July’s Summer Daze Newsletter

Oh no! It’s July already? How did this happen? I want my June back! Time is going too fast! Someone cast a slow spell aaaahh! No, I’m just kidding–July is a good thing! Why? Because that means our annual fancy videogame party, the Hand Eye Society Ball, is that much closer to happening! In case you missed it, we announced that the Ball is returning again this year at the Masonic Temple on September 21st! We’re also looking for Sponsors, Volunteers and Game Submissions! Ticketing goes live very soon, so keep an eye on your inboxes…

So many new and exciting things for our 10 year (10 years? WHAT?) anniversary and we can’t wait to share all of our current plans and future dreams.

That being said, time for July stuff! Love you all okay thanks bye! 👋🏾

Don’t forget, there’s Google Calendar, in which you can check out all of the events here in one handy, downloadable place!

You can also submit news about Toronto/GTA games and events to calendar@handeyesociety.com at any time before the month in which the event takes place (preferably with a week to spare), post to our Facebook Group (as long as it’s relevant to local games/playful media and doesn’t violate our Code of Conduct), or @ us on Twitter for a RT.

WHERE TO JAUNT – EVENTS

July 4 & 18

It’s Rock Band Night at Power Up Bar! I’ve always wanted to be a rock star, but I’ve made a detour. Go be your best selves on my behalf! 🤟🏾

July 6

It’s Meowfest 2019! Oh my god! Cats cats cats! There’s gonna be workshops, kitties you can adopt and more! 🐈

July 10

I know y’all love amazing animation, so why not see Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse under the stars? 🎵What’s up danger?🎵

July 11 – 14

Hells yeah, it’s Vector Festival! A weekend of contemporary art, games, and other digital media with our pals at InterAccess! Get your tickets before they sell out! And stay tuned for a special HES Membership discount, which will be delivered to your inboxes very soon.

July 13

Fighting Game nerds, unite! It’s Toryuken 8, bayBEEEEE! Get those joysticks out! 🕹

Long Exposure Festival is happening! For those who love light, photography and fun experimentation with 💡!

This is a free, all-ages event. There will be workshops for kids on how to spin poi and assemble LED toys to explore, alongside the artwork in the park. The Long Exposure Festival features a 8ft glowing moon, an interactive claw machine, aerial dance performers, a glow-in-the-dark ball pit, and more!  This event is located in Flemingdon park between Gateway Blvd and Don Mills Rd, next to the soccer field.

Kingdom Hearts Orchestra: World of Tres. I know y’all love your HYUCKS and your *duck speak*, so I added this in just for you. 😚

July 15 – 19

Summer is coming™️. (take THAT Game of Thrones) and that means Camp Make-A-Game is almost upon us! Hand Eye Society’s FREE week-long full-day summer camp for kids 8-12 with the Toronto Reference Library! This program is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of our Studio Sponsors: Capybara, Rocket 5, DrinkBox Studios, Asteroid Base, Globacore Inc, Longbow Games, Phantom Compass, Get Set Games, Uken Games, Wayward, Prodigy Games, Laundry Bear Games, Daniel Posner and Ramen Benyamin.

Are you a game dev studio and want to sponsor the Camp? Become a member, today!

July 17

Remaking Game Work is a public forum with game developers, media work researchers, and digital labour activists to discuss working conditions and social inequalities in the video games industry and strategies to improve conditions in digital media. Special guests: Dan Joseph, Katherine Lapointe, Maggie McCraw, Austin Walker, Johanna Weststar, Jennifer R. Whitson and Sagan Yee!

July 20 & 21 [UPDATE: POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER]

Our year-round Game Curious programming with Evergreen Brick Works continues with Skylab Revolution, a new, interactive installation brought to the Children’s Garden by Little Dada with support from Hand Eye Society. It will feature a number of exciting activities for children to explore the Garden from the perspective of an astronaut! Facilitators will be on hand to encourage participants to use the spaceship equipment to investigate, experiment, and discover their own unique view of the space around them. Drop-in, 10am to 3pm both days in the Children’s Garden.

Also that weekend: It’s the Pretty Heroes & Toronto Sailor Moon Celebration 2019! As if I’d miss an event like this. It’s all about events dedicated to strong female characters and that’s rad af!

July 26

ConBravo! is here again if you’re willing to travel over to Hamilton!

WHERE TO HAUNT – SOCIALS

July 7

The July Edition of the Game Design Meetup at Snakes & Lattes! 

Sunday Sundae Social with DMG! Mmm ice cream…

#ICYMI

HES launched our Six for Bricks zine–a collaboration with artists and game makers in Toronto at Evergreen Brick Works! Check out our photo album here. Missed your chance to get one? No worries, there will be available at upcoming Toronto events! Don’t forget to check out the other three upcoming programs in our Game Curious at Evergreen Brick Works series.

Speaking of zines, Bit Bazaar at TMAC was abuzz with indie, art, and tech of all shapes and sizes. In Case You Missed It, check out all the brilliant artists and creators who showcased their work; even if you couldn’t make it, they’re still out there making stuff!

COMING AND GOING ATTRACTIONS

Oh my stars–it’s a N E W  G A M E by 13am Games! I want it RIGHT NOW!

BREADWINNER – JOBS/GIGS/OPPORTUNITIES/DEADLINES

Digital Justice Labs is looking for participants for their upcoming project: virtual grounds: a series dedicated to feminist perspectives on digital sustainability and survival.

Ever wanted to tell the United Nations, what children think about growing up in a digital age? Now is the time. Please send an email or give Professor Sara Grimes from the University of Toronto to make your voice heard.

Uken has jobs!

Rockstar has jobs!

Ubisoft has jobs!

Disclaimer: This is a monthly compilation of various Toronto game news and events in and around the city — many of which are not organized by Hand Eye Society — and is by no means comprehensive. Always check official links for accurate details and credits, and please send any corrections, additions, or submissions for future months to calendar@handeyesociety.com before the month in which the event takes place.

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