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Report
Faits Essentiels 2013 : Canada
The Canadian video game industry experienced significant growth and economic impact as of 2013, positioning Canada as the third-largest developer globally and the first on a per-capita basis. According to data from Nordicity and the NPD Group, the sector contributes $2.3 billion to the Canadian economy annually. The industry comprises 329 studios employing over 16,500 full-time workers, representing a 5% increase in employment from the previous year. While 88% of these firms are small or micro-enterprises, 68% of the total workforce is employed by the 12% of companies classified as large studios. Geographically, the industry is concentrated in Quebec, British Columbia, and Ontario. Quebec leads with 97 companies and 8,750 employees, supported by long-standing provincial tax credits. British Columbia follows with 5,150 employees, while Ontario’s sector is characterized by a high density of micro-studios and a rapid shift toward mobile and casual gaming. Nationally, the average industry professional is 31 years old with an average annual salary of $72,500. The industry is undergoing a platform shift, with 84% of studios developing for mobile devices, although console development continues to command the largest budgets and team sizes. Consumer data indicates that 58% of Canadians are gamers, with a nearly even split between men (54%) and women (46%). While younger males favor consoles and action genres, older demographics and women show a preference for computer-based card games, puzzles, and mobile platforms. The study also highlights the effectiveness of the ESRB rating system, noting that 93% of adult gamers find it useful for making informed purchasing decisions for children.
ESAC – Entertainment Software Association of CanadaJan 2013
Report
Faits Essentiels 2014
The purpose of the compilation is to present a comprehensive portrait of Canada’s video‑game industry in 2014, demonstrating its economic weight, employment dynamics, and public perception. Data were gathered from four principal sources: an NPD Group survey of 3 359 adults and 526 adolescents (margin of error ± 2.19 %); a comparable 2012 NPD study of 2 969 adults and 527 adolescents (± 1.5 %); a Nordicity questionnaire completed by 90 Canadian studios; and a NewZoo global consumer poll of 35 000 respondents aged 10‑65. The scope covers the national market and its three largest provinces—Quebec, British Columbia and Ontario—while also
ESAC – Entertainment Software Association of CanadaJan 2014
Report
Faits Essentiels 2012: Profil de l'industrie canadienne du jeu vidéo
The 2012 Essential Facts report provides a comprehensive profile of the Canadian video game industry, highlighting its significant economic impact and the evolving habits of its diverse player base. Data was synthesized from a 2012 study of over 4,000 Canadians conducted by the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) and market research from the NPD Group and Secor Consulting Group. The findings reveal that 58% of Canadians identify as gamers, with an average age of 31. While 90% of children and adolescents play, the demographic is nearly balanced by gender, with women making up 46% of the player population. The industry represents a vital pillar of the Canadian economy, contributing approximately $1.7 billion in direct impact. Canada ranks third globally in video game employment, supporting 348 companies and roughly 16,000 direct jobs. The sector is characterized by high-value labor, with an average annual salary of $62,000—more than double the national average for the general economy. Growth remains robust, with an 11% increase recorded between 2009 and 2010 and a projected 17% increase for the 2011-2012 period. Geographically, the industry is concentrated in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. Quebec holds a dominant position, accounting for 86 companies and 8,236 jobs, while Ontario hosts the highest number of micro and small enterprises. Methodologically, the report notes a shift in platform preference; while 68% of employees still focus on traditional consoles, there is rapid diversification into mobile and social gaming. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of the ESRB rating system, noting that 93% of parents find these classifications useful for managing their children's media consumption.
ESAC – Entertainment Software Association of CanadaJan 2012
Report
Essential Facts: About the Canadian Computer and Video Game Industry
The 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
ESAC – Entertainment Software Association of CanadaJan 2011