Local company venturing into video game technology

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Northern Ontario could become an important contributor to the video game industry.

Interactive new media designer Jeremy Rayment of North Bay is currently developing a video game prototype that will be playable online or downloadable on computers. Rayment hopes to showcase the technology to interested parties across Canada and the United States. Provincial assistance is being provided to help cover the cost of developing the prototype before bringing it to market.

“The online gaming industry is highly competitive, and I am proud that we are supporting a local entrepreneur in this market,” said Tourism Minister and Nipissing MPP Monique Smith. “I look forward to some day seeing new video games that were developed in North Bay retailing across North America and beyond.”

“The McGuinty government is investing substantially not only in entrepreneurship funding but in expanding the broadband infrastructure that makes it possible for entrepreneurs such as these to compete and grow in Northern Ontario,” said Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle, who also chairs the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

“This video game prototype will allow me to help our local northern talent get valuable experience specifically working in the game industry and hopefully spark some interest in fostering a new industry for the North,” said Rayment.

QUICK FACTS

• The prototype is currently in the pre-production phase. It is expected to take one year to design and develop and will exclusively use Northern Ontario artists, programmers, sound engineers, writers and beta testers.

• The province is providing $20,000 in funding to the project through the NOHFC’s Emerging Technology Program, which supports both private and public sector technology development activities.

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