Ontario Investing in Interactive Digital Media Sector in Newmarket-Aurora
Ontario is investing $6 million to support 52 interactive digital media (IDM) companies focused on building a vibrant digital media industry, creating jobs and growing the economy.
In Newmarket-Aurora, Game Pill Inc. will receive a total of $50,000.
- ·This project is an arcade system created for theme parks, arcades, malls and other places where youth and families aged 7+ gather. The VR system will consist of a science fiction bounty hunter experience where players will play the role of a space exterminator who regularly rids the universe of pesky space creatures and villains (Dog the Bounty Hunter meets Metroid). The experience will start with a mission control briefing via heads up display, followed by the hunt and chase (via a motorcycle-esque space-craft), and finally, the epic battle to bring the vermin to justice. A single-seat prototype will be developed, tested, and marketed to entertainment venues across Ontario.
This investment is part of the Interactive Digital Media Fund, which helps companies develop innovative projects like video games, mobile apps and online magazines.
Beginning next year, the province will increase support for the Interactive Digital Media Fund to $10 million. Next year’s program, which begins accepting applications today, will also be more flexible, with new funding streams to support a wider variety of projects, including publishing businesses and marketing support.
Supporting a strong interactive digital media industry is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
QUOTES
“As interactive digital media plays an increasing role in people’s everyday lives, this funding will help support the work being done in Newmarket-Aurora and ensure that we continue to contribute to Ontario’s innovation economy.
— Chris Ballard, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora
“I am proud that our government has increased our support for Ontario’s interactive digital media sector through an enhanced Interactive Digital Media Fund that responds to the needs of the industry. This is one of the fastest growing sectors in Ontario and our government’s investments will ensure that it continues to thrive, creating jobs and contributing to economic prosperity in our province.”
— Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
“Success in today’s digital marketplace requires innovation, diversification, new business models, risk-taking and collaboration. Ontario is home to a vibrant interactive digital media industry that demonstrates all these characteristics, and OMDC is committed to support its continued success at home and on the world stage with tools like the IDM Fund.”
— Karen Thorne-Stone, President and CEO, Ontario Media Development Corporation
QUICK FACTS
§ Interactive digital media production contributes over $1 billion in revenue annually to Ontario and supports 17,000 jobs.
§ The fund was created in 2005, and since then has supported 248 projects with total funding of over $25 million.
§ Ontario’s interactive digital media companies create critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects that are enjoyed world-wide.
§ Ontario success stories include Mega Run, by Get Set Games, which topped App Store rankings and drew the interest of Disney/Pixar, and Loose Strands, an interactive children’s book by Darned Sock Productions, which won awards and recognition across the U.S. and Europe.