ReportESAC – Entertainment Software Association of Canada
Faits Essentiels 2012: Profil de l'industrie canadienne du jeu vidéo
1 Jan 201218 pages~14 min full read
The Canadian video game industry contributes $1.7 billion to the economy and supports 16,000 direct jobs across 348 companies, ranking Canada third globally in industry employment.
See it on page 14Industry growth is accelerating, with an 11% increase between 2009 and 2010 and a projected 17% growth rate for the 2011-2012 period.
See it on page 14The sector provides high-value employment with an average annual salary of $62,000, which is more than double the Canadian national average.
See it on page 14The Canadian player base is broad and gender-balanced, with 58% of the population identifying as gamers, 46% of whom are women, and an average age of 31.
See it on page 3Industry operations are geographically concentrated in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, with Quebec leading the sector by hosting 8,236 jobs across 86 companies.
See it on page 16While 68% of industry labor remains focused on traditional consoles, the market is rapidly diversifying into mobile and social gaming platforms.
See it on page 15The ESRB rating system is widely adopted, with 93% of Canadian parents utilizing these classifications to manage their children's media consumption.
See it on page 12The 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.
