Tag Archives: ontario

Brock University in Canada has released a report that discloses a four-year study into the links between teenage aggression and playing violent videogames. The findings suggest that there is a direct link between the two.

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Ubisoft’s announcement of a brand new studio in Toronto last week could be bad news for other businesses in the area, according to Marcus Gee of The Globe and Mail.

In a post for the website, the reporter set his sights on Toronto premier, Dalton McGuinty, stating that the opening of the new studio would be a ”tax burden” for other developers in the area.

McGuinty pledged a $263 million grant to help Ubi set up the facility, which, it’s claimed, will provide 800 new jobs for the area over the next decade.

“That quarter-billion has to come from somewhere, much of it from good Toronto businesses that don’t have the buzz factor to attract an open-collared premier,” said Gee.

“Their tax burden will rise, and their business will suffer, while the cool kids in the video-game industry collect government cheques.”

More through the link.

Ubisoft just announced intentions to open a new studio in Toronto, Ontario, a move that’ll result in the creation of 800 jobs in the next decade.

Ubi is to invest a net sum of a cool CA$500 million in the facility over the next ten years.

“Today’s announcement marks a strategic move for Ubisoft as we continue to expand our internal development force,” said company super-boss, Yves Guillemot.

“We are in an excellent position to grow and after extensive analysis we are thrilled to have reached an agreement with the government of Ontario to found our new studio in Toronto. The city is one of North America’s economic and cultural epicenters and our expectations are high. We’re excited to be able to count on the exceptional local talent, who will contribute to our accelerated growth and will have a profound impact on the video game industry with the excellence of their creativity.”

Press release after the break.

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Too Human developer Silicon Knights has been granted $500,000 to work on a “psychological thriller”, so be prepared for release in 2010. The company had already said it would expand on the back of official cash.

The money’s coming from the Ontario Media Development Corporation as a grant to help rejuvinate the Ontario area and keep tech talent in the region.

“We believe that Ontario, and Niagara in particular, is an excellent place for a company to thrive, and, with the OMDC’s funding through the Video Game Prototype Initiative, it clearly shows that the Ontario government is on the same page,” said studio boss Dennis Dyack. “Ontario’s best natural resource is our people, and with all the great universities and colleges in Ontario, there’s an abundance of bright and creative talent. Most of Silicon Knights’ team are graduates of Ontario colleges and universities, and our team members are the best and brightest in their fields. This grant will encourage this great talent to stay within Ontario.”

More here.