ReportESAC – Entertainment Software Association of Canada
Rapport Annuel 2019 Entertainment
1 Jan 201914 pages~15 min full read
The Canadian video-game market remains robust, with a 2018 NPD Group survey identifying over 23 million regular gamers in Canada.
The Entertainment Software Association (ALD) successfully engaged 25 federal legislators and major industry players including Ubisoft, Nintendo, EA, and Xbox during the 'Jeux vidéo sur la Colline' event.
Lobbying efforts focused on securing tax-credit frameworks and innovation policies through direct dialogue with Minister Navdeep Bains and testimonies before parliamentary committees.
The association expanded its membership base in 2019 by adding publishers Codename Entertainment and Kabam.
ALD addressed international regulatory challenges, specifically loot-box legislation and the WHO’s classification of gaming disorder in the ICD-11, at the Global Video Game Associations Summit.
Operational outreach included the launch of bilingual parental-control tutorials developed in partnership with console manufacturers and a media campaign featured in four major Canadian newspapers.
The 2019 annual report of the Canadian Entertainment Software Association (ALD) outlines the organization’s role as the principal advocate for Canada’s video‑game sector, emphasizing a strategic focus on member‑first principles, regulatory advocacy, and public perception. Central to its thesis is the conviction that a coordinated, policy‑friendly environment and heightened visibility of the industry’s economic contribution will sustain long‑term growth.
Key findings highlight a robust domestic market, with more than 23 million Canadians identified as regular gamers through a 2018 NPD Group survey that captured demographic, console usage and purchasing patterns. The “Jeux vidéo sur la Colline” event drew a record 250 participants, including 25 federal legislators, and featured leading publishers such as Ubisoft, Nintendo, EA and Xbox, underscoring the sector’s political engagement. ALD’s lobbying efforts included testimonies before multiple parliamentary committees and direct dialogue with Minister Navdeep Bains, reinforcing support for tax‑credit frameworks and innovation policies. Internationally, the association participated in the Global Video Game Associations Summit in Santa Monica, addressing issues like loot‑box regulation and the WHO’s inclusion of gaming disorder in ICD‑11.
Operational highlights for 2019 include the appointment of a new director of policy and a director of communications, a targeted media campaign that secured coverage in four major Canadian newspapers, and the launch of bilingual parental‑control tutorials in partnership with console manufacturers. Membership remained stable while two prominent publishers, Codename Entertainment and Kabam, joined the association, reflecting continued expansion of the member base. Overall, the report demonstrates ALD’s comprehensive advocacy, research, and outreach activities aimed at strengthening Canada’s video‑game ecosystem during the fiscal year.
