Related Documents
Financial
2022 Annual Report
The Entertainment Software Association of Canada’s 2022 annual report presents a comprehensive overview of the sector’s health, advocacy work and public‑facing initiatives during a year still shaped by the COVID‑19 pandemic. Central to the narrative is the conclusion that Canada’s video‑game industry not only withstood pandemic‑related disruptions but accelerated its contribution to the national economy, emerging as a “national champion” with global impact. The 2021 economic impact study, conducted by Nordicity, surveyed more than 160 studios—the largest dataset since the study’s inception—and incorporated data from over 150 member companies. Findings reveal an expansion from just under 700 active studios in 2019 to close to 1,000 in 2021, supporting 32,000 full‑time employees and an additional 23,000 indirect jobs. The sector’s contribution to GDP rose to $5.5 billion, the highest level recorded, while more than 80 % of studios employing 100 + staff reported having diversity‑and‑inclusion strategies. Media outreach amplified these results, with a coordinated campaign that generated 194 media hits, reached nearly 39 million impressions, and secured 42 000 bilingual video views amounting to 1 213 hours of watch time. Parallel efforts included a bilingual “My Why” vaccine‑promotion series featuring seven influencers, and the publication of a nationwide e‑waste recycling guide to assist members in meeting provincial obligations. Advocacy activities spanned virtual parliamentary engagements with senior policy officials, ongoing dialogue on immigration, skills development and digital‑learning curricula, and participation in think‑tank panels. Collectively, these actions underscore the association’s role in shaping a favorable regulatory environment, fostering industry growth, and highlighting the social benefits of gaming across Canada.
ESAC – Entertainment Software Association of CanadaJan 2022
Financial
Annual Report 2019 Entertainment
The Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) positioned its 2019 annual report as a strategic overview of the organization’s role as the national voice for the Canadian video‑game sector, emphasizing a “members‑first” agenda built on six pillars that include regulatory advocacy, tax‑credit preservation, policy engagement, parental‑control promotion, membership growth and public awareness. During the fiscal year, ESAC facilitated a record‑breaking “Video Games on the Hill” event that attracted more than 250 participants, including 25 Members of Parliament, and showcased titles from major publishers such as Ubisoft, Nintendo, EA and Xbox. The association also testified before three parliamentary committees and a provincial commission, reinforcing its stance against heightened regulation while urging favourable economic policies. Internationally, ESAC contributed to the International Video Game Associations Summit in Santa Monica, where representatives from ESA, IGEA, UKIE and other bodies debated loot‑box regulation, e‑sports, WHO’s ICD‑11 gaming‑disorder classification and privacy legislation. Research remains a cornerstone of ESAC’s advocacy. Partnering with the NPD Group, the association confirmed that over 23 million Canadians regularly play video games, a finding leveraged in a nationwide media campaign and in positive coverage across four major newspapers. Public‑relations efforts addressed contentious issues surrounding loot boxes and the ICD‑11 classification, while a bilingual parental‑control video series was launched with Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo to guide families. Membership stability persisted, with the addition of Codename Entertainment and Kabam as new Canadian publishers, and a continued focus on recruiting independent studios and distributors. The report underscores ESAC’s commitment to shaping policy, enhancing industry visibility and supporting the growth of Canada’s vibrant video‑game ecosystem.
ESAC – Entertainment Software Association of CanadaJan 2019
Report
Association Canadienne du Logiciel de Divertissement Rapport Annuel 2024
The 2024 annual review presents a comprehensive assessment of Canada’s video‑game sector, emphasizing its expanding regulatory influence, economic contribution and strategic diversification. Central to the analysis is the successful negotiation of two key exemptions—removal of the industry from the Streaming Act levy and exclusion from the Online Harms Act—demonstrating the sector’s growing political clout. The accession of major global publishers, notably Epic Games, Roblox and Tencent, further amplifies the association’s reach and underscores Canada’s emergence as a hub for gaming innovation and talent. A worldwide survey of 13 000 players across twelve nations reveals that 74 % of Canadian gamers prioritize fun, while 43 % cite mental stimulation and 28 % value exploration, highlighting a multifaceted consumer motivation profile that informs product development and marketing strategies. High‑impact initiatives such as exclusive Unreal Engine‑driven studio tours in Montreal, the second Geneva Day of the Global Video Game Coalition securing United Nations‑level recognition, and the Ottawa “Jeux vidéo sur la Colline” summit collectively reinforced the sector’s cultural, social and economic significance, quantified at a $5.5 billion contribution to national GDP. Financially, the Canadian Entertainment Software Association achieved its first full pre‑pandemic budget while operating virtually, generating cost efficiencies that funded supplemental programs including “Le pouvoir du jeu” and an overhaul of parental‑control video resources. Membership growth, driven by the inclusion of Roblox and Epic Games, propelled revenues beyond forecasts and validated the association’s diversification strategy. Looking ahead, the organization intends to retain its virtual‑first operating model and continue advocacy for regulatory, economic and security policies that sustain industry expansion, while deepening diversity, equity and inclusion efforts through partnerships such as QueerTech and a cross‑industry equity working group. The report thus positions Canada’s interactive entertainment ecosystem as a resilient, globally connected, and policy‑savvy contributor to the broader digital economy.
ESAC – Entertainment Software Association of CanadaJan 2024
Report
Annual Report 2023: Canada
The 2023 annual review underscores a year of extraordinary expansion for Canada’s video‑game industry, positioning the nation as a pre‑eminent global hub for development talent and creative output. Canadian studios not only captured a record share of international awards and critical praise, but also deepened export revenues, reinforcing the sector’s contribution to the broader digital economy. Concurrently, the industry association intensified its advocacy agenda, securing more favourable regulatory frameworks and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that aim to broaden participation across the workforce. Financial analysis reveals that the Canadian Entertainment Software Association (ALD) concluded the fiscal year with a substantial surplus, reflecting both robust membership growth and effective cost management. The surplus enabled the organization to maintain flat membership fees for existing constituents while expanding its full‑time staff, thereby enhancing service delivery and policy‑making capacity. This fiscal stability signals confidence among stakeholders and provides a solid foundation for future strategic investments. Geographically, the findings pertain to the Canadian market, encompassing all provinces and territories, and cover the calendar year 2023. The scope spans development studios, publishing entities, and ancillary service providers within the interactive entertainment ecosystem, as well as the association’s governance and advocacy functions. Overall, the data illustrate a thriving, financially sound industry that is both internationally competitive and increasingly inclusive, supported by an association that leverages its surplus to reinforce member value and influence public policy.
ESAC – Entertainment Software Association of CanadaJan 2023