborate on projects, and to learn about how video games are created and the latest developments in the field.

In March, we held our first major event, a game jam, which was a huge success with almost 30 participants (including one who joined us virtually all the way from Brazil) coming together to build games over a weekend. The creativity, collaboration, and excitement we saw during that weekend proved that there is a real hunger for game development opportunities on campus.

And we are just getting started. With the momentum that we have built, the MGDC is setting out to become a major player in the game development community in MacEwan and Edmonton. We are working hard at planning many more events for the following year, including networking events, workshops, and game showcases.

So, to all game developers and enthusiasts, whether you are hoping to break into the industry, build your portfolio, or just network with others who share your passion, this is the place to do it. Come join the MacEwan Game Dev Club and let’s build something amazing together.

Shout-out to the MGDC executive team for their hard work in rebuilding this club: Haris Kajtazovic (Founder & Former President), Jehdi Aizon (Former Social Media Manager), Ryan Bernal (Former Secretary and Current President), Stefan Cvijovic (Vice President), Esa Johnson (Treasurer), Juan Rojas (Executive at Large), Nathan Sequeira (Current Secretary), Victoria Lee (Current Social Media Manager), and Mary Ohianwusi (Executive at Large).

Visit their website here https://macewangdc.carrd.co and welcome back MacEwan!

Got something to share in our next newsletter? We want to hear from you!Whether you're developing a new game, honing your skills, or reflecting on the local games industry, this is your opportunity to be featured.

Send us a 300–500 word piece on something you're passionate about in the world of Albertan game dev. We're looking for genuine stories, insights, and updates from across our community. You’re welcome to include images, demos, or videos—though they’re totally optional.

Selected submissions will be featured in our newsletter and amplified on social media. Let’s celebrate the amazing voices shaping our local games scene!

If you have questions about a community submission, reach out to us at [email protected].

Submit Your Story Here!

Two Games with Edmonton ties Featured in PC Gamer! 🥳

Edmonton Shines in Indie Gaming: Celebrating the Launches of Snacko and Two Strikes

Edmonton’s indie game development scene is getting international attention with two freshly launched Steam titles — Snacko and Two Strikes — both of which have strong connections to the city’s vibrant creative community.

Snacko, a long-awaited farming and adventure game, finally launched its 1.0 version this week. Developed by Bluecurse Studios and co-founded by Erisa Liu and Jordan Gonzalez, the game whisks players away to a cat-run island in need of rebuilding. With cozy vibes and magical tools in its newest "Mines & Magicks" update, Snacko is already winning hearts and farming fans across the globe.

Meanwhile, Two Strikes has brought fast-paced, one-hit samurai duels to life with a style that’s as elegant as it is intense. Developed by Retro Reactor and featuring a full soundtrack composed by Edmonton-based musician Benimaru, the game is a standout example of how local talent is shaping globally acclaimed indie titles. Released on May 23 after a successful Early Access run, Two Strikes is now available across all major platforms.

From charming cats to deadly duels, these games highlight the breadth of creativity coming out of Edmonton, and the world is paying attention.

………….………

Arcade Jam 2025 🕹️🏃‍♀️💨

The Second Annual Arcade Jam is now finished up! This game jam was dedicated entirely to the spirit of arcade games: button mashing and joystick jamming. Whether you're into pixel art platformers, neon-lit racers, gobbling up dots for dinner, or taking shots at the undead, this was your chance to build something bold and unforgettable. Don’t fret if you missed your chance here, the CGDA will be hosting more of these incredible jams in the future.

This jam challenged developers of all skill levels to create original arcade-style games in just 48ish hours. Focus on simple controls, addictive gameplay loops, high scores, and that timeless feeling of “just one more round.”

Want to make sure you don’t miss the next one? Head to https://www.calgary.games/en to find out more information about all of CGDA’s activities.

………….………

Trans Representation Jam 2025 🏳️‍⚧️

The Trans Representation Jam is a non ranked Jam without any pressure; just have fun creating and sharing your queer art! The purpose of this jam is to create more creative works that have trans representation in them in a chill environment. Feel free to @TransRepJam and use the #transrepjam when posting about your games and other work in progresses on bluesky!

To get started, check out the jam’s itch page:

https://itch.io/jam/trans-representation-jam-25

………….………

YegAnimation Animation Meetup! 🎞️

Check out the Yeganimation Monthly Animation Meetup! While this month’s was Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM at Calle Mexico's Vip room, for a fun evening of networking, learning, and celebrating animation, you can catch these meetups monthly.

Bring your sketchbooks and art to share! Whether you're a seasoned animator or just starting out, this event is perfect for connecting with like-minded individuals in the animation community. Come share your love for animation and make new friends. We can't wait to see you there!

To find out more and RSVP, check out the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yeganimation-animation-meetup-tickets-1369827433729?aff=oddtdtcreator

………….………

AIIDE’25 Call for Submissions 💾

The Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment (AIIDE) conference—one of the leading global gatherings exploring AI in games, entertainment, and interactive systems—is coming back to Edmonton in 2025!

This internationally recognized event brings together researchers, developers, and creators who are shaping the future of AI and digital media. This year, AIIDE will be linked with GDX 2025, offering a unique opportunity for participants to pilot their content at GDX ahead of the main conference. If you're interested in contributing, reach out to [email protected] to start a conversation.

AIIDE is currently seeking Case Study submissions that highlight how AI is being used across a range of fields—including art, games, robotics, education, and research. The conference also welcomes interactive demos, prototypes, and tools that demonstrate creative or experimental applications of AI.

To submit, you’ll need a short title, a 500+ word outline, and any optional supporting materials. Accepted contributors will present a 15-minute talk, a demo, or both. Limited registration reimbursement is available for students and practitioners.

📅 Submission Deadline: July 9 (11:59 PM AoE)

Learn more and submit here: AIIDE 2025 Cal for Case Studies.

Questions? Contact the organizers at [email protected] and [email protected].

………….………

South Edmonton Game Dev Munch 💻🐒

Join Gaian and friends for a cozy, welcoming evening created with game developers and enthusiasts in mind! Whether you’ve been in the industry for years or are just getting started, this laid-back meetup is all about connection, shared stories, and a mutual love of game development—no pressure, no pitches, just good company and good vibes.

The munch meets every second Wednesday of the month, though the location may vary—so be sure to check Gaian’s Eventbrite page to stay in the loop. We’d love to see you there!

Click on this page and then hit follow next to their name: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/south-edmonton-game-dev-munch-april-tickets-1307072552189.

………….………

Want your community event or game news shared with the masses?  Reach out today to be included!

😺👩‍🌾 Snacko - Version 1.0 Release!:

Congrats to the Snacko team who’ve left early access and released their 1.0 build!

Driven away by the cost of living, you and your childhood friend set off with the goal to turn things around and start a new life. Explore, gather, and build up the town from scratch into a place you'll be proud to call "home"!

Check out the game at the link above!

………….………

🛝 Slipstream - Release Announcement!

Slipstream is a top-down physics-based racing game where you move by splitting your bubble to propel yourself forward. Manage your fuel as you steal bubbles from other players (or even eat them whole!) Challenge your friends or CPU players and slide yourself to victory!

………….………

🩴🦎 Lizzard vs. Dad

A fun little game-jam project from our local Albertan indie community!

It is a Dad's duty to protect his household from intruders and preserve the sanctity of the porcelain throne room. You are a lizard that has found your way into Dad's territory. Roam around, climb walls, eat bugs, and survive the wrath of his sandals!

Check it out if you have the chance!

………….………

⚔️⚔️ Two Strikes

Dive into the heart of ancient Japan in Two Strikes, a 2D combat extravaganza with breathtaking hand-drawn animations. As a fearless samurai, warrior monk, or daring outlaw, engage in electrifying duels where every strike can be your last.

………….………

Did we miss your game? Give us a shout! We would love to share your work with the community!

Copyright (C) 2025 Interactive Arts Alberta. All rights reserved.You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.Interactive Arts Alberta 10345 Whyte Avenue NW #201 Edmonton, AB T6E 1Z8 CanadaWant to change how you receive these emails?You can unsubscribe