Canada House @ SXSW Sydney is bringing together heroes and heroines of the video game industry. Hear from Canadian and Australian professionals who have worked in Canada about the past, present and future of the industry. Explore the latest trends, emerging technologies and evolving landscape of the industry, both domestic and international. Panelists will share their perspectives on various innovations and discuss how these advancements are shaping the player experience and impact professionals in the industry. Engage with the experts during the networking event and the Q&A session. This panel is a must-attend event for anyone who is passionate about gaming, looking to start or expand their career overseas or simply curious about the broader applications of gaming technology in other sectors.

The event will be held on the Ground Floor of Canada House. Spaces are limited to sign up early to guarantee your admission.

Panellists

Emma Wilson: Director of Product Management
After starting her career as a Game Designer on LA Noire, Emma moved from Sydney to Canada to work at Bioware as a Lead Technical Designer on Dragon Age: Inquisition from 2011 - 2014, which swept the Game of the Year awards in 2014. Emma is a product leader with a 15+ year track record of delivering world-class digital products and experiences.

Matt Zagurak: Narrative Director
Matt Zagurak is a video game narrative director with 17 years of experience in the games industry. During his career he has worked on franchises such as Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six and Prince of Persia. His main area of professional interest is how the intersection of theme, world and active gameplay can be leveraged to tell new kinds of stories only possible in interactive media. Matt is originally from Montreal Quebec, and also lived in Berlin Germany for 4 years.

Yifat Shaik
Yifat Shaik (she/her) is a game developer and an Assistant Professor at York University’s Department of Computational Arts. She is known for her innovative contributions at the intersection of technology, art and design. With a keen interest in exploring the boundaries between digital and physical realms, her work often delves into themes of identity, culture, and the impact of emerging technologies on society.

Networking: 4-5pm

Panel + Q&A: 5-6pm

Event Queries: whpcanada.sydney@international.gc.ca

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a Government of Canada program that allows youth, aged 18-35*, from IEC’s over 30 partner countries/territories to work and travel in Canada for up to two years*. Whether it is to take a gap year, complete a co-op/internship abroad, or gain international work experience after graduation, IEC can help make these experiences happen*. For information on IEC, visit www.canada.ca/iec. For queries, please email whpcanada.sydney@international.gc.ca.

*May vary depending on your country of citizenship.

The Consulate General of Canada in Sydney, Australia hosts in-person events and webinars for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to learn about work, study, and migration opportunities in Canada. Follow us to find out about upcoming events!