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 gaming becomes a catalyst for connection and growth on and off campus.

Recorded at Kiwi Productions Studio.

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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 potential of esports in enhancing Edmonton’s cultural and innovation landscape.

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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.ca/esports/varsity/apex-legends/
  

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 NorQuest Esports cultivated career opportunities beyond competitive gaming—such as event production and streaming—and the increasing focus on health and wellness initiatives to ensure balanced, positive experiences for students and players alike.

Important Links:

• https://www.norquest.ca/esports
• https://linktr.ee/norquestesports
  

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 and networking.

Important Links:

https://playnightingale.com/

https://askagamedev.tumblr.com/

https://gamecampedmonton.com/

https://itch.io/jam/alberta-game-jam-2024

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1537080/Return/

capitov@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessacapito

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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).

Important Links:

https://linktr.ee/GINXCanada

UK eSports Network Ginx to Launch 24/7 TV Channel in Canada

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HUD_(TV_program)

https://www.youtube.com/trends/report/fandom-2024/

Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism: Mazzucato, Mariana: 9780063046238: Books - Amazon.ca

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceowarren/

https://fantrust.com/

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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 journey.

Inferius is a first-person horror game with deck-building elements, inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy and Lovecraftian themes. The game focuses on psychological and cosmic horror, creating an atmosphere of fear and the unknown. Add Inferious to your Steam wishlist today.

Important Links: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2470790/Inferius/ https://www.tiktok.com/@lucidrainstudios https://www.instagram.com/lucidrainstudios/ https://x.com/lucidraindev https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucid-rain-studios/ https://www.youtube.com/@lucidrainstudios/null

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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 of in-person events. He expressed enthusiasm for the future of esports in Lethbridge and Alberta, suggesting a promising outlook for the gaming community in the region.

Important Links:

https://aec2024.rallyonline.ca/

https://www.atle.ca/

https://www.lethsd.ab.ca/

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