GAMETIME: Saskatoon developer elevates Canada’s wartime efforts from 'footnote in the pages of history'
A locally produced video game is on the ballot for Best Learning Game in the Games for Change awards.
Radio General, a Second World War strategy game, is produced by Michael Long, who runs his own solo independent company in Saskatoon called Foolish Mortals.
“Unlike other strategy games where you can see where your units are, you can’t see where they are at all. You have to actually to ask them over the radio by speaking into your microphone and giving them commands,” Long says.
Long says it’s meant to simulate what communication might have been like during the war, when phones and radios were the only way get information.
He adds the game has a strong educational focus to help people learn about the role of Canadians, as the game includes real historical photos, videos and documents.
“We do give out free CD keys for educational purposes and the game is currently being used in a few local public high schools for their World War Two history module.”
The player also controls Canadian troops, something Long says is rare in the genre.
“I’m a fan of World War Two games and such, and basically none of them cover Canada. We’re always lumped in with the British. We did serve with their armies and stuff, but we’re always lumped in with them, and other games like Call of Duty also always focus on you know, the Americans, the Russians, the British. The Canadians barely get like a footnote in the pages of history.
“So I thought it would be really cool to make a game about Canada since I’m from Canada.”
Long says Radio General has been a commercial success as well, getting about 16,000 downloads on Steam.
Release date for new Atari console
The Atari VCS console is being released June 15 in the United States.
A news release says the system will be available via Best Buy, GameStop, Micro Center and the official Atari VCS website.
“This retail launch follows the different phases of pre-order deliveries initiated in late December 2020. The Atari VCS Onyx Base systems start at $299.99 USD, while Atari VCS Black Walnut and Onyx All-In system bundles include the Atari VCS Classic Joystick (available separately for $59.99) and Atari VCS Modern Controller (also $59.99) for $399.99 USD,” says the news release.
The Atari VCS will have support for 4K resolution, 60FPS, onboard and expandable storage, Bluetooth 5.0 and USB 3.0 support.
However, few details have been mentioned about whether Canada is included in the U.S. release.
NASCAR announces partnership to offer esports and gaming scholarships
If you’re interested in pursuing esports and gaming scholastically, NASCAR has formed a partnership with Stay Plugged IN to bring a three-part scholarship series to students in the U.S.
Stay Plugged IN is a leading organizer of collegiate recruiting events in the United States.
“Over the summer months, Stay Plugged IN will organize and produce two amateur tournaments where participants have the opportunity to compete in front of collegiate recruiters from around the country,” says a news release from NASCAR.
The partnership will also facilitate a game creation competition to teach students coding to design games, as well as resume building and other learning opportunities.
Part of the partnership will be a game creation competition where students learn to use coding to design games through the use of a coding platform. The partnership also creates resume building and experiential learning opportunities for students wishing to apply their skills at the collegiate level.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Feature Report What's the best advice for Canadians with renewing mortgages? More than 50 brokers weigh in
Over the next year-and-a-half, 44 per cent of all mortgages will be up for renewal in Canada. To help guide consumers through these uncertain financial times, CTV News reached out to more than 50 mortgage brokers across Canada with a list of questions. Their answers provide professional guidance for individuals and families searching for clarity and sound advice.
Bread, milk, apples: Federal NDP wants price cap for grocery store staples
The federal New Democrats want a price cap on grocery store staples if the Liberal government can't convince grocers to bring down the prices themselves.
Mourners can now speak to an AI version of the dead. But will that help with grief?
A 61-year-old startup entrepreneur teamed up with his friend in the U.S., Robert LoCascio, CEO of the AI-powered legacy platform Eternos. Within two months, they built "a comprehensive, interactive AI version" of Michael Bommer -- the company's first client.
National Bank of Canada seizes Ont. woman's car by mistake
A university student woke up one morning to find her car had been towed away without warning. She finally got answers - just not the ones she expected.
North Korea's trash balloons deepen tensions with the South. Here's what's happening between rivals
Animosities between North and South Korea are rising sharply again over an unusual cause: The North's rubbish-carrying balloons.
Her gut was producing alcohol. Doctors didn't believe her
For two years doctors told her she was an alcoholic. Then they realized her gut was making alcohol from carbohydrates, a rare condition called auto-brewery syndrome.
Forest bathing: What it is and why some Alberta doctors recommend it
Many people are familiar with the benefits of being in nature, but forest therapy goes a step further than a simple walk in the woods.
India election: Modi's coalition leads in early count but opposition is stiffer than expected
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's coalition led in a majority of seats Tuesday in India's general election, according to early figures, but faced a stronger challenge from the opposition than expected after it pushed back against the leader's mixed economic record and polarizing politics.
Poilievre disagrees with Conservative MP who opposes same-sex marriage, vows to uphold
Facing scrutiny over comments one of his MPs made, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says if he become prime minister, he will uphold same sex marriage rights, 'full stop.'