Highlights at this year’s Montreal Joue

Arcade Royale

Two things Montreal is really good at: festivals and gaming, have finally come together.

It’s the second year Montreal libraries will be putting on Montreal Joue, a festival dedicated to board and video gaming, and this year promises to be a big one, with over 300 free activities in 60 spaces (including 45 local libraries) from Feb. 22–March 9.

Here are a few highlights of this year’s fest. For the full line-up, including the many board gaming/family friendly events, head here.

Mount Royal Game Society’s homemade cabinet Arcade Royale — you might have seen it at Chez Boris — will be making its way around town throughout the festival. Grande Bibliothèque (475 de Maisonneuve), Feb. 22, 1–5 p.m. Bibliothèque de la Maison culturelle et communautaire (12002 Rolland), Feb. 26–27, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. & Feb. 28, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Bibliothèque de L’Île-Bizard (500 montée de l’Église), March 2, 11 a.m.–5 p.m & March 3, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Bibliothèque du Boisé (2727 Thimens), March 4, 12 p.m.–9 p.m. & March 5, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

The Pixelles are a club dedicated to getting women more active in making games. Here’s a chance to check out their latest projects. Bibliothèque du Mile End (5434 Parc), Feb. 26, 6–9 p.m.

For one evening, play the role of library defender against an army of zombies. This LARP is for high schoolers only. Bibliothèque et Maison de la culture Frontenac (2550 Ontario E.), Feb. 28, 6 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

Ever wanted to play Donkey Kong or Super Mario Bros. with a giant gamepad you control with your feet? Well now you can, thanks to gaming event crew Gros Joueurs. Bibliothèque de Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (3755 Botrel), March 1, 2–4 p.m.

For Nuit Blanche, City hall’s Hall of Honour will be tricked out with video games and board games. 275 Notre-Dame E., March 1, 8 p.m.–3 a.m.

If you’ve ever wondered about making music for video games, the Composer pour des jeux video conference should prove informative. Bibliothèque du Plateau-Mont-Royal (465 Mont Royal E.), March 4, 6–9 p.m.

Learn how to make origami with Yu-Lin. Bibliothèque Georges-Vanier (2450 Workman), March 6, 2–3 p.m.

Concordia’s TAG research lab will be hosting Arcade 11, a three-day DIY arcade showcase and open house. SGW Campus -11th Floor EV Building 11.725 (1515 Ste-Catherine W.), March 6–8, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Think you can make your own board game in 24 hours? Then assemble a team of 2–4 people and give it a shot by signing up here. Bibliothèque d’Ahuntsic (10300 Lajeunesse), March 8, 2 p.m.

Ubisoft Montreal, Ludia, Gameloft and WB Games Montreal are holding open houses during the festival. Most of the spots have filled up, but you can try your luck anyway. ■