Rémi Racine, co-founder and CEO of Behaviour Interactive
“We have a healthy video game development ecosystem here in Montreal and Quebec, and across the country,” observes Racine, whose company has been named one of the best managed in Canada. “Whether the pipeline that nourishes that ecosystem can thrive and compete globally in the decades to come depends largely on the steps we take today to foster new talent and keep pace with new technology.
“This is what this gift to Concordia is all about. As a post-secondary research institution with strengths in concept art, design and experiential education, the university plays an important role in a sector with tremendous socioeconomic benefits and promise. We take pride in our ability to help nurture more of this success.”
Thanks to undergraduate and graduate programs in design and computation arts, and a concerted emphasis on hands-on, practical experience, Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts has flourished alongside the industry, both in terms of enrolment and reputation.
“There is great potential in digital game research and development,” remarks Annie Gérin, dean of Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts. “From cultivating communities to teaching new skills and revolutionizing storytelling, representation and entertainment, this industry has emerged as one of the most impactful cultural artifacts of our time.
“Through support for a new research chair and a range of resources for students, Behaviour Interactive’s gift will help us explore the possibilities of the next generation of game design. We are particularly excited to see how our new Behaviour Interactive Chair in Game Design will provide opportunities for students, faculty and professionals to collaborate and experiment boldly.”
A remarkable number of Concordia alumni have propelled Canada’s video game industry forward, notes Paul Chesser, BA 94, GrDip 97, vice-president of University Advancement at Concordia.
“This major gift from Behaviour Interactive is an endorsement of our Faculty of Fine Arts and a momentous opportunity to build on the industry’s future needs,” says Chesser.
“We are especially thankful that an industry leader located in our own backyard has made this generous investment. It will help to elevate Montreal as a nexus for video game design and development, supporting talent, inspiring creativity and generating cutting-edge advances.”