By Jon Scarr
Montréal's first GrosJoueurs festival will celebrate Québec-made video games across Plaza Saint-Hubert from November 11–15. The organizers created it because they felt too few public events focused on locally developed games. Along with playable games, the festival brings together music, visual art and other activities that connect gaming with Québec's culture.
More than 60 Québec-developed games will be featured at Le Gros Salon: Arcade Québécoise on November 14 and 15. Organizers have planned more than 25 activities across 12 locations, with most free to attend.
More Than 60 Québec Games at Le Gros Salon
Le Gros Salon takes place at Ausgang Plaza, 6524 Rue Saint-Hubert, from noon to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free, and the selection of games changes every two hours.
La Guilde du jeu vidéo du Québec is presenting the arcade. The organization brings together independent and international developers, creators, educators and other people working in Québec's game industry.
Several Québec game studios are also supporting the festival. Berzerk Studio and Clever Endeavour Games are gold partners, Red Barrels and Sabotage Studio are silver partners, and Tribute Games is a bronze partner.
Gaming Meets Music and Art Across Plaza Saint-Hubert
There's more happening than the main arcade. On November 14, Pixelles is hosting THÉCADE at Charyū par Thés Guru from 3 to 6 p.m. The free event combines cozy games created in Québec and elsewhere in Canada with a traditional tea-house setting. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own cup for a chance to win one of the featured games.
On November 13, multidisciplinary artist PONY will introduce an arcade game called Anxiyeti: L'ami de l'ombre at La maison PONY. It's inspired by Ms. Pac-Man and was developed in collaboration with Jean-François Martel and the GrosJoueurs team. The free launch event takes place from 8 to 11 p.m., includes a performance by CRABE, and is restricted to adults aged 18 and older.
The festival also has interactive exhibitions and an orchestral concert featuring video-game music. On November 14, local developers will discuss Québec's representation in games during Vive le Québec jouable! at Club Pays. The panel is free. Saturday's orchestral concert requires a ticket.
The festival continues Sunday with speedrun pop-ups and a free closing performance by Montréal video-game rock band TurboQuest. The concert is for adults aged 18 and older.
La Guilde Launches Québec Game-Buying Initiative
La Guilde is also using the festival to launch J'achète un jeu vidéo québécois on November 14. The initiative encourages people to support games made in Québec, and its launch will introduce a new website to help them discover those games.
The presentation is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon at Ausgang Plaza, but it is invitation-only and closed to the general public. The free Le Gros Salon arcade opens at the same venue at noon, so visitors don't need an invitation to attend that part of the programme.
Just three festival activities require paid admission. All scheduled activities take place indoors along Plaza Saint-Hubert, and visitors can get information at the festival desk at Ausgang Plaza on November 14 and 15.
Jon Scarr
Enjoying our coverage? Add 4ScarrsGaming as a Preferred Source on Google.
Comments
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated. Please stay respectful and on topic.