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CBC
27 minutes ago
- CBC
These 2 cooking games look similar. Is it cultural erasure, an homage or straight up theft?
A Toronto developer claims his video game was ripped off by a European company 4 minutes ago Duration 3:22 When Abhi Swaminathan opened up a mobile cooking game called Sofra, his first reaction was to be amused. He thought it looked extremely similar to his own narrative cooking game, Venba — with a few critical changes. "The assets I saw in the game were pretty one-to-one. They were lifted, and in my eyes, they were kind of sanitized," he said. Swaminathan, founder and director of Toronto-based Visai Games, put out Venba in 2023. In his game, players take on the role of an Indian mother who immigrates to Canada in the 1980s. Her recipe book is damaged, and as players re-create Tamil meals, they learn about the family at the centre of the game. "The story is about love, family and loss," Swaminathan said. Sofra, meanwhile, is a cooking simulation game that came out this year that removes any narrative elements, instead letting users make dishes like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or pancakes. In late June, Visai Games fired off a social media post accusing Sofra of being a "rip-off" that excised themes like "dealing with racism" — leading to comments from frustrated Venba fans and posts on video game blogs pointing out the similar aesthetics of the two games. Swaminathan ultimately decided not to take any legal action, citing the frequency with which video game elements are taken by other creators, and the challenge of pursuing the companies responsible for Sofra, which are based in Europe. "It's simply not worth it for us," he said. Sofra creator denies any theft Across the Atlantic, Moldova-based Alex Baboglo denies that his team did anything wrong when they put out Sofra. Baboglo is CEO of the companies that put out the game, Global Advertising Network Ltd. and WorkPoint. He said that Sofra was created by three teenagers as part of an in-house game development program, and that while the trio "took inspiration" from other games, everything in their product "was created by our internal designers from scratch." Lawyer Jay Kerr-Wilson, who heads up the copyright practice group at law firm Fasken, told CBC Toronto that copying the "look and feel" of a video game is not legally protected. "Where you could cross the line is if you copy specific creative elements from a game," he said. Kerr-Wilson said there's "almost no litigation on these kinds of cases" in Canada, both because it's commonplace for developers to borrow from each other and because bringing litigation is both expensive and, when the case crosses borders, complex. He said game developers who want to protect their work can opt to file a copyright registration with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and file a trademark for any distinctive features like names, logos or branding. Sharing can be done 'in good faith' Though Venba creator Swaminathan believes the team behind Sofra have "purely financial motivations," he said many of the instances of game creators borrowing from one another are a "healthy" part of his industry. "Let's say a game comes out, and then another game takes the mechanic and improves on it," he explained. "As long as it's done in good faith, people are happy about it, and that's kind of how the medium progresses." That tracks with what Kris Alexander, a Toronto Metropolitan University professor who teaches game design, has observed. "It's fairly common" to see similar elements pop up in different games, he said. In some cases, Alexander said, it's done as a way of honouring a beloved game, for example farming game Stardew Valley, which he described as a "love letter" and "spiritual successor" to 1996's Harvest Moon. WATCH | The information kids give away when they play video games: Gaming the System 5 months ago Marketplace investigates how much information you're giving away when playing mobile games, and where that information ends up. We uncover the methods app developers use to keep kids playing for as long as possible – and expose loopholes in the laws meant to protect children's privacy. In other instances, cases of similar games lead to plagiarism accusations or even litigation — for example Sony's decision last month to sue rival game company Tencent for creating what it describes as a "slavish clone" to its Horizon series. "The waters can be a bit muddy," said Alexander. "Because we don't know how many people are trying to pay homage, and how many people are trying to make a quick dollar."
The Province
4 hours ago
- The Province
Montreal jewelry boutique launches own Canadian diamond engagement collection
New engagement ring launch is made entirely in Canada — from the first sketch to the final polish Montreal jewelry boutique Château D'Ivoire. Photo by Château d'Ivoire / ZAK Communications Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. We love discovering new-to-us Canadian brands and boutiques. Especially when they launch something that really leans in to the Made-in-Canada movement. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Montreal jewelry boutique Château D'Ivoire has long been in the jewelry game, setting up shop in the city in 1978. Recently though, the jeweller, which boasts on onsite workshop, launched a line of engagement rings called the Nord-Ouest Collection that are entirely made in Canada, using Canadian diamonds. We caught up with Sarah Kaidbey, director of marketing for the company and a second-generation family member working in the business to learn more. Q: For those who aren't familiar, what is Château D'Ivoire? A: Château D'Ivoire is a family-owned luxury jewelry and watch boutique established in 1978 and located in the heart of Montreal. For over four decades, we have been proud to offer our clients an exclusive selection of fine jewelry and prestigious timepieces, alongside personalized, expert service in a refined setting. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Q: What makes it unique? A: Our boutique stands apart for its heritage, craftsmanship, and dedication to excellence. We are one of the few maisons in Canada with an in-house jewelry workshop, where master artisans design and handcraft exclusive pieces on-site. This unique capability allows us to bring custom creations and exclusive collections — such as Nord-Ouest — to life under one roof. Château D'Ivoire is also proud to be an authorized retailer for some of the world's most respected watch brands, including Rolex, Cartier, and Bulgari. The experience we provide is discreet, tailored, and rooted in a deep passion for horology and haute joaillerie. Q: Who is the target customer? A: Our clients range from first-time luxury buyers to seasoned collectors. They are discerning individuals who value quality, authenticity, and exceptional service. Whether they are looking for a timeless engagement ring, a one-of-a-kind jewelry piece, or a rare timepiece, they turn to Château D'Ivoire for trusted expertise and a refined shopping experience. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. An engagement ring from Château D'Ivoire. Photo by Château d'Ivoire Q: What can you share about the new Canadian-made engagement collection? A: Our new Nord-Ouest collection is a refined tribute to Canadian craftsmanship and natural beauty. Entirely designed and handcrafted in our Montreal atelier, the collection offers two distinct lines of engagement rings, both united by a shared philosophy: timeless design, quality materials, and authenticity. Each ring is crafted in 19-karat gold and set with a responsibly sourced Canadian diamond, offering a level of personalization and craftsmanship that reflects the values of our maison. With Nord-Ouest, we are proud to offer engagement rings that are not only meaningful and beautiful, but entirely made in Canada — from the first sketch to the final polish. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The collection is composed of two signature models: Nord, with its clean lines and subtle claw setting, evokes quiet strength and modern elegance. And Ouest, with its gently domed band and low-profile bezel, reflects a softer, more organic design sensibility. Both styles are understated yet distinctive, designed to celebrate love with sincerity, intention, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Q:What is the price range? A: This collection starts at $4,500 for a model with a 0.50 carat diamond and can go up to $36,500 for a two-carat diamond setting. As each ring is made to order, clients can also explore customized options that suit their preferences and budget. Q: And where can people learn more? A: To learn more, clients are invited to visit us in-store at 2020 Rue de la Montagne in Montreal or explore a selection of our offerings online at Sports Vancouver Whitecaps Vancouver Canucks Crime News
CTV News
4 hours ago
- CTV News
Indigenous Circle: Aug. 5, 2025
WATCH: Mick Favel brings you this week's edition of Indigenous Circle, detailing Muscowpetung First Nation's acceptance of the 'cows and plows' settlement.
