Wireless Technology Development Fund Offered Year Round
Bight Interactive, one of the industry’s most creative 3D mobile games development studios, will develop two new video games through the assistance of the Wireless Technology Development Fund. The Government of Prince Edward Island (PEI), in partnership with Rogers Wireless and Ericsson Canada, introduced the Fund last year to encourage the development of new products and services in one of the fastest growing industries.
PEI is rapidly becoming a game destination for electronic game development. One of several new companies located in Prince Edward Island, Bight Interactive, will develop Slam Street v2 and Insecticide with the support of the Wireless Fund.
“The Government of PEI is committed to ensuring the success of this growing sector and the companies interested in establishing here,” said Minister of Development and Technology Mike Currie. “Today, the mobile gaming market is expecting a sixfold growth over the next five years for downloadable games generating 82 per cent of an $8 billion market. Government will continue to support businesses that spur technological advancement and provide employment opportunities for our youth.”
Rogers Wireless and Ericsson Canada contributes $500,000 to the fund while the Province of PEI matches that contribution. The fund will provide up to 50% of the total development cost to a maximum of $50,000.
“3D-capable mobile devices are quickly becoming the device of choice for mobile game players,” said Stuart Duncan, Bight Interactive CEO. “Bight Interactive is actively responding to the emerging demand for both 3D game content and the underlying game development engine. Tapping into a source of funds that enables us to quickly develop new mobile games for this hungry global market is a win-win situation for our business and the local economy.”
Slam Street v2 is a collection of basketball games, both on and off the court. The ultimate goal for the player of Slam Street v2 is to become the hottest new star around, sign the fattest endorsement deals and gain “Street Cred.”
Insecticide involves the player trying to fend off wave after wave of insects threatening to overrun the city using defences and weaponry. The goal is to exterminate every insect before they can reach the city. What makes this game stand out above the rest is the BightDNA feature, a system that will control the insects evolutionary paths. Overtime, the bugs will slowly adapt to find the best genetic combination for overrunning the player’s defences.
For more information about Bight Interactive, please visit www.bightinteractive.com.
The Wireless Technology Development Fund provides seed investment for a wide range of projects aimed at developing services or products based on wireless technology. To be eligible, a company must be registered in PEI. Out-of-province companies may apply if they relocate a portion of their business to PEI or form a joint venture with a PEI-based company. For more information about the Fund, please visit www.techpei.com.
PEI Business Development Inc. and Technology PEI work with businesses to strengthen and expand the provincial economy though business development. Adding value and generating wealth, PEI Business Development and Technology PEI offer a diverse range of programs and services to encourage business growth in PEI.