We don't just love making games, we also love playing them. We look forward to Extra Life every year, but 2023 is extra special special: Codename Entertainment will be participating in our TENTH year of fundraising for BC Children's Hospital!

Welcome Back, Extra Life!

Since 2008, Extra Life has raised over $130 Million USD for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. The money raised is donated as unrestricted funds for hospitals to use as needed. And how does Codename Entertainment help raise that money? By doing what our community loves to do already: playing games together!

If you would like to learn more about Extra Life, check out their FAQ. The local member hospital that Codename Entertainment supports is BC Children's Hospital and the funds we raise are donated to BC Children's Hospital Foundation.

2023 Schedule

Starting Friday, October 20th at 9am Pacific, Codename Entertainment is excited to once again put on a 24-hour Extra Life Twitch Stream! We have a lot of content planned this year -- just check out our schedule below:

• 8:30AM — Founders Q&A
• 9:30AM — Tactile Storytelling: Making D&D Props
• 10:30AM — Goblins for Dinner
• 12:30PM — Gardening With Elisa
• 1:30PM — Battleball!
• 4:15PM — Queen By Midnight
• 6:00PM — Artomancy: Special Edition
• 7:00PM — Idle Champions Karaoke
• 8:00PM — Dad Jokes Don't Laugh Challenge
• 9:00PM — Multiplayer Beat Saber
• 10:30PM — Mario Party
• 11:30PM — CNE vs Machine
• 12:30AM — Fearwarned
• 2:30AM — Jackbox Games
• 4:30AM — Artomancy: Special Edition
• 8:00AM — Mars in the Morning
• 9:00AM — Thank-You and Goodnight!

Check out the Codename Entertainment Extra Life Page for information on how to donate!

How to Help

Along with supporting the 24-hour marathon on our Twitch Stream, we're offering these amazing in game incentives!

Bush Whacker 2

You can donate in Bush Whacker 2 by purchasing any of the three different Extra Life package deals! Net proceeds from all purchase of those packs between October 16-22nd will be donated to Extra Life! Each pack contains premium Bush Buck currency and Extra Life Elixirs which restore 100% of your max energy. Plus, pick up a laser sword in the other two packs: The Extra Life Game pack, and the Extra Life Bus pack! Find more details in-game!

Idle Champions

Idle Champions players can support Extra Life by purchasing Boom Boom the Tavernkeep Familiar between between October 16th and 22nd! All net proceeds from the first week of Boom Boom sales will be donated to Extra Life.

For more information about Boom Boom the Tavernkeep Familiar, check out the Boom Boom the Tavernkeep Familiar Blog!

The end of the year is a time to celebrate what we have with those that we love, and an opportunity to help others to make their year better. So we are absolutely thrilled to participate in our NINTH year of fundraising for Extra Life!

Welcome Back, Extra Life!

Extra Life is a wonderful program set up to raise donations for Children's Miracle Network hospitals. The money raised is donated as unrestricted funds for hospitals to use as needed. How do we help raise that money? By doing what our community loves to do already: play awesome games together!

If you would like to learn more about Extra Life, check out their FAQ for a wealth of information.

What's the Plan for 2022?

Starting Friday, November 18th at 9am Pacific, Codename Entertainment is excited to once again put on a 24-hour Extra Life Twitch Stream! We'll have a huge variety of shows and games, featuring our fantastic CNE staff both in front and behind the camera. Streams include:

• A Q&A with the founders of CNE!
• Many D&D games, including a return to dinner and some massive battles!
• Relaxing shows about gardening and drawing.
• Speedrunning in Dark Souls and Co-op Miami!
• Exciting slashing in Beat Saber, and building in Minecraft.
• ...AND MORE!

Check out the Codename Entertainment Extra Life Page for the full schedule as well as information on how to donate!

How Can We Help?

Along with supporting the 24-hour marathon on our Twitch Stream, we're offering some amazing in game incentives!



You can donate in Bush Whacker 2 by purchasing any of the three different Extra Life package deals! Net proceeds from all purchase of those packs between November 14-20th will be donated to Extra Life! Each pack contains premium Bush Buck currency and Extra Life Elixirs which restore 100% of your max energy. Plus, pick up a Controller sword in the other two packs: The Extra Life TV pack, and the Extra Life Fairy pack! More details will be in the in-game shop!



Everyone can help change kids health to give them a better future, even if you are A PIRATE IN SPACE! Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms players can pick up Flapjack the Pirate Flumph starting November 14th! Net proceeds from all Flapjack sales from the first week of release will be donated to Extra Life. Check the in-game shop on November 14th for details!

The Desktop Launcher

Worried about how you’ll play BW2 after browsers stop supporting Adobe Flash next year? Worry no more! If you’re a Codename Games player, you can click the download button at the top of the game and download the Bush Whacker 2 Desktop Launcher for your computer.

You’ll still be able to play on the web for now, but playing on the Desktop Launcher has several benefits:

1. No need to worry about your Firefox, Chrome, Edge, or other browser supporting Flash! This version of Bush Whacker 2 runs right in the desktop.

2. A bigger, adjustable game window! Drag the edges or corners of the game window to adjust the size, or go full screen. It’s that easy!

3. Chat rooms! Turn on the chat sidebar to chat with your fellow Codename Gamers on the web in the main chat room, or step into one of the other chat rooms, exclusive to players using the Desktop Launcher.

4. Cross-platform chat! Select the “Facebook” or “Armor Games” chat rooms to chat with people on those platforms.

5. A free CNE Hot Air Balloon mount! When you first sign in via the launcher you’ll be given a unique mount!

Installation Instructions

There are two versions: Windows and Mac. Download the right one for your computer and get back to whacking! Here are some step-by-step instructions:

Windows

1. Go to the downloads page

2. Click the “Download Windows” button.

3. Find the "BushWhacker2.exe" file on your computer, typically in your Downloads folder, and double-click it to start the installation.

If you get a "Windows protected your PC" popup, click "More info" then the "Run anyway" button to continue with the installation. View the FAQ for more details on this message.

4. Follow the instructions (if you’re not sure, you can just keep clicking Next).

5. You’ve successfully installed the Bush Whacker 2 Desktop Launcher! Congratulations!

Alternative Windows Method

If you don't want to install BW2 to your computer, you can instead download the .zip file and run it from within the folder. Here's how you can do that:

1. Go to the downloads page

2. Click the "Windows Zip" text, underneath the Windows download button.

3. Find the "BushWhacker2.zip" file on your computer, typically in your Downloads folder, and double-click it to open the zip.

4. Drag the "Bushwhacker2.app" folder from the zip to where ever you'd like to put it. You can close the zip window afterwards.

5. Double-click the "Bushwhacker2.app" folder to open it, and double-click the "Bush Whacker 2.exe" file to run the game!

Mac

1. Go to the downloads page

2. Click the “Download Mac” button.

3. Find the "BushWhacker2.dmg" file on your computer, typically in your Downloads folder, and double-click open and view the contents in a new window.

4. Drag the "BushWhacker2" app into your Applications folder in your Dock or in Finder.

5. You’ve successfully installed the Bush Whacker 2 Desktop Launcher! Congratulations!

Other

For the tech savvy: If your system has Adobe AIR installed, you can use the AIR download instead of the Windows or Mac installers. You can find it at the bottom of the downloads page.

Using the Launcher

1. Start the Bush Whacker 2 application. On Windows, you can find and click it in your Start menu, or double-click the shortcut on your desktop if you chose that option on the installer. On Mac, you can find it in your Dock in the Applications folder.

2. Enter your email and password you use to log in on the Codename Games webpage.

3. Check “Remember Me” so you don’t have to enter it again.

4. Click the green “Login” button.

5. If your credentials are correct, then you’ll be playing Bush Whacker 2!

Discuss the new launcher on the forums.

Help & FAQ

If you encounter any problems or require extra support, please submit a support ticket. You can submit a support ticket in the Launcher via the Help Page button found in the in-game Options menu (accessed with the Gear icon.)

FAQ

Q: What is this a solution for exactly?
A: Most browsers, Safari, Edge, Chrome, and Firefox, will no longer support Adobe Flash Player near the end of 2020. Since Bush Whacker 2 needs the Flash Player to run, this will mean you won't be able to play it in these browsers! The Desktop Launcher doesn't need a browser to run, so with it you can keep playing well into the future!

Q: Will I lose my progress?
A: Nope! You can switch between playing on the Codename Games website and the Desktop Launcher. It's the same account, just in a different place!

Q: Is this only for Codename Games website players?
A: Yes. You log in with the same account you use to play on Codename Games.

Q: What about Facebook, Kongregate, and Armor players?
A: At this moment, the Desktop Launcher is only for Codename Games users. We'll address other platforms later on. For Facebook users, you'll be able to play in Facebook Gameroom.

Q: Will the Desktop Launcher work on Mobile (tablet/phone)?
A: No. The Desktop Launcher is only intended for Windows and Mac computers at this time.

Q: I get this message when installing the game on Windows! Help!



A: This message may occur as our app develops reputation with Windows Defender Smartscreen. The Desktop Launcher has a legitimate Code Signing Certificate, which you'll see after continue with the installation. Simply click "More info" then the "Run anyway" button to continue with the installation.

Q: When I open the launcher on Mac, I get a popup asking about a security key or something?

A: The Launcher needs permission to store your login information! Enter your password to grant it access, or simply deny it access. If you deny, know that the program won't be able to remember your login info.

Award-Winning Victoria Game Studio Recruits Dungeons & Dragons Producer

VICTORIA, BC – May 28, 2018 - Codename Entertainment announced today the hiring of veteran Wizards of the Coast and Dungeons & Dragons Designer and Producer Chris Dupuis. Dupuis will be overseeing the design, production, and development of the studio’s officially-licensed Dungeons & Dragons game, Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms, as well as the award-winning Crusaders of the Lost Idols.

"It is an honor to join Codename, and I am excited to be a part of the dynamic video game sector in Victoria," said Dupuis. "This talented team loves games in all forms, which suits me perfectly. I’m looking forward to diving into our current live service games and helping to grow Codename Entertainment’s impressive portfolio in the future."

Dupuis' own award-winning achievements include credits as both a designer and a developer on dozens of major tabletop, role playing, and board games, including:

• Betrayal at Baldur's Gate
• Heroscape
• Risk Legacy
• Lords of the Waterdeep: Scoundrels of Skullport
• Temple of Elemental Evil and other D&D Adventure System board games
• Magic The Gathering: Born of the Gods
• Kaijudo TCG
• Dungeon Command
• Battleship Galaxies
• Mice & Mystics

“Hiring Chris and adding to the existing talent at the studio has been an enormous achievement,” said Eric Jordan, Codename Entertainment's CEO. "Chris has an impressive resume of world-class games under this belt, and we're delighted to be able to bring him to our beautiful city."

Headline Sponsor



MosaiCon 2015 was Nanaimo, British Columbia's first gaming convention and the Codename team attended armed with PCs to demo Crusaders of the Lost Idols. Eric, Clive and Andrew managed the Codename booth and talked with fans about the game, as well as gaming and geek culture in general.

Cosplay Contest



Local enthusiasts arrived in force. The organizers had a jam-packed itinerary for the day at Vancouver Island University campus located just outside Nanaimo, BC. There was a cosplay contest that saw some awesome work by various attendees. Top prizes were two top-of-the-line PCs for the best cosplayers. There was also a League of Legends tournament where one lucky team walked away with $1,000.

Our Booth



It was an honour to meet everyone who came to see Crusaders. The response to the game after a demo and walkthrough by the team was very gratifying. We explained the game, showcased our unique formation feature and even hinted at upcoming announcements. The attendees were passionate about games whether familiar with idle games or not and by the time they left the booth we had a few new converts under our wings.

Eric Demos Crusaders



Thank you to those of you who were able to attend. We love any opportunity to meet and talk with you about any of our games and meet you face-to-face. We're looking forward to being at next year's event.

We visited the Victoria Cool Aid Society's Olympic Vista apartments on Friday April 10th 2015 for a tour. The Olympic Vista building is a support center providing a home for seniors (55+) that have been, or are at risk of becoming homeless. Like all of Cool Aid’s Supportive Housing buildings, Olympic Vista has the security features and 24-hour staffing that ensure its residents have a safe, welcoming home with access to the help they need. It is so named because it has a view of the Olympic Mountains and a design that incorporates VANOC’s 2010 Olympic Village modules.

We started the tour in the lobby and got a rundown about the reasons behind the building, mainly to give seniors that have been homeless a safe place to relax and call home with a guaranteed meal a day. The building has a welcoming lobby with cushy chairs for residents to use the phone or chat with each other. There's a computer nook where they can access the internet and potentially reach out to family they haven't talked to in years. Residents also have access to a laundry room where Cool Aid provides the soap so everyone can have clean clothes. The dining room was next, with a TV that's always on and a piano tucked in the corner where residents can eat their guaranteed meal, socialize or just relax in the sun with a view of the garden.

Speaking of the garden, we headed outside next. There were six substantial raised beds for the residents to grow things in. The staff are also encouraged to participate with their own bed, but everything that grows is shared amongst each other. A gazebo and grassy areas rounded out the garden that was pretty even with the grey weather we had that day.

Heading back inside, we passed the Quote of the Day board and activity posters on our way to the elevator. We headed to the basement to check out something that we wouldn't have thought about, but can be necessary: a "sauna." This room is where they can take residents' belongings to heat up and kill bedbugs and their eggs. The process only takes a few hours and is less invasive than spraying down a resident's room and then having to repeat the process in a few weeks to kill any babies from eggs that hatched.

The tour concluded with a group photo and more thanks from Cool Aid for our support. It was definitely eye-opening and informative and we were grateful the folks from Cool Aid could take the time to show us around the building.


Entering Olympic Vista.


Quote of the Day and activities notice board.


The dining room.


James Splat giving us the information about the garden plots and gazebo.


A recent addition to the garden: a gazebo.


The community garden plots. Everyone shares and the staff are welcome to garden too.


Codename group photo, from left to right: Mark, Jacob, Nick, Cory, Alexis, Eric, Peter, Erika, Justin and David

We at Codename Entertainment decided to take a relaxing little break from work...so we headed to Epic Escape Victoria.

We divided the office into teams of 5 in an interesting way. We split up the two co-founders, so Justin was captain of Team Event and David was captain of Team Odd. Then Eric rolled a D20 to choose between the rest of us: the other devs Peter and Mark, the two artists in office that day, Cory and Alexis (poor Adam getting sick and missing out), and Eric and Erika. Even numbers ended up with Justin and odd rolls went to Dave. So Team Event ended up with Peter, Alexis and Erika while Team Odd got Mark, Cory and Eric. Then co-op Jacob rolled and ended up on Team Event too. Luckily our friend and part-time employee Nick had some spare time and could join Team Odd to round out the numbers.


Getting the instructions before heading into the rooms.

Getting to the venue was fun, but we managed. The elevator was a bit ominous though. After everyone was there, we got the briefing on the rules and set to it. Team Event systematically searched the room for all the clues and goodies. Team Odd apparently went wild and tried to pull furniture from the walls. Team Event was doing quite well until they hit a snag and had to ask for a clue...an oversight in communication on Erika's part, but they managed to set the current record even with fumbling with the stubborn safe to get the room key! Team Odd finished with 2 minutes to spare on their 60 minute countdown, so the whole office were winners in the end because we beat the game!

Then it was time to pose for a victory shot, a runner-up photo and a group capture before we thanked the team at Epic Escape for the awesome challenge and started our weekends off with smiles on our faces.


The epic winners! Team Event/Justin! With a time of 43:26 out of 60 minutes!


Not so bad! Team Odd/Dave escaped! With a time of 58 out of 60 minutes!


Go Codename team!

Calling all Whackers!

The Commons has some very special guests for the next few days. Bob and Ruff are here to tell you about homelessness and what you can do to help.

We at Codename Entertainment are showing our support for the Victoria Cool Aid Society’s #buildhomes campaign by donating our share of the proceeds from the purchase of the adorable pet dog Ruff with his Cool Aid colour neck tie. Ruff's bonus changes up to 25% of Nothing wins into Hearts (random energy, mana, and power).

The Victoria Cool Aid Society builds homes, lives and community. They create opportunities for people who are homeless or living in poverty. They make a difference through housing, health care, support and emergency shelters. Founded in 1968, Cool Aid helps over 9,000 people in the Capital Region every year at 14 locations in Langford, Victoria and Saanich, British Columbia. The Society’s major new campaign is to Help End Homelessness by building an additional 360 apartments for people in the community who have no home. #buildhomes

For more information on Cool Aid, click here!

Ruff will be available for purchase until Friday March 27th 2015 at Noon PDT.

Celebrate your purchase by commenting on Facebook, sharing your love on the forums, or tweeting with #gamingforgood.

Hi Breakers!

We at Codename Entertainment are showing our support for the Victoria Cool Aid Society's #buildhomes campaign by donating our share of proceeds from two new hats in Egg Breaker Adventures.

The Housing Hat adds a chance of a bonus Star and 10% more Gold.
The Housing Hard Hat adds a chance your win is Doubled and 10% less Nothings.

The Victoria Cool Aid Society builds homes, lives and community. They create opportunities for people who are homeless or living in poverty. They make a difference through housing, health care, support and emergency shelters. Founded in 1968, Cool Aid helps over 9,000 people in the Capital Region every year at 14 locations in Langford, Victoria and Saanich, British Columbia. The Society’s major new campaign is to Help End Homelessness by building an additional 360 apartments for people in the community who have no home. #buildhomes

For more information on Cool Aid, click here!

The hats will be available in game until Friday March 27th 2015 at Noon PDT.

Celebrate your purchase by commenting on Facebook, sharing your love on the forums, or tweeting with #gamingforgood.

Hey Breakers!

February 25th is Pink Shirt Day, a cause near and dear to Mr. Monkey's heart.

For each Pink Shirt Hat pack sold today, we will donate our share of the proceeds to anti-bullying causes in British Columbia.

The Pink T-Shirt Hat adds 5 Buff charges per Buff and 10% more stars.
The No Bully hat adds a Chance of Bonus Star wins and 10% more hammers.

For more info see: pinkshirtday.ca

Thanks for your support!