Indigenous 
Submitted by James Dupuis, Coordinator & Professor, Game Programming
For the past five years, Snowed In Studios in Ottawa has been an invaluable partner to the Game Programming program, offering ongoing support that extends well beyond traditional industry engagement. As active members of the Program Advisory Committee, Snowed In leaders provide guidance that helps ensure the program aligns with current industry standards and expectations.
Their involvement includes guest presentations, career advice, and mentorship for students completing their capstone projects. Snowed In mentors meet with students throughout the development cycle, offering insights on everything from game design best practices to navigating the rigorous testing and interview processes common in the field. The studio also hosts an annual tour for the graduating class—an opportunity that has become a highlight of the year.
This year, students were once again welcomed into the Ottawa studio, where they enjoyed a pizza lunch and spent a full day receiving detailed feedback and advisement on their capstone game. The current project is a ghost‑ and zombie‑themed board‑game‑style video game for up to four players. In the game, players roll dice, deploy zombies to slow down their opponents, and compete to collect the most souls. Still early in development, the team is aiming for an eventual release on Steam.
Snowed In Studios has also been a strong employer of SLC talent. Graduates Nick Voss, Stelios Klapsis, and Joshua Torrington‑Smith (now a part‑time SLC instructor) have all launched their careers through this partnership.
The continued collaboration with Snowed In Studios provides students with real‑world exposure, meaningful mentorship, and a direct pathway into the gaming industry—making a lasting impact on their education and future careers.