Game developer hopes to create Northern Ontario jobs

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE INNOVATION CENTRE

************************* Video game designer to develop innovative new gaming technology in Northern Ontario

Technology incubator welcomes new virtual client Jeremy Rayment

The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) is pleased to announce the addition of game designer and new media designer/developer Jeremy Rayment as a virtual client of the technology incubator.

Rayment is developing a video game prototype in Northern Ontario that is partially funded and supported by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) via their Emerging Technology Fund.

“A large objective of the game prototype is to help stimulate and promote the games industry as a viable career alternative in Northern Ontario. Once the game is completed I hope to hire full-time game programmers, artists and writers to further advance the game technology,” said Rayment.

“Additionally the game is being programmed in a manner whereby the engine can be customized and licensed to other writers and creative professionals who may have a story or characters developed but lack an outlet to get heard or publish their visions. Video games are a great interactive way to tell stories.”

Rayment’s video game prototype is currently in the production phase and is scheduled to be online at the end of 2009.

Players will be able to play the computer in single player mode or challenge each other in multi-player mode.

Further information about the video game prototype including job postings and game updates can be found at this website.

“Northern Ontario is rich with writers, artists, creative professionals and tradition,” said Rayment. “I want to be able to provide these writers, artists and creative professionals with some real world video game experiences.”

“We are pleased to welcome Jeremy to the technology incubator and incredibly excited at the prospect for the development of his innovative game technology right here in Northern Ontario,” said Tom Vair, executive director, SSMIC.

“The presence of students from Algoma University’s master of science in computer games technology and the location of our incubation services provides an excellent platform for gaming companies. We look forward to building on this local talent and strengthening the game development sector in Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario.

Rayment currently resides in North Bay, but he will split time developing his video game prototype between his North Bay office and out of the technology incubator offices at the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre.

“As a small business owner the incubator program is an invaluable service to me. It provides my business with the connections, and resources essential to move forward,” said Rayment. “The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre helps me stay even more connected with the Northern Ontario business community at large.”

The technology incubator is located in the ICT building at Algoma University and provides experienced incubator staff focused on helping clients succeed.

It also offers a state-of-the-art office environment allowing new clients to plug into existing Internet, data centre, phone and fax services to give them a head start in launching their businesses.

For more information on the Technology Incubator’s business services, the facility and how SSMIC is committed to local technology growth, contact Tim Harmar, business development manager, Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, (705) 942-7927 x3129 or via e-mail.

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