On July 8th, the Windsor tech and gaming communities will come together for Tech Connect Meetup: Runeborn Edition, a special evening dedicated to celebrating innovation, ingenuity, and a truly homegrown success story.

Hosted by WEtech Alliance and powered by St. Clair College Alumni Association, the event takes place at WindsorEats from 5:30pm to 8pm, spotlighting the official launch of Runeborn, the first PC video game from Windsor-based developers, iDream Interactive.

The event is more than just a game launch; it’s a full-circle moment. Runeborn is the brainchild of iDream Interactive, a local studio led by St. Clair College alumni Jacob Duhaime and John Charette. The two met in high school and later studied together in the College’s Tradigital Animation program, where they first floated the idea of one day working together. That vision became a reality when John officially joined the iDream team in 2021. Since then, the company has grown to a team of twelve, with the studio developing over 15 games for corporate clients across North America.

For Duhaime, Runeborn represents the years of vision, iteration, and the foundational training he received at St. Clair.

“St. Clair College was the spark that ignited my career; I wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” says Duhaime. “The skills, mentorship, and community I found there were the foundation for everything we’ve built at iDream Interactive. It gave me the tools, the drive, and the confidence to pursue game development as more than just a dream—it turned it into a career.”

Blending roguelike deck-building mechanics with customizable slot-based systems, Runeborn challenges traditional gameplay and puts agency back in the player’s hands. It’s an ambitious and genre-defying title that’s already generating buzz among indie game enthusiasts.

“Runeborn is the culmination of years of passion, experimentation, and player feedback,” says Duhaime. “It’s our love letter to roguelike deck-builders—with a modern twist that pushes the genre forward.”

Runeborn is currently making its debut at Steam Next Fest from June 9-16, an international showcase of upcoming games on Steam, the world’s largest digital distribution platform for PC gaming.

iDream Interactive is also a proud graduate of WEtech Alliance’s ScaleUP Accelerator program, having participated in last year’s Cohort 8. Their journey from classroom to accelerator to international game release exemplifies the spirit of tech innovation in Windsor-Essex.

“iDream’s move from an agency-for-hire, to building their own product and IP reflects a path we see often: companies that have spent years solving problems for others realize they’re ready to create something of their own,” says Adam Castle, Director of Venture Services & Partnerships at WEtech Alliance. “At WEtech, we see these transitions as powerful markers of innovation, and every bit as valuable to our local economy as a brand-new startup.”

In addition to networking with the iDream team, fellow gamers and tech enthusiasts, attendees will enjoy a special behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the making of the game, offering insight into the creative and technical process behind this ambitious release. Fun food and drink options will be available for purchase, with WindsorEats crafting Runeborn-themed cocktail and mocktail flights inspired by the different rune colours featured in the game. A variety of food trucks will also be on site dishing out delicious eats for guests to enjoy.

WEtech’s Tech Connect Meetups are an opportunity for entrepreneurs, ecosystem members, innovators, students and those involved with the tech community to connect, mingle, exchange ideas, and build relationships in a relaxed atmosphere.

“Tech Connect has always been about spotlighting the talent and innovation shaping our region,” adds Castle. “With the launch of Runeborn by iDream Interactive, we’re proving that creativity here isn’t limited to assembly lines or factory floors. Whether you’re a student, an aspiring game developer, or a passionate gamer, this is your invitation to see that if you can dream it, you can build it, right here in Windsor-Essex.”

Limited tickets for the event are now available at runeborn.eventbrite.ca