Featured Client: Cerebral Vortex Games

Cerebral Vortex Games is an independent Thorold ON developer creating casual and research driven Serious Games. Established in October 2006, Cerebral Vortex Games engages the player on a cerebral level because they believe “clever people need clever games”. President, Keith Makse, has been an active member of the video game industry for over 10 years, serving as a Designer and Producer.

The company makes games for PC, Mac, Web, iPhone/iPod Touch,.iPad, Android, Blackberry, XBLA, PSN, and they are trying to break into DS development. CVG have hit titles such as Ice Cream Dee-Lites and Word Burst.

So what makes CVG different? Their entertainment-based games focus on giving some knowledge back to the player. In their #1 hit game, Mysterious Worlds: The Secret of Oak Island, they based the entire game on some interesting history of Oak Island, Nova Scotia. Their online game, Word Burst (found on their site), is a spelling game that challenges the player to spell bigger and better words.

The company also focuses on Serious Games; games that are primarily for educational purposes but are built using standard game design principles. Next on their list, How To Grow A Sentence, a game that teaches the basics of grammar. In today’s texting society, this is surely needed.

Working with Venture Niagara has allowed CVG to locate their facility to one location, as they were a virtual company prior to the move to 23 Front Street in Thorold. Virtual companies can work, however the creative synergy of everyone working in the same location and solidifying the operation, has allowed the company to work more closely with other companies in the region. Companies such as nGen, the digital media incubator, the Centre for Advanced Visualization and Brock University.

Continuing to work hard, Makse and his 11 person team are wrapping up the exciting survival horror game, Ghost Breaker, play balancing Trace Evidence: The Hunt for the Black Orchid and designing In Your Neighbourhood, a Serious Game for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Recently, the company has stepped up production on an unnamed project for the iPhone that is based on an animated television series.

In early March Cerebral Vortex Games heads down to the Game Developer’s Conference in San Francisco to meet with publishers from around the world. To find out what happens and play their games, visit their website regularly www.cerebralvortexgames.com

Venture Niagara Joins Social Media Hype

The Social Media trend is showing no sign of slowing down. In fact, it's still growing. From posting photos to writing blogs, the desire to share has become a universal phenomenon.

Venture Niagara lends to a variety of businesses up to $150,000, however we do have smaller loans available.

We offer Equipment Loans that allow a business to purchase equipment related to the operation of the business. We also offer Technology Loans that allow a business to purchase computer technology related expenses such as computers, printers, software, web-site development, etc. These loans are for specific needs of a business and offer a quicker turnaround time.

Both Loans follow the same financing terms:

• minimum amount of $2000
• maximum amount of $7500

The loan will be for a maximum term of 36 months at the interest rate of prime (as declared by the Bank of Canada) plus 4%.

When a business applies to one of these loans, we are looking for an existing business that has been in operation for at least a year, satisfactory personal and business credit history.

To apply, simply complete the application located on our website, include information on the items/services to be purchased and include a current financial statement. If you have questions do not hesitate to call us at 905-680-8085.