Shows
Good Game YEGAI and Games (ft. James Dang)This episode features James Dang, Project Manager at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), to talk about the intersection of AI and games. James shares insights into his work helping companies integrate AI/ML solutions, the evolving role of AI in game development, and Upper Bound, Amii’s “not your average AI conference”. We also nerd out over which single player, story-driven games we enjoy playing. Oh, and we battle it out in Mario Party! 🎲🎉 Recorded at Kiwi Productions StudioListen to more episodes atgoodgameyeg.caImportant Linksglobalgamejam.org/group/1158...2025-02-101h 16
Good Game YEGVimy Esports ReloadedFor the first episode of 2025 in the Kiwi Productions studio, we catch up with Travis Bouchard, Esports Director at Vimy Ridge Academy, who’s back to share exciting updates since his last visit in Episode 5! Now entering its fourth year, the program has expanded from 14 to 31 student-athletes, with notable milestones such as qualifying for national competitions and hosting in-person events. Travis highlights the importance of treating esports participants like traditional athletes and building a supportive community environment. Plus, we hear more about what he’s been up to with the AESA academic subcommittee, what’s next for the Alberta Esport...2025-01-141h 02
Good Game YEGPUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 2025A public service announcement given by the show's host to get started with 2025. We've come a long way since the early days of 2024.
Choose your adventure at goodgameyeg.ca.2025-01-1201 min
Good Game YEGHorizons (ft. Jackie Nguyen and Carlo Martin)In the finale of our NorQuest Esports trilogy, Jackie Nguyen and Carlo Martin from NorQuest College reflect on how far the esports program. From humble beginnings with four Xboxes to varsity teams, youth leagues, and scholarships, we explore their innovative approach to campus vibrancy, student engagement, and community impact. Learn about their vision for an esports hub, the role of micro-credentials, and partnerships driving their success. Don’t miss this inspiring look at how gaming connects and empowers communities!
Whether you're a student, educator, or esports enthusiast, this conversation is a testament to what’s possible when gami...2024-12-011h 08
Good Game YEGUnity Expedition Pt. 2 (ft. Andrew Knack)In this episode, Andrew Knack, Edmonton city councillor for Ward Nakota Isga, shares his journey from early gaming experiences with systems like the VIC-20 and Commodore 64 to his role in municipal politics, where he integrates his passion for video games into city council discussions.
The conversation features a lighthearted Mario Kart competition between Andrew and Cory, as they explore Edmonton's emerging status as a hub for esports and game development.
Andrew highlights recent city initiatives aimed at supporting local gaming communities, including funding pathways for esports events and collaborations with educational institutions, emphasizing the economic...2024-11-1342 min
Good Game YEGEvolution (ft. Angel Villavert, Charlie Sackey, and Carlo Martin)NorQuest Esports strikes back in in this exciting deep dive with varsity players, Angel Villavert and Charlie Sackey, plus business development officer, Carlo Martin. In this episode, the discussion involves how the college integrates gaming, education, and scholarships to create a thriving student experience. Discover the game lineup of popular esports titles, insights on managing the student-athlete balance, and the benefits of esports scholarships. Hear firsthand how gaming fosters teamwork, connections, and shaping future career paths.
Important links:
https://www.norquest.ca/esports/
https://www.norquest.ca/esports/varsity/tekken/
https://www.norquest...2024-10-281h 04
Good Game YEGOrigins (ft. Carlo Martin)In part one of a special trilogy on the show, we welcome Carlo Martin, Business Development Officer at NorQuest College, to explore the origins and rapid growth of the NorQuest Esports program. The discussion was about how the program evolved from just four Xbox consoles to a full-scale esports hub with varsity teams, community events, and partnerships with local schools. The episode delved into the challenges of integrating esports into academic environments, the launch of a six-month youth league for players aged 13-18, and the importance of building sustainable programs through long-term partnerships. Carlo also shared insights on how...2024-09-3048 min
Good Game YEGCrafting & Jamming (ft. Vanessa Capito)Vanessa Capito shares her inspiring journey from a kindergarten gamer to a passionate advocate for inclusive game development, sparked by classics like Pokémon and Mass Effect. She established the MacEwan Game Developers Club to create a welcoming space for aspiring developers and leveraged internships to build a strong portfolio in the gaming industry. Now at Inflection Games, Vanessa focuses on storytelling and emphasizes the importance of effective communication and problem-solving in her role. The conversation also highlights the value of community and collaboration, particularly through events like the upcoming Alberta Game Jam, which offers exciting opportunities for learning a...2024-08-061h 36
Good Game YEGGoing Live (ft. Catherine Warren)From the realms of tech and media, Catherine Warren discusses her career journey, specifically around esports, including how she helped bring a 24-hour broadcast channel to Canada from the UK, AI in esports and gaming, esports fandom, and strategies and opportunities for cities like Edmonton to become esports hubs.
Catherine is the founder & CEO of FanTrust, a global digital consultancy dedicated to IP innovation, financing, business development, and monetizing bridges between fans and media rights-holders. She’s the former CEO of the Vancouver Economic Commission and Edmonton Unlimited (formerly Innovate Edmonton & Startup Edmonton).
2024-07-261h 09
Good Game YEGPsychological Engine (ft. Lucid Rain Studios)Rosche Rheeder, Delena Martens, and Ricardo Rheeder are the founders of Lucid Rain Studios, a game development studio based in Edmonton, AB, Canada, discuss their journey and the game they are working on called Inferius. The studio was founded in 2021 and has been experiencing growth and opportunities in the indie game community. Rosche, Delena, and Ricardo emphasize the importance of playing the long game and setting realistic goals for their studio. From showcasing their game and finding a support network to building a productive, fun, collaborative, and innovative studio culture and exploring the big influences on their game design...2024-07-161h 44
Good Game YEGLegitimate Sport (ft. Jesse Sadlowski)Jesse Sadlowski from Lethbridge School Division discussed the Alberta Esports Championship held at the beginning of May 2024, highlighting the rapid growth of esports in local schools. The event featured 250 students competing in popular games like League of Legends and Super Smash Bros., showcasing the evolution of gaming from casual entertainment to a serious competitive sport. The school division has invested in gaming equipment and created a safe environment for students, with support from organizations like the Alberta Esports Association. Jesse emphasized the increasing involvement of educational institutions in esports, its growing recognition as a legitimate sport, and the importance...2024-06-2851 min
Good Game YEGPLAY. REST. REPEAT. (ft. ümay.rest)Live recording from Game Con Canada 2024, ümay.rest co-founders Sharmin Habib and Ali Habib shared their thoughts after participating as an exhibitor for the three-day event. The Edmonton-based startup hosted a booth where curious attendees could test the wearable eye device. They also hosted a panel discussion on mental health and wellness in gaming and esports featuring industry experts from ergonomics, psychology, game development, and optometry. Despite being affiliated with the company for the duration of the Con, I'm proud to have been one of the lucky customers who took advantage of ordering a unit with the GCC promo!2024-06-1808 min
Good Game YEGBring Your Eh-Game (ft. Game Con Canada)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–Marc Belisle & Chris Meilleur–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 impl...2024-06-021h 03
Good Game YEGVimy United (ft. Travis Bouchard)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/
...2024-05-231h 03
Good Game YEGUnreal Universe (ft. Allyson Cikor)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...2024-04-271h 32
Good Game YEGAcademic Build (ft. Shadi Hanna)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
C...2024-03-181h 10
Good Game YEGCHEL Chronicles (ft. uninsta1l)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 T...2024-02-1949 min
Good Game YEGUnity Expedition Pt. 1The 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 disc...2024-02-1713 min
Good Game YEGGood Luck, Have FunWelcome 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" Sellar2024-01-2901 min
In The Business Of SomethingIn The Business Of: Startups & InnovationIn The Business Of: Cory SellarWelcome back for episode #5 of In The Business Of Something! ITBOS is a podcast brought to you by ACE to help introduce more people in Edmonton and beyond to the mysterious world of advertising. In this episode, Josh and Moh have the pleasure of talking to Cory Sellar who works at Edmonton Unlimited as a Marketing & Communications Specialist. Cory talks about how his current role is his dream role because it combines his passion for storytelling, video production, and the innovation and technology industry right here in E...2022-12-1433 min