Christine Kim from Stage Select fills us in on their first-ever gaming expo:

On Saturday June 28th, doors will open at 9AM at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre and stay open til 2AM for the first-ever Stage Select Gaming Expo. There are many events happening on this day including panel talks, developer showcases, gaming rooms, live music, marketplace, artists alley and more!

Gamers, developers, educators and enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to attend this inaugural event. This all-inclusive celebration of play includes video games, table-top games, board games, live-action, cosplaying and, you guessed it, even more…

KEYNOTE SPEAKER – DR. SARA GRIMES
The events at Stage Select will begin with a keynote address by Dr. Sara Grimes. Grimes’ speech frames Toronto as a leading community in promoting a more diverse gaming culture. This is due to a number of initiatives that have been started here in Toronto and also through the games that are designed in this city. Her talk will discuss some of the research that has been conducted at Semaphore lab, where she is Associate Director. Learn more about some of the reasons why “inclusive play” is a vital goal that benefits the game community as a whole.

DEVELOPER SHOWCASES | GAMING ROOMS
Visit your favourite local studio as they show off their latest releases or yet-to-be released games at our developer showcase tables! Some of the studios you’ll see out are Rocket 5 Studios, creators of Jazz Punk Necrophone Games, Asteroid Base, Drinkbox Studios, Uken Games just to name a few.

Castle Board Games will be serving up sweet treats and fun board games in the Table Top Gaming Room. There is so much to play at this event including: a multiplayer arcade, LARPing, RPGs, and more.

LIVE PERFORMANCES
Let’s Play videos are fast-becoming one of the most popular types of videos on YouTube and for the first time in Toronto watch your favourite YouTuber play live! We are featuring the hilarious duo The C_ntrollers and also The Collegiate Alliance who are based in New York. Other live performances will include Improv by the Dandies!

LIVE MUSIC
Start the night off right with performances by The Blast Processors, Epic Game Music and our DJs, Dj Cynex, DJ MartyMcFly, and Used DJ!

Saturday June 28
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (9 Garamond Court, Toronto)
9AM – 2AM
Tickets: $25 online $30 cash at the door

stageselect.ca
Twitter: @StageSelectTO
Facebook: facebook.com/StageSelectTO

LISTEN TO THE EDGE 102.1 TO WIN A CHANCE FOR FREE TICKETS!
Starting on June 16th The Edge 102.1 radio will be giving away 20 free tickets. More details to come on the Stage Select website. In case you’re not one of those lucky 20, get your tickets today at stageselect.ca!

ABOUT STAGE SELECT
Stage Select is a volunteer-run organization whose mission is put on the most exciting, inclusive, and innovative events that celebrate everything encompassing play.