Canada’s video game industry supports 34,000 full-time jobs and generates a $5.1 billion economic impact, with direct labour income reaching $3.5 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

According to "Canada’s Video Game Industry: Powering the Future of Play": Canada’s video game industry supports 34,000 full-time jobs and generates a $5.1 billion economic impact, with direct labour income reaching $3.5 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

While the total number of firms contracted by 9% since 2021, this decline was limited to micro-studios, while studios with 51 or more employees remained stable or grew.

According to "Canada’s Video Game Industry: Powering the Future of Play": While the total number of firms contracted by 9% since 2021, this decline was limited to micro-studios, while studios with 51 or more employees remained stable or grew.

The sector achieved a $356 million operating surplus in 2023-24, reflecting a 7% profit margin.

According to "Canada’s Video Game Industry: Powering the Future of Play": The sector achieved a $356 million operating surplus in 2023-24, reflecting a 7% profit margin.

Flexible work is standard in larger operations, with 83% of staff at firms with 100+ employees working hybrid schedules.

According to "Canada’s Video Game Industry: Powering the Future of Play": Flexible work is standard in larger operations, with 83% of staff at firms with 100+ employees working hybrid schedules.

Nearly 50% of all Canadian studios are currently utilizing generative AI, primarily to assist with the ideation phase of development.

According to "Canada’s Video Game Industry: Powering the Future of Play": Nearly 50% of all Canadian studios are currently utilizing generative AI, primarily to assist with the ideation phase of development.

Industry growth is currently constrained by distinct challenges: small firms struggle with funding access, large studios face talent shortages, and all companies report difficulties with market discoverability.

According to "Canada’s Video Game Industry: Powering the Future of Play": Industry growth is currently constrained by distinct challenges: small firms struggle with funding access, large studios face talent shortages, and all companies report difficulties with market discoverability.

Revised economic modeling for 2021 data indicates the sector's total full-time equivalent employment was 35,250, with a total GDP contribution of $5.5 billion.

According to "Canada’s Video Game Industry: Powering the Future of Play": Revised economic modeling for 2021 data indicates the sector's total full-time equivalent employment was 35,250, with a total GDP contribution of $5.5 billion.

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Key Insights

Canada’s Video Game Industry: Powering the Future of Play

ESAC – Entertainment Software Association of Canada~39 min full read

01
Canada’s video game industry supports 34,000 full-time jobs and generates a $5.1 billion economic impact, with direct labour income reaching $3.5 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
See it on page 22
02
While the total number of firms contracted by 9% since 2021, this decline was limited to micro-studios, while studios with 51 or more employees remained stable or grew.
See it on page 8
03
The sector achieved a $356 million operating surplus in 2023-24, reflecting a 7% profit margin.
See it on page 28
04
Flexible work is standard in larger operations, with 83% of staff at firms with 100+ employees working hybrid schedules.
See it on page 31
05
Nearly 50% of all Canadian studios are currently utilizing generative AI, primarily to assist with the ideation phase of development.
See it on page 33
06
Industry growth is currently constrained by distinct challenges: small firms struggle with funding access, large studios face talent shortages, and all companies report difficulties with market discoverability.
See it on page 34
07
Revised economic modeling for 2021 data indicates the sector's total full-time equivalent employment was 35,250, with a total GDP contribution of $5.5 billion.
See it on page 22

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