Public Relations Archives

Insights from Montreal’s International Game Summit

Kelsy Medeiros on June 25, 2024

We finally settled back in our home office at GameRebellion after the outstanding MIGS: Montreal’s International Game Summit, which took place nearly two weeks ago (Nov. 8-9).

The event was a treasure trove of insights and connections. From the talented panellists who shared their game development experiences to the experts in the video game industry, including publishers, studios, and budding developers from Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, we felt honoured to be part of such a vibrant community.

At MIGS, we proudly featured our booth and listened to your marketing needs. Meeting industry professionals and long-time supporters of the gaming scene was a surreal and inspiring experience.

The atmosphere was genuinely welcoming, and the support was palpable, especially during Xsolla’s panel. The panel focused on tips and tricks for boosting a video game’s success by leveraging the supportive Montréal community, where studios share challenges and collaborate to overcome obstacles.

“In Montréal, there is no competition. We are all a family, a group of allies here to help us achieve above and beyond.” – John Nguyen, Xsolla.

What We Learned at MIGS 2023

With all that we learned, we wanted to share some vital insights to help deliver an influence for your peers to remember you.

Our team talked to many professionals who gave us insights into the diverse impacts participating in MIGS can bring to the Montreal gaming industry. Our experts returned with unique experiences that turned into solid feedback that we can use for any game, no matter the stage of its development.

Be Prepared with a Plan

When your team decides to have a booth, a clear goal must be achieved: plan your event. Ask yourself what you are going to offer at your booth. Who will you bring along with you? Please prepare your pitch and learn how to distinguish yourself and your game from the rest of the event.

Note that you will be meeting all sorts of industry professionals, so having answers to the questions needed to support your game’s goal is a must. This will leave a great impression on the event’s community while creating a wide range of support. Meeting industry professionals creates opportunities for partnerships, investors, and publishers who want a clear vision of what you need as a developer.

Be Open to Unexpected Changes

Listening to the insightful panelists, we realized how rapidly the video game industry has evolved. In just the last five years, subscription-based services have become the norm for generating video game sales. Platforms like Xbox Game Pass, once controversial for their yearly price and selective game offerings, are now widely accepted.

Today, services like Apple Arcade are celebrated for their consistent daily updates and free additions when subscribing annually. This shift has also led to major retailers like Best Buy announcing the discontinuation of physical game sales. This change will impact definitive edition games, which often feature special packaging exclusive to retailers and generate significant excitement among gamers.

To navigate these industry shifts, it’s essential to stay prepared and adaptable. Use these changes as tools to produce, market, and sell your game effectively. Keeping an eye on industry news is crucial when selecting publishers and deciding where to release and market your game. Monitoring social media hashtags, forums, and the overall video game market can help you predict the best strategies for your game’s success.

Use Failure as a Tool for Success

When expecting the unexpected, sometimes you may find yourself in a highly challenging situation that you can’t prepare for everything. Maxime Vézina, founder and creative director at Bold Spirit Game Studio, spoke about his unforgettable experience when his Steam page for Red Trigger Remake was taken down, losing him thousands of followers and wishlists.

We’ll get into Max’s story again, but let’s use his example as the co-producer who had to restart his marketing from square one. What happened with Max is not to be taken as a fear of what to expect when developing a game; it’s a skill to challenge yourself with when reaching your game’s story of success.

Some of the greatest games ever made have had some horrible journeys, such as Super Meat Boy, in which developers have openly stated and shown in the documentary how they felt that Microsoft and large publishers had taken advantage of the indie while not showcasing their game for download on Xbox Live’s Store page.

But since then, the game has become a reference staple in game development. Remember that trying new things and not finding success is another answer to your question.

You are narrowing down the many possible roads to take your game on to the one that will bring out the best and lead you to success. Remember to learn from your mistakes and challenges that appear along the way. You can always learn a valuable lesson from your peers.

Be bold about asking your fellow community members and supporters questions. This is another excellent resource to use when needing a different perspective; you might learn something from them or even get the help you seek to put your game on the right track.

The Rise of Self-Publishing

At MIGS, we met with many studios seeking publishers across Montréal to sign their game under. But we have learned at the Independent Game Commercialization booth held by Xsolla that part of our rapidly changing industry is allowing self-publishing on platforms to become much more accessible to developers. Platforms such as Valve Corporation have always allowed studios to self-publish their games. Still, Epic Games, Xbox, and even Nintendo Switch’s shop have allowed self-publishing services under their regulations. Self-publishing allows freedom in how the game is marketed and produced under the desires of the developers.

Self-publishing is also cost-efficient, as Steam has always welcomed studios to publish their games for only $100.00 after the platform has reviewed the title that meets their expectations to avoid a staggered market filled with only mediocrity. As technology develops, self-publishing is a familiar idea.

Make the Time for Networking

Sometimes, two heads are better than one. In the Montréal community, you don’t have to produce your game alone. Even as a single developer, the community’s knowledge and skills can improve your product, marketing, and sales. Involving yourself with the community surrounding your game’s audience is crucial.

Connecting with your gamers (B2C) through social media groups like Discord servers, Reddit forums, Twitter communities, and TikTok trends is vital. These platforms offer great ways to engage with your audience at low or no cost.

Liking posts, commenting, and sharing on your socials creates a genuine connection between the gamer and your project. Gamers feel they are becoming part of your journey and want to support your game. They trust that you will deliver a product that caters to them.

The same applies to connecting with businesses (B2B). Take a professional approach and create opportunities by connecting with the right industry people. Use LinkedIn, Facebook forums, Discord servers, and trade shows like MIGS. These resources can help you gather connections leading to partnerships, volunteers, marketers, publishers, and investors.

Elevating Game Marketing at MIGS

Our experience at this year’s Montreal’s International Game Summit was exceptional. From the insightful panels to the invaluable networking opportunities, GameRebellion is grateful to have been part of such a premier B2B experience. The event allowed us to showcase our services, meet clients and connect with all the great professionals. We felt honoured to contribute to and learn from the collaborative spirit of the Montreal gaming community.

We are inspired to push our marketing boundaries to ensure your game’s success!

Gamescom 2023 Success: Effective Industry Strategies

Kelsy Medeiros on June 25, 2024

If you work in the gaming industry, you know the immense potential Gamescom 2023 holds. After countless hours of preparation and perfecting your presentation, you’re ready to make an impact. You even picked out your outfit the night before and meticulously scheduled your day for maximum organization.

Morning arrives with butterflies in your stomach and nerves that make putting on a tie a challenge.

But you show up on time, coffee in hand. You take a deep breath, look up at the building, and it hits you—this is Gamescom 2023, one of the largest and most influential trade shows in the video game industry.

Did all of the above sound familiar to you? Because Gamescom feels exactly like the most important job interview of your life. You are not there to present what you offer to your target audience and sell yourself to the video game industry.

From gamers to developers, publishers to investors, Gamescom has it all. So, it’s essential to take every bit of information to heart and to sell yourself to the best of your ability while in Germany, and that’s precisely what we, GameRebellion, did at Gamescom 2023.

From the start, we knew GameRebellion needed a clear mission for the event. We crafted a pitch and a story to introduce ourselves to the market. Our team was prepared to engage with everyone who visited our booth. We chatted with dozens of developers, from independent creators to those working with major publishers. We also met publishers, investors, marketers, and gamers.

Seeing the entire industry come together was incredible. By talking to them, we gained a better understanding of their needs and confirmed we’re on the right track. Attending trade shows is crucial for realizing the value they add to any product or service.

Gamescom is the ultimate trade show for studios seeking visibility, whether B2B or B2C. This event is a “must” for all game developers, studios, publishers, and marketers due to the vast opportunities for global exposure.

It connects the entire industry in one place, leveling the playing field for independent developers and major players. Gamescom offers feedback engagement, partnerships, free press, media advertisement, and gameplay announcements.

Essential Tips for Success with Publishers

Going to that kind of event requires a budget that some of you might still need. Still, if you’re under the lucky kids getting to travel the world to showcase your masterpiece, well, you want to read the points we’ve identified. By talking to fellow industry professionals over there, we had some insights that were an actual opening eyes experience, and we’d like to share them with you.

Defining a clear goal before talking to publishers is fundamental. Many studios go to trade shows looking for publishers for their games. Still, they often need to prepare to pitch their ideas and lose the opportunity. So here’s a tip for all the studios looking at attending the following events of the industry:

Embrace the Excitement: Preparing for Gamescom 2023

Before talking to publishers, you must understand your game and have a clear goal. There are some questions you can answer before meeting up with key people:

What is your goal for attending trade shows? (Why are you investing such a budget on this?)
What is the goal you have for your game? (Where do you want to arrive with your game?)
What is your game about? (It is good to add details about your game, such as genre and gameplay mechanics.)
What are you looking for as a publisher? (What are your expectations for your publisher? Which are the ones that best fit your game?)
How can the publisher help you to achieve your goals? (What can they do to help you achieve your goals?)

You can reply to those questions by compiling a compelling story about your project. This will give your audience an idea about your objectives and show a sense of passion and commitment to opportunities.

Publishers will likely work with you if they see you’re organized, committed and accountable. If you show them you have clear goals and vision for the project, they’ll take you seriously. Chances are, a passionate project with a lot of focus on creativity and formality from both the developer and its creation will grab opportunities around the market.

Think of this opportunity as going to a job interview; you must know what to say about yourself and your background. You should also research and learn details about the company you’re applying for. We’ll come back with more content about how to approach publishers by providing more insight on preparing and introducing yourself for these meetings.

Maximizing Visibility for Indie Studios at Global Gaming Events

If you’re a small studio, the best option is in the indie arena. However, it usually doesn’t offer access to the business area, which can be an obstacle to your networking.

It happened to us when we had some meetings booked, but the studios scrambled to get to the business area. We know the costs are high, but getting a pass that allows free access to the different areas of the event is essential. Ensure your booth is in the right area to attract your biggest customers. A quick tip if you are still determining whether you are in the right place is to sign up to go with your country’s delegation.

Luckily, in Canada, we have the Canadian Delegation and the Quebec Delegation. Both have constant missions to gaming trade shows worldwide, and the visibility you get is enormous. Every year, we count on the support of Invest Quebec | Investissement Québec International, which is well-positioned and provides a great spot to exchange with different companies, delegations, and individuals.

Unlocking Your Game’s Success at MIGS 2023

Kelsy Medeiros on June 25, 2024

Want to boost your game’s success? MIGS is the place to be! As a solo game developer or studio, this event offers invaluable media coverage. News appearances, articles like this one (hello!), and social media trends are perfect ways to get your project talked about around the internet.

The Montreal International Game Summit, commonly called MIGS, is held annually in Montreal, Canada. For over 15 years, this tradeshow has been recognized as one of the largest game conferences on the East Coast of North America.

It serves as a confluence point for professionals from various domains within the gaming industry. From developers and designers to publishers and investors, MIGS offers a comprehensive insight into the state and future of gaming.

What Makes MIGS Different from other trade shows?

Trade shows in the video game industry are opportunities for game studios to find resources to help expand their projects’ ambition through game design, budgeting, investments, and promotions, and even to find more developers to add to a team that needs a few extra hands.

The goal remains the same, but this year, the event is focused only on B2B opportunities. As of 2021, more than 40,000 employees work in the video game field full-time, with over 200 game studios only in Montreal. The city is a significant hub for game development in North America. Holding MIGS in such an environment naturally elevates its significance in the gaming calendar.

Well-established companies that have gone on to become industry figureheads include Ubisoft, Bethesda, Square Enix, Eidos Montreal, Warner Brother Games, and Unity Technologies, the world’s leading platform for game design.

This said, the gaming industry is a passionate atmosphere that circles Montreal and has expanded across the province of Québec. With MIGS hosted at the heart of Montréal, different represented cultures from around the world showcase many tourist attractions near the event where people can enjoy themselves.

_{Ubisoft Montreal, St-Laurent, 2019}

The Unique Opportunities at MIGS

Following this year’s goal, through B2B opportunities, studios can focus on business development, human resources professionals, and even investors who are quite aware of the ever-growing market that has positively impacted Montréal’s economy. The event also features top-tier panels and sessions, with industry leaders discussing trends, sharing insights, and debating the future of gaming.

For many attendees, the networking opportunities at MIGS are invaluable. Whether it’s finding a potential business partner or learning from a peer, these interactions often lead to future collaborations. It’s an opportunity for businesses to attract potential clients and for attendees to discover the newest tools and technologies.

_{The View of Montreal – Anju George’s Private Collection}

We all agree that MIGS is more than just a conference; it’s an experience. The event has led to countless business deals, collaborations, and even the inception of new gaming ventures. Moreover, it’s an educational place where you can get insights from industry experts and enhance your knowledge and skills.

How to use MIGS for your Game’s Success

As a solo game developer or studio, this event rewards you with media coverage. News appearances, articles such as the one you’re reading today (hello!), and social media trending are the perfect ways to get your project spoken about around the internet.

With this coverage on MIGS, it’s important we establish the professionalism that is prepared in advance before the event. Planning your pitch deck, a quick five-minute presentation that will drive the right audience you seek to work with, is the perfect way to get your project spoken about around the internet.

A pitch deck contains the main proposition, your idea and how you plan on achieving this idea. You list the problems and needs your targeted clients can provide and what solution will follow afterwards. Showing your game’s projected budget and the scheduled game’s release goes into your deck.

Remember, before you plan your deck, you must know your project’s goal and what clients you are trying to drive onboard. When networking, allow yourself to be relatable by just being yourself to a certain extent. Like a job interview, sell the skills you offer in a professional setting. Stand up straight, smile nice, and translate your experience into how you may play a great role in a potential partnership.

Your business cards should be flying out of your hands with everyone you meet and want to work with. A quick and good idea is to use QR codes that can lead to your deck and a demo of your game. Your game’s storefront should be simple and easily accessible on mobile and desktop. Use networking to create exposure for your project.

Maximizing Your Impact at MIGS

This event draws in a significant crowd of developers, gamers, media, and publishers. Showcasing your game here visually can impact professionals with different eyes for key game’s success factors in the industry. MIGS presents an opportunity for your project’s visibility boost as even today, word of mouth is 64% most effective when promoting your project.

Because of the presence of other fellow developers, game testing and feedback from your peers are an excellent source of volunteer help for your project, especially if you are a smaller or independent game team. Study the different reactions and connections that are made while playing your game. Focus on behaviour patterns such as the client’s focus and answer questions they may have for you.

_{Community Manager: Kelsy Medeiros networking with Inpulse Developer: Nate at this year’s PAX WEST}

Live & Learn

You may not always agree with what the industry says about your project, but taking back anything with a grin of salt makes you a strong connection at the event. After MIGS ends, you can use that feedback to study its impact on your game’s success and refine your project. From workshops to talks by industry leaders, these events are a goldmine of knowledge. You can learn about the latest trends and innovative marketing strategies from us at GameRebellion!

Above all, you now have a pocket full of business cards and opportunities to help you reach your ambitious goal for your video game. Industry experts are at every turn at MIGS 2023, it’s an event filled with magic, science and wonder that you will only benefit from attending it.

Dozens of trade shows appear every week, but there are only a select few that stand out as the most needed to attend. There is no doubt that the Montréal International Game Summit is one of them. We wish you luck and a huge game’s success at this year’s MIGS! If you loved this article, stop by Booth 13 to see us and share some love!

_{GameRebellion at GAMESCOM 2023 – Germany}

11 Years of The Big House – Their Key to Success

Kelsy Medeiros on June 25, 2024

Every story has its beginning. In this case, The Big House has had a long-running history of 11 years, cementing itself as the longest-running Super Smash Bros. Held every year in Detroit, Michigan, The Big House was first established in 2011 and has been the most prestigious tournament series event alongside the “Evolution Championship Series”(EVO) for Smash Bros. Now, why are we taking a look at an esports event today? Well, game marketing is everywhere, and we can prove it!

The success of this event stemmed from talented gamers hanging out and playing games in a basement when they had an idea to create the tournament. Robin “Jugglyguy” Harn went on to fulfill his vision and produced The Big House by renting out a small space on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for 115 people. By 2017, over 2000 people were in attendance, forcing Jugglyguy and his team to get a larger space at the Cobo Center in Detroit.

But what makes The Big House so unique as a premium event for spectators, gamers, influencers, developers, and sponsors to attend?

^{A crowded space, 2016 marked the moment of realization that this event was only growing larger and larger. “We need more space” – Jugglyguy – 📸: Connor Smith.}

My Experience at The Big House 11 Event

I had the absolute pleasure to have attended this past weekend’s Big House 11, where I was on a hunt to find out these answers for myself. Upon arriving to pick up my pass, I noticed the long line wrapped around the inside of Huntington Place’s Halls.

The line was filled with people in attendance for different reasons. Some were spectators, competitors, developers ready to show off their indie fighting games, sponsors who were there to promote their products, and sponsors who were there to promote their brands. There were camera crews, vendors, and even marketplace representatives. I started to understand what was making this tournament so special.

Upon passing security, I was met with a spacious setup. Each room section was divided into groups by vendors, controller repairs, developers, and video game tournaments. I stretched extensively and kicked off my research by speaking to many attendees. I noted how each role contributed to The Big House organization, making the event so special. Here are some insights I gathered on how to create a successful event from the ground up.

_{The event was easy to find, with its Logo splashed all over the building and nearby billboards – 📸: Kelsy “SuperGirlKels” Medeiros – Content and Communications Specialist at GameAddik.}

Organized and Professional Management

The main organizers are all kind individuals who show genuine interest in the video game community. They are gamers, making the event relatable to the gaming community.

The organizers did a lot of research into each year’s event. They take in feedback from their attendees and ensure safety regulations, well-planned schedules, clear rules, and a supportive, responsive team to help provide an intense experience for participants and viewers.

Prize Pools and Incentives

Attractive prize pools and incentives motivate top players to participate. High stakes can generate excitement and draw in more viewers. As the Super Smash Bros. scene is known to be an independent community, the prize pool is already low, as each prize is usually funded straight from the community itself.

As the Big House has increased in visibility, viewership, and attendance each year, so has the prize pool, which has attracted more top-level players who want to watch perform in person. Prize money for last year’s Big House was just short of $19,820.00, which, compared to the first-ever Big House’s $1000.00, is a huge prize.

^{This weekend’s “2VS2 Doubles Winners” included Angel “Pocket” Mireles, a Top 20 worldwide player as of 2023, with Jayson “Soar” Medeiros from Montreal, Canada. 📸 BlueRoseTori}

Live Streaming and Production Quality

High-quality live streaming, with engaging commentary and production values, enhances the viewer experience. Well-executed broadcasts make the event more enjoyable to watch. This attracts viewers to attend the following year, making the anticipation for the next event even greater than the previous year.

Sponsorships and Partnerships

Sponsors often contribute to the prize pool and add legitimacy to the tournament. They also add exclusivity to their products that can’t be found elsewhere. This makes the event unique and gives attendees an even more reason to try and attend the event.

^{Rare and Retro items are available at booths by Gamers4Gamers}

Global Accessibility & Price:

The registration fee was much less than for other events. My pass for the Big House was $60.00 CAD, while other similar events cost easily over $100.00 CAD. The hotels were only a 5-minute walk from the venue, and food was easily obtainable within the forum.

This saves attendees a lot of time and money, making the trip all worthwhile for a reasonable price. I only had to pay for a UBER twice when arriving from the airport and travelling back to the airport on the day of departure, which helped out my budget for this trip.

_{Downtown, Detroit – near the Event’s Venue – a 5-minute walk to the main Hotel}._{📸: Kelsy “SuperGirlKels” Medeiros – Content and Communications Specialist at GameAddik.}

Community Engagement & Word of Mouth

The Super Smash Bros. community is undoubtedly the largest and longest-running independent scene. The Smash scene uses social media platforms and shares its content through forums.
Fan engagement activities help create a dedicated fan base, making marketing more accessible for The Big House team.
What builds a relatable connection between the organizers and its attendees is that the organizers are gamers. This makes speaking with the scene and its supporters much more personal.

Regular and Consistent Events:

Over time, The Big House has shown consistency in hosting tournaments on a regular yearly basis. With more people in attendance every year and more vendors and sponsors, each year has offered fans new but familiar experiences that have left attendees comfortable.

This consistency and yearly improvement only built anticipation and loyalty among fans. It’s the event to look forward to every year.

Activities for Everyone

The Big House isn’t just a tournament but an event for families and those who may be unfamiliar with the video game industry. Arcade machines from the 1970s-1990s were lined up in its play area for families to enjoy leisurely.

Side brackets that would occur once every 2 hours all weekend were an excellent approach for new fans who wanted to understand the competitive nature and ambiance of the community. Finally, there were different games by independent studios.

There’s only so much Smash Bros. a person can take; even the most hardcore players, like myself, can use a break. Games such as Rivals of Aether 2 were present to try and even hosted their tournament throughout the weekend. Everyone of all ages, regions, cultures, and genders was welcomed.

The Big House expanded the event’s reach to various areas and cultures, making it more inclusive and attracting a more diverse audience. Even language translators were in attendance to help the community connect.

Content Creation

Throughout the event, and even after the event had ended, top-quality content was produced for the community to enjoy from home. There were skits, recaps, interviews, highlights and trailers filled with announcements for the following year’s show that only had people watch more.

The Big House 11 has attracted over 100,000 viewers online throughout the weekend’s show.

Preparing for Next Year: Feedback and Improvement

On the event’s final day, I noticed organizers who all had the same T-shirt to stand out. They went up to attendees, vendors, sponsors, and others for feedback. A short questionnaire was given to fill out. It took about 2-3 minutes to complete my thoughts about the event.

The most important part was that the organizer I spoke with was genuinely curious and made eye contact with me formally as he expressed his concern about how they could improve the event for next year.

Why is Big House an Important Event for Developers to Attend to?

The video game industry offers many events to connect with potential publishers and consumers. Among those events, you have B2B, where you connect with industry experts and present your masterpiece to potential business partners. You have B2C events to connect and present your game to the final consumer or a mix of both. The Big House is recognized as a B2C event since you can access gamers on the spot.

Events such as cons or esports tournaments open up opportunities for developers to connect with gamers. These are your clients, and they are at this event to enjoy gaming. You can connect with the gamers personally while dazzling them with what you offer within your product.

You can take in feedback and apply improvement before your game’s launch. This also opens up discussions about your game, as their engagement will blossom around the event throughout the weekend amongst gamers and their friends.

One of the studios present at The Big House was Rivals of Aether 2’s Aether Studios. This event was the perfect place for these developers because of the Fighting Game Genre. Rivals of Aether’s 2D-styled fighting game genre matched the interest of the event’s gamers and could lure players into trying out their game.

The studio also offered a side tournament to deliver excitement and motivate players to practice new combos and stats within the game after its launch.

_{Winners of Rivals of Aether Event – Top 4 Finalists – 📸 HelloWrld}

Rivals of Aether’s social media pages grew followers and pre-orders for their upcoming game following The Big House 11.

Advice for Promoting Your Niche

After the hype was over, I found myself some 1-on-1 time with one of the tournament’s main organizers on Discord: Raymond “Rayn” Jackson. We discussed developers and independent communities, such as the Smash Bros. community and its events.

I now understood what makes The Big House so unique. It’s the passion that goes from a gamer’s point of view to the business side of the community. I did have one more question on my mind:

“How do you advertise such a niche community to the rest of the gaming industry?”

My personal branding success came from the consistency across each delivery. Spreading your news across platform services, even through word of mouth, is best achieved simultaneously daily across different platforms.

It’s essential to research the times in which each social media platform is at its most active. Platforms now offer tools to keep track of this and the ever-so-changing algorithm across each social media platform. What may work now may not work in a year from today. Luckily, social media platforms offer their website analytics for you to use as research to promote your branding needs.

_{📸: Kelsy “SuperGirlKels” Medeiros – Content and Communications Specialist at GameAddik.}

The Big House 11 may have concluded this year, but work is never over for the recurring indie giant. The Big House team has already begun to take in this year’s feedback and is already brainstorming for next year’s adjustments. In response, The Big House 11 was a huge success for fans who were in attendance.

But much is yet to improve, even when you’re as big as The Big House. If you aim to be Number 1 in your field and reach it, there will no longer be any purpose to continue after that. But if your goal is to learn and constantly improve at your work, then the results within your field will be unlimited.

Let’s set up a meeting through GameRebellion to discuss amazing tradeshows you should attend to improve your visibility.

Check out more articles, here!

Indie Games Steal the Spotlight at Comiccon Montreal

Kelsy Medeiros on June 25, 2024

Comiccon is like Christmas morning for indie developers, offering a massive opportunity to interact directly with consumers in B2C marketing. Imagine a playground full of excited kids already entertained by various activities—this is the vibrant atmosphere that Comiccon Montreal provides for indie game developers.

Building a reputation as a new player in the market can be challenging, but indie games have seen growing popularity and positive reviews. Platforms like Steam have made it easier for independent developers to apply and publish their games. Indie titles are prominently featured on homepages and in their categories, making them easily accessible to gamers.

In 2020, Steam announced that 50% of its 50,000+ game library comprised indie games from small studios with fewer than 20 members. By 2022, that number increased by another 8%, highlighting the rising trend and success of indie games.

Comiccon: A Golden Opportunity for Indie Game Developers

This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending Comiccon Montreal, which turned out to be the largest Comiccon yet, with over 60,000 attendees. The event showcased more than 20 upcoming indie titles, significantly more than last year, confirming the growing number of independent game studios.

Navigating the convention was a challenge. It took me over four hours to move from the main shop exhibit on Floor 2 to the Indie Zone, hidden behind the main shops. The Indie Zone featured a large space where indie developers hosted board game tournaments, playtests, contests, and demos.

The Indie Zone was a much-needed escape after feeling overwhelmed by the crowded main exhibit. Despite being of average height, the sheer volume of people was overwhelming. However, discovering the Indie Zone felt like a breath of fresh air, with the cool air conditioning providing relief.

Although the long lines meant I couldn’t try all the games, the Indie Zone’s popularity spoke volumes about the quality and appeal of indie games in a crowded market. Comiccon Montreal truly highlighted the thriving indie game scene and its growing influence in the gaming industry.

Indie Zone Showcases Passionate Developers and Inspiring Games

^{ComicCon 2023 Montreal – – 📸: Kelsy “SuperGirlKels” Medeiros – Content and Communications Specialist at GameAddik.}

However, independent games have received better reviews than AAA titles, as seen with It Takes Two, which won Game of the Year in 2021 with ratings ranging from 88% to 100%. Indie developers have been gaining popularity due to their advantages in the gaming market.

On the other hand, from my perspective, as a person passionate about games and competing in many tournaments, bigger studios are putting out quick content with no expected quality due to budget and franchise pressures. Creating large game experiences is also increasing, and games are becoming more expensive for consumers.

Now, back to Christmas morning in Montreal Comiccon. Parents expect cheap, fun experiences for their kids to remember. Indie games provide that experience for them and for gamers looking for fresh and more affordable solutions.

Developers in this growing niche market don’t have to release their product until it’s ready, and communication between each developer is clear and easier. Although the game may take longer to create, the results are usually beautiful and meaningful. So, let’s talk about the games I played there, shall we?

1. Venture to the Ville

The first example comes from the first game I played at Montreal Comiccon, Venture to the Ville, which has been in production since 2019. It presented a demo focused on seeking feedback for improvement. Venture to the Ville was the first game that caught my attention. I’m a big fan of 2D visuals, whether sprite-animated or 3D graphics.

Venture to the Ville stood out to me due to its unique attitude and art direction. It reminded me of Alice in Wonderland from 2010, as it had a creepy vibe while remaining true to the world’s persona. In Venture to the Ville, you explore a 2.5D metroidvania with 3D depth exploration. It’s like Metroid and Zelda had a baby, resulting in an incredible game.

You start the game with the main character waking up from what seems to be an experiment that was done on you. Your arm is blackened by the monstrous entity that you now find yourself in “The Vile.” But wait, you’ve got some pretty cool tricks with this new arm. Using it, you can begin your adventure and protect yourself from approaching monsters and enemies while planning your escape from wherever you are.

An enjoyable gameplay and experience

The lighting and ambiance are stunning. Each NPC (Non-Playable Character) is full of life and has a unique personality and voice. What makes Venture to Ville stand out is its exploration system.

In most Metroidvanias, maps are available to mark when exploring. But not here. In this crazy town, you use the foreground and background as your map. The visuals are clean and show the depth of the entire world to explore.

If you get stuck somewhere, chances are you need to retrace your steps by looking in the background or foreground to see how to advance. It’s such a great idea, something that, as someone with a horrible sense of direction, I never thought I would enjoy so much. I never felt too lost as I could backtrack quite easily while remembering where I’d been based on the enemies I already defeated.

The final boss of the demo was a great test of the skills I learned over the 15-minute demo. I died twice in the boss alone but never felt frustrated with the experience. I learned habits and tracked my gameplay through experience to use against the final boss. It was such a pleasure to enjoy!

However, I must mention that the game is not nearly finished. Venture to Ville aims for a 2024 release on Steam and console. The team said they still had a lot of work to do and appreciated the feedback the players brought them at the event.

Overall, I added the game to my wishlist on Steam and followed the studio for updates. It’s a game with massive potential, and I can’t wait to see the final product! Just a short video about this beautiful piece!

2. Spiral

Right next to Venture to Ville, I had the opportunity to try out Spiral, a game made by a team of fewer than 10 people. Developed by Folklore Games and SpaceJazz, Spiral has been generating buzz in the gaming community for some time now.

After playing its 15-minute demo, I was left in tears and worry, finally understanding why the game had been causing such a stir. Spiral’s impact is remarkable through its symbolic imagery and storytelling. The lighting, camera effects, and music tone contribute to the demo’s anxious atmosphere.

Spiral is a third-person narrative title that tells the story of Bernard, an old man who is fatally ill and wants to say goodbye to his remaining memories before his mind fades away. Your goal is to help Bernard remember his past life before he reaches the end.

Different interactions trigger new memories or loss of memory, leading to the end of the demo. It makes me wonder if the final game will have multiple endings depending on the memories you find before the end of the story.

The title made me very emotional, and I appreciated the care the developers took in crafting the personal story. A lot of time, effort, and research went into replicating this experience of living with brain diseases.

Although there is no release date yet, this game will surely blow people away (myself included). I look forward to playing this game with the lights turned off, on a large screen with loudspeakers, so I can feel every little bit of emotion that Bernard feels and show my utmost respect to the character.

3. Checkmate Showdown

Okay, so. I played Checkmate Showdown, a game that mixes chess and fighting genres, during a tournament in Montreal. Created by BadRez Games and published by ManaVoid Entertainment, this game is unique and got me hooked immediately.

For once, algebra class came in clutch. As someone who isn’t the biggest fan of linear fighting games, chess, or puzzle titles, two negatives truly do make a positive. It starts as a regular chess game, but when a piece is about to be taken, a 2D fighter breaks out. Each chess piece has its unique move set and feel, so mastering each is key to victory.

Checkmate Showdown is designed for chess masters and fighting game experts so everyone can have a satisfying experience. It controls smoothly, and every piece on the board presents a unique move set, weight and feel.

Personally, the character I connected with was Knight with his fast and furious combo game. Although the release date has not yet been announced, Montreal Comiccon developers said they plan to launch the game later this year on Steam.

4. Goons: Legends & Mayhem

I have seen many indie titles at Montreal Comiccon, but none have elicited laughs as loud as those from the Goons: Legends & Mayhem booth. It is the Canadian video game we have always wanted: hockey but with frantic blends of Mario Party and Super Smash Bros. The game is fully online and cross-playable across Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation.

It is visually stunning, with bright and vibrant colours that emphasize each character’s unique personality. You play as a team of two, with an automatic cardboard goalie following the puck’s movement, making scoring incredibly difficult.

The trick is to use teamwork alongside items and unique powers that each character and player earn throughout the game. It is a sports title you have never seen before, and the only way to truly understand it is to experience it firsthand. The game has been in production for more than six years, but the hard work is finally paying off. It will be released later this year.

^{ComicCon 2023 Montreal – – 📸: Kelsy “SuperGirlKels” Medeiros – Content and Communications Specialist at GameAddik.}

Experience the Heart of Comiccon: Indie Zone

Comiccon’s Indie Zone was the best part of the event’s experience. It was so refreshing to interact with each developer who was willing to show such passion for their project while being able to play the game through their eyes, which inspired me.

I got to understand some of their personal stories surrounding budgeting and the development process of their game while just trying to get the name of their project out to all the gamers out there, even with such low budgets on their hands.

So, they focus on the tools they can access through their team’s skills. Indie games range from as low as $5 to an average of around $40. This is such an approachable price for consumers. It helps even more when the gamer feels they earned such quality in gameplay for such a price. “Three’s a crowd,” as they say. Smaller teams have more impact on the development of the game.

Every gamer waiting hours to try these games walked out with huge smiles. It’s an experience you see after a good concert by your favourite artist. You will remember it forever and look forward to it when they return to your hometown.

I have to say, Christmas in July was pretty awesome for developers this year!

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The Benefits of Partnering with La Guilde du Jeu Vidéo du Québec

Kelsy Medeiros on June 25, 2024

The video game industry thrives on collaboration and support. That’s why we at GameRebellion are thrilled to announce our partnership with La Guilde du Jeu Vidéo du Québec.

Founded in 2015, this Quebec-based association has quickly become a powerhouse in the gaming world. In this article, we’ll dive into the many benefits of joining La Guilde, from increased visibility to unique opportunities for studios of all sizes. Let’s explore how this partnership can put your brand at the forefront of the industry.

Access to a Thriving Gaming Ecosystem

La Guilde du Jeux Vidéo is a thriving gaming community hub. It connects game developers, artists, writers, and other professionals to come together, collaborate, and learn from one another. This ecosystem fosters creativity and innovation, making it an ideal place for aspiring individuals to network and grow within the industry.

One of La Guilde’s standout features is its commitment to professional development. Members gain access to workshops, seminars, and training programs led by industry experts. These resources can help individuals sharpen their skills, stay updated with the latest trends, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.

^{La Guilde du Jeu Vidéo Seminar – Practices in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion adapted to the video game industry 📸: La Guilde du Jeu Vidéo du Québec}

Networking Opportunities

Building a career in the gaming industry often relies on connections and relationships. La Guilde provides ample opportunities for members to network with professionals, potential employers, and like-minded peers. Networking events, conferences, and meetups organized by the guild create an environment where valuable connections can be established.

La Guilde is a powerful advocate for its members. It represents their interests and concerns to industry stakeholders, government bodies, and the public. This advocacy ensures that the gaming community’s voice is heard and considered in decisions that impact the industry.

^{La Guilde du Jeu Vidéo du Québec’s Organized Québec Representative Booths at the B2B Global Event: Gamescom 2023 – Germany, EU.}

Financial Support

La Guilde continues to deliver financing, including grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities, to assist members in pursuing their projects or education. This support can be a game-changer for game developer studios, students, and professionals looking to take their careers to the next level.

The partnership, part of La Guilde de Jeux Vidéo, provides members with access to valuable industry insights and market research. Staying informed about industry trends and consumer preferences is essential for making informed game development and marketing decisions.

Diverse Promotional Support and Exposure in the Gaming Community

The gaming industry thrives on diversity and inclusion; La Guilde is no exception. It welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, fostering a rich, diverse community where unique perspectives are celebrated.

This diversity often leads to more innovative and inclusive game design. Guild members benefit from increased exposure and promotional opportunities. The guild often showcases its members’ work, helping them reach a broader audience and gain recognition for their talents and contributions.

^{Zone de Jeux Indie – Espace de partenariat avec Loto-Québec dédié aux sorties des studios indépendants à venir, présenté au public lors des conventions annuelles à travers le Québec, telles que Comiccon et Megamigs.}

How can you get Involved with La Guilde de Jeux Vidéo?

Working with La Guilde du Jeu Vidéo du Québec is a valuable investment for anyone looking to establish a career in the gaming industry. Here are some ways to get involved with the guild:

Understand Your Needs and Goals: First, identify what you need from the organization and the goals you aim to achieve. This clarity will help you make the most of your partnership.
Build Connections in the Industry: Reach out to the guild’s leadership or decision-makers. You can typically find contact information on their website or social media profiles. Alternatively, attend their events and network with members to establish valuable connections.
Flourish with The Quebec Video Game Guild: Partners join the Guild to provide unmatched and necessary expertise to members. By doing so, you help amplify the presence and impact of the Quebec video game community.

“The Guild establishes partnerships with service providers that have unique expertise that can help support and accelerate the development of studios.”
Timothy Jay Allard, Head of Member and Partnership Relations

Building a successful partnership takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. To establish a positive and beneficial relationship with La Guilde, it’s important to be transparent, supportive and committed to helping them achieve their goals within the Quebec gaming community.

Remember, every member has a unique story, and the Guild values these individualities. By growing alongside them, you not only contribute to your own success but also strengthen our vibrant Quebec video game community. The Guild ensures that each member evolves, grows, and thrives in the video game industry.

Moreover, joining the Guild grants you access to numerous resources, tools, and tailored advice. Your success and well-being are a priority, so it’s crucial to fully leverage the opportunities offered. Enhance your presence and impact in the industry by taking full advantage of what the Guild provides.

Unleashing the Potential of Your Game Studio with La Guilde

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer, the benefits of joining this flourishing community are clear.

By working with La Guilde, you’re not just supporting an organization but fuelling the dreams and aspirations of countless gamers, developers, and enthusiasts. You’re contributing to the growth of an industry that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

It isn’t just about business; it’s about being part of a dynamic movement shaping the future of gaming in Quebec and beyond. It’s about joining hands with visionaries who understand that in gaming, possibilities are limitless, and together, we can turn those possibilities into realities.

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