Sago Mini

Level Up Showcase is an annual event showcasing the creations of post-secondary video game students from across Ontario. Sago Mini has been attending for as long as our studio has existed - there’s always a group of us itching to see what this year’s crop of students are up to. We love seeing new ideas, and feeling the energy of fresh creators. It’s a great place to run into old pals, and especially to be introduced to new faces. Many of our staff showcased their own work at Level Up in the past, so it’s especially exciting that for the past few years, we’ve been able to volunteer as judges - this year we had a crew of 14 checking out the games and sharing notes! There’s always a ton of amazing games to chat about in the following days - we make a point of making a full report and bring back links to share with the entire team. Illustrator Katherine Elliott says: “I've been judging Level Up for the past 3 years and was a participant in 2016. Every year we're so impressed by the quality of the work and each year the students seem to get better and better!”

Jinja and friends went to #WWDC26 this week to go pick up a lovely (and heavy!) award. We met an amazing bunch of people along the way. Huge thank you to Apple for a great time, and for recognizing our cozy game. #Apple #Design #SagoMini

We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 Apple Design Award winners. View the list: https://lnkd.in/g9UWyaEw CD PROJEKT RED, Dogubomb, Flipping Hues, Guitar Wiz, Hyper Luminal Games, Jenny Jiao Hsia, Jip van der Velde, National Basketball Association (NBA), Poti Poti Studio, Primary: News in Depth, Sago Mini, Tide Guide #ADA26 #AppleDesignAwards #WWDC26 #AppleDeveloper

We believe that the best things in life start with play. But for play to be truly meaningful, it has to be accessible, intuitive, and welcoming to everyone. We’re thrilled to announce that Sago Mini Jinja’s Garden has received the Apple Design Award for Interaction at #WWDC26. 🏆 We’re honored to be recognized alongside our fellow nominees, and we’re incredibly proud of our brilliant team. True innovation in the preschool space means creating immersive, open-ended experiences that respect a child's natural autonomy. By bringing this cozy, child-led gardening adventure to Apple Arcade, kids as young as three have a safe (and fun!) space to explore, be creative, and build confidence – all at their own pace. Thank you to Apple Developer for recognizing the importance of interactive design for our youngest digital citizens, and congratulations to our visionary team! ❤️ Explore Jinja's Garden -> https://sagomini.link/JGS #AppleDesignAwards #Design #SagoMini

When we launched Superfonik, we set out to provide a solution for reading reluctant kids being left behind on their literacy journey. The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop was instrumental developing the unboringest way to learn to read. 📚 Check out this event for an opportunity to learn more from them: 📖 “Building Better Learning Tools: A Look Inside the Sandbox for Literacy Innovations” ✨ Learn key insights from the forthcoming “Translating Literacy Research to Edtech” report ✨ Explore the new Co-Design with Kids Toolkit  ✨ Get inspired by the work of the Sandbox partner companies 👤 Hear speakers from the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, The GIANT Room, Khan Academy, iCivics, and LeapFrog 📅 June 10, 2026 1-2 pm ET/ 4-5pm PT 📍 via Zoom (register in advance at link below) 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/e-fMrbwi

Ideas can come from anywhere and anyone, and at Sago Mini we know some of the best come from our favourite people - kids! That’s what drew us to the amazing work done by Kid2Kid. Kid2Kid is a Toronto not-for-profit organization started by two moms in 2019 who wanted their own children to experience first-hand how their efforts can concretely help others. Their mission is to spread kindness through initiatives that directly impact children in need. Putting kids at the center is a key part of what they do to make a difference, just like we do at Sago Mini! Earlier this year, Sago’s EDIB team purchased and donated totes, toys, activity packs, kids winter toques and gloves to go directly to kids in need at the Red Door Family Shelter. Kid2Kid assembled a team of volunteer kids to do the packing and delivery, and get a first-hand look at how they are able to make a difference! This weekend, check out another great initiative at the Beaches Recreation Centre - Kid2Kid’s Community Kids Marketplace, where you’ll be able to shop some creations made by kid entrepreneurs! Of course, Sago Mini will be there with some amazing bundles of rare Sago toys and merch in the silent auction. Check it out!

We’re thrilled to announce that Jinja’s Garden is a finalist in the 2026 Apple Design Awards, nominated for BOTH Inclusivity 🫶 and Interaction 🕹️. Designed to be a child’s first “big kid” video game, our team created an immersive, 3D world that introduces preschoolers to cozy, task-based gaming. Jinja’s Garden empowers kids to play independently, thoughtfully designed with intuitive and text-free controls for effortless navigation. As a result, kids are free to play, create, and explore at their own pace in a calming, frustration-free environment. 🫰 A huge congratulations to the brilliant team who brought the magic of Jinja’s Garden to life – and to all Apple Design Awards finalists! 👏 Explore Jinja's Garden: https://sagomini.link/JGS

We are looking for Educators/Tutors/ Librarians! 🔎👩🏫 📗 Superfonik is a new reading app that makes learning to read feel like recess!  Perfect for even the most reluctant readers, kids advance through tons of hilarious games that make reading practice ridiculously fun. Are you curious how this app could support your students and fit into your learning space? We’re hosting demo sessions for educators and anyone with a new or struggling reader. This includes K-3 classroom teachers, reading interventionists, tutors, homeschool educators, afterschool enrichment and summer program leaders, librarians and beyond. We’d love to hear your insights and ideas. What’s in it for you? ✅ A chance at a three-month free subscription to Superfonik  ✅ A chance to influence the direction of Superfonik ✅ The opportunity to make an even bigger impact on new and struggling readers Join an upcoming 30 minute demo. Have questions? 📩 cchiaramonte@superfonik.com 🖊️ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eVHpAYqM