ReportESAC – Entertainment Software Association of Canada
Essential Facts: About the Canadian Computer and Video Game Industry
1 Jan 201119 pages~16 min full read
The Canadian video game industry employs approximately 16,000 people across 350 firms, generating $1.7 billion in direct economic impact as of 2011.
See it on page 4The sector experienced 11% growth over the previous two years and is projected to expand by an additional 17% in the next two-year horizon.
See it on page 4Quebec serves as the primary industry hub with 8,236 employees and $733 million in spending, while Ontario shows the highest growth potential with a projected 21% expansion.
See it on page 8Traditional console development dominates the industry, employing 68% of the workforce and requiring an average project investment of C$10.1 million.
See it on page 7While console gaming remains the primary focus, resources are shifting toward emerging sectors, with mobile gaming currently accounting for 7% of the workforce.
See it on page 7Large firms with over 150 staff account for 59% of total industry employment, while small and medium enterprises maintain an average of 16 employees each.
See it on page 6Development costs vary significantly by platform, ranging from an average of C$10.1 million for traditional console titles to C$0.17 million for mobile projects.
See it on page 7The 2011 overview of Canada’s entertainment software sector presents a comprehensive portrait of an industry that employs roughly 16,000 people across nearly 350 firms and generates an estimated $1.7 billion in direct economic impact. Growth has accelerated, with an 11 % increase in size over the previous two years and a projected 17 % expansion in the next two‑year horizon, underscoring the sector’s rising significance within the national economy.
Industry composition is diverse: 59 % of employment resides in large firms (over 150 staff), while small and medium enterprises account for the remainder, averaging 16 employees each. Traditional console development remains dominant, absorbing 68 % of the workforce, though resources for social (2 %), casual (2 %) and mobile (7 %) gaming are expanding rapidly. Development costs vary by platform, with traditional console projects averaging C$10.1 million and mobile titles around C$0.17 million, reflecting differing risk and time‑to‑market profiles.
Provincial analysis highlights Quebec as the primary hub, hosting 86 companies, 8,236 employees and $733 million in spending, and achieving a 13 % annual growth rate. Ontario follows with 96 firms, 2,600 staff and $238 million in revenue, posting 20 % historical growth and 21 % expected expansion. British Columbia, with 83 companies and 3,882 employees, records flat recent growth but anticipates a 10 % rebound, while Saskatchewan is excluded due to lack of survey responses.
Consumer insights from a 2,579‑adult, 398‑teen and 547‑child NPD sample reveal that
