Connecting the creators of today with the creators of tomorrow!
In partnership with NAIT, we’re pleased to bring together our local game dev community with the students and future community members from NAIT. We’ll kick things off with an exciting panel of local game devs meant to inspire and provide their insights on how to get into the industry after graduation. Following the panel, there will be chance to mix and mingle with the current and future creators here in Edmonton, as well as play some demos from both the community and student devs.
All are welcome, both established and aspiring creators (and everyone in between)!
Date: March 31, 2025
Time:
4:00 PM – Doors open
4:15 PM – Panel discussion
5:15 PM – Networking
Location: The Atrium, Main Floor, NAIT Productivity and Innovation Centre (PIC)
Light refreshments will be served.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS
Moderator: Aryon Billings – Senior Producer, Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Aryon is a project, product, and program manager with over 20 years of experience in managing projects, with experience in the games industry, blockchain and the public sector. Aryon is a Graduate of the University of Alberta, holding a B.A. and an M.A. in Political Science and holds a number of additional professional designations.
In the past, Aryon has worked on AAA games like Anthem, Company of Heros 3 and Age of Empires 4 and currently is a Senior Producer working on Subnautica 2 with Unknown Worlds Entertainment. Taking her background in arts, project management, and love of exploring the games industry, Aryon also became a Women in Games Ambassador, a Women in Leadership Mentor and helps contribute to the powerhouse of professional women working in games in Alberta.
Panelists:
Jen Laface – Creative Director and Producer, Only by Midnight
Jen is the co-founder of Only By Midnight, an Edmonton-based indie video game studio that believes in combining entertainment with impactful narratives. In her dual role of Producer and Creative Director, she helped develop the studio’s first game, Curved Space, and the upcoming game, Ctrl Alt Deal. Jen brings to the interactive and digital media industry a passion for meaningful storytelling developed during her years working as a Publisher’s Assistant for On Spec, Canada’s longest-running English-language science fiction and fantasy magazine. She believes in the power of stories to build communities through sharing experiences, information, contacts, resources, and aspirations. Her position is that the best form of success is that which brings others with you and looks forward to supporting other Alberta developers in whatever stage they are in.
Kelly Eros – CEO and Lead Developer, Alchemy Interactive
Kelly is the CEO and Lead Developer at Alchemy Interactive, a game development studio based in Spruce Grove, Alberta. With a background in graphic design, 3D modeling, web development, and sound editing, he is passionate about crafting immersive, narrative-driven gaming experiences. His current project, SAK’D, is a retro-inspired 2.5D platformer that pays homage to classics like Wonderboy in Monster Land® and Castlevania®. Despite industry challenges, Kelly remains dedicated to bringing creative visions to life through thoughtful design and development.
Kyle Kulyk – Managing Director, Itzy Interactive
Kyle is a seasoned game industry professional with over a decade of experience. As the creative force behind Itzy Interactive, he combines his financial expertise with a passion for game development to drive innovative projects. From design and programming to project management and production, Kyle wears many hats, ensuring the success of every game. Alongside his position at Itzy Interactive, Kyle instructs game design and programming at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and is contributing to the development of NAIT’s new Game Development program.