Innovation, Business and Rural Development
August 13, 2013
The Provincial Government continues to support new learning technologies in Newfoundland and Labrador with an investment of $500,000 in Best Boy Entertainment’s new math game for pre-schoolers, Zorbit’s Math Adventure. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development.
“Companies such as Best Boy are strengthening the technology sector and helping to diversify business interests in our province by establishing creative, innovative products,” said Minister Hutchings. “There is huge growth potential for their products and licensing agreements nationally and internationally, and the Best Boy team should be applauded on their efforts to extend the Best Boy brand. We are pleased to provide funding of $500,000 to help make this product a reality.”
Zorbit’s Math Adventure is the first in a series of educational games created by Best Boy Entertainment and designed to allow children to master math concepts through interactive game play on a tablet or an Internet browser.
“IBRD has been a tremendous supporter of our burgeoning interactive industry,” said Ed Martin, CEO of Best Boy Entertainment. “The department’s equity investment in Zorbit's Math Adventure speaks not only to the value of the project but to IBRD’s commitment to the future. This is a good partnership.”
Zorbit’s Math Adventure is based on recognized curriculum for North America. Initially released in English, the game will expand to French and other languages in the future. Best Boy Entertainment currently employs more than 40 people and is located in Mount Pearl. Additional information on their productions can be found at www.bestboy.ca.
“Best Boy is currently the only company in the province creating this kind of product,” said Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl North. “It is important to find ways to introduce youth to the world of innovative education, and I am pleased that our government is able to support Best Boy to help make this new educational game a reality.”
Canada has the third largest video game industry in the world, generating employment for approximately 27,000 people across the country, and contributing $2.3 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2012. Globally, video game revenues are expected to grow to $70.4 billion worldwide in 2013, representing a six per cent year-on-year increase.
Media contacts:
| Heather Maclean Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Ed Martin President/CEO of Best Boy Entertainment 709-722- 0140, 727-8048 edmartin@bestboy.ca |
Leslie Penney Constituency Assistant to Steve Kent MHA for Mount Pearl North 709-729-1526 lesliepenney@gov.nl.ca |
2013 08 13 10:30 a.m.