A pioneer in university teaching in video games, digital creation and 3D creation, UQAT’s Creation and New Media Teaching and Research Unit has been contributing to the development of the digital and cultural industries for over 20-years. The expertise of the teaching team, based in Montreal and Rouyn-Noranda, is internationally recognized in various facets of the digital creativity, 3D, VFX, cinema, new technologies and video game sectors.
Spaces for Experimentation and Innovation
In 2011, the creative and new media department acquired a state-of-the-art motion capture laboratory. Now equipped with a Vicon Shogun solution, that meets the highest standards in the film and video game industry, the Vantage 12-camera system can capture more than three actors simultaneously. The installations allow the detection of movements both locally and remotely; they can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from video games to the show business field.
Specialized laboratories provide researchers and students with access to the latest digital technologies to experiment and develop the immersive environments of tomorrow (Internet of Things, robotics, biometrics, artificial intelligence, immersive shows, etc.). A true incubator of innovation projects, the department collaborates with various sectors (cultural, mining, health, etc.). A collaboration with Montreal’s CHU Sainte-Justine is behind the start-up Paperplane Therapeutics, a company specializing in the development of therapeutic video games in virtual reality. Several companies, such as Shishi Studio, Chasing Rats Games and Lowbirth Games have also emerged thanks to our independent video game short program.
Accessibility in Video Games
The research teams are interested in, among other things, accessibility in video games and aim to develop theoretical and video game design tools that, in addition to participating in the development of knowledge on accessibility (publications, communications, workshops), will be taught as part of the various courses of the programs. Funded by the SSHRC, a first symposium, Jeux & Accessibilité Montréal, will be organized in August 2023 in collaboration with the accessibility managers of the video game studios such as Eidos-Montréal, Player Research, Ubisoft Montréal, Warner Bros Games Montréal, etc.
Repeatedly rewarded for the quality and creativity of its achievements, UQAT adapts to the needs of its students and its partners in industry and the community. In Montreal, the university offers a bachelor’s degree in video game creation (Art, Design and Integration) as well as in 3D creation (visual effects for cinema). In Rouyn-Noranda, undergraduate and graduate courses are oriented towards digital creation (design experience, cinema and audiovisual media).
