Online gaming in Canada is big business – some of the most popular games that we play on console and PC were developed in the Great White North, so it is no surprise that the game industry is booming.
According to Statista, the revenue from the gaming industry was projected to reach US$339.80 million in 2023 – with a 5.38% rise to US$419.10 million by 2027. Most gamers in Canada are aged between 25-34 years (35.9%).
But where are these gamers playing? What games are topping the list for Canadian gamers? Before we get into that, lets have a look at what the Canadian gaming industry is all about today.
Gaming in Canada
AAA games are not only built in Hollywood or the Silicon Valley – some of the best games have come from Canada. Like certain movies and TV shows, game development has come to Canada for the huge amount of local talent, and the creative infrastructure that is part of the Canadian heritage.
If you like playing the original Assassin’s Creed, then you are playing a Canadian-made game. Other titles you might recognize include:
- Mass Effect 2 (2010) – Made by BioWare from Edmonton, Alberta
- Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011) – Eidos-Montreal, Quebec
- Dead by Daylight (2016) – Behaviour Interactive, Montreal, Quebec
- The Long Dark (2017) – Hinterland Studio, Cumberland, British Columbia
It’s not only game development that is huge in Canada – in fact, some of the top gaming streamers are Canadian natives. Twitch is the main platform used for this, and these are the streamers representing Canada:
- xQc – 11.8 million followers
- Shroud – 10.52 million followers
- Pokimane – 9.32 million followers
When it comes to the most popular game types and titles in Canada, it is clear that they are like other Western cultures like the US and Europe.
Top Games in Canada
Minecraft (2011)
While this game is well over a decade old, it is still beloved by the gaming community, topping the game charts consistently.
This sandbox game is instantly recognisable thanks to the blocky 8-bit style graphics designed by Mojang Studios and created in Java. As a sandbox game, the blocky 3D world is almost infinitely usable, with new things to discover, items to craft, and structures to build.
Minecraft is the best-selling video game in history, remaining hugely popular with players and critics alike.
Online Casinos
The opportunity to play fun games – and win money – is always going to appeal to a strong gaming community like the Canadians. Casino gaming is exciting, and there are all sorts of interesting and sometimes crazy games that are available.
Whether you are a card shark that aces the poker table or a blackjack beginner, the online casino lets you play your games whenever you want, and getting your hands on real cash when you are playing is sweet too.
Getting into the online casino world is simple, and these days you can get connected to your favourite casino games on your smartphone, so it has never been easier to get playing.
Call of Duty (2003)
While the first game was released way back in 2003, allowing players to get a first-person shooter perspective of World War II, Call of Duty quickly became a franchise to be reckoned with.
The game has had many iterations, moving into more modern times with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare in 2007 – and it has been verified by the Guinness World Records as the bestselling first person shooter game ever.
Nothing beats being part of a crack military team, using top weapons and brilliant strategy and destroying the enemy – all with excellent graphics and animations as well as clever NPC development.
If you want to get your hands on the latest instalment, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Hogwarts Legacy (2023)
This highly anticipated game has been in the works for years, and the passion for Potter seems to be going nowhere judging by the popularity of this RPG.
The basic idea of the game is that you are in control of a student at Hogwarts in the late 1800s, about a century before the events in the Harry Potter world.
Developed by Avalanche Games and published by Warner Bros., the global sales of this game in May 2023 reached US$1 billion dollars in revenue – a runaway success and one of the biggest game releases in recent memory.
Elden Ring (2022)
Another RPG, this one based in a fantast world built by the great George RR Martin of Game of Thrones fame.
This interactive open world game is a feast for the eyes – as you would expect from the team of Martin and director Hidetaka Miyazaki. The basic premise of the game is that you are on a quest to repair the Elden Ring with the end goal of becoming the Elden Lord.
With magic dragons, and a stunning backdrop, this game is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC