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