On October 13, Technoculture, Art and Games (TAG) members William Robinson and David Waddington launched the political-inspired game Cabinet Shuffle. Increasingly popular and ever addictive, the card game asks players to choose their ideal cabinet. That’s not as easy as you would think! Concordia University Provost Graham Carr and Lynn Hughes, interim associate vice-president in the Office of Research joined the Milieux Members for the launch.

The launch felt more like a Cabinet Shuffle championship with guests fully engrossed in playing – and winning. I, as spectator, would hunch over the players, studying their hand and formulating which Member of Parliament I would pick/disregard. Non-playing invitees surrounded the rather impressive pyramid of boxed card sets in discussion.

The launch took place at TAG’s headquarters, a colorful room where members gather to play and create together. TAG’s atmosphere, like the games its members study, is dynamic and energetic. In addition to the livingroom-like sections centered around the latest video game consoles, TAG’s walls are decked with tools encouraging members to create their own devices. The research cluster lives up to its description as a hub for research as well as creation in game studies, digital culture and interactive art.