Canada’s video game industry continues to stand tall as a global leader in digital entertainment, contributing an astounding $5.1 billion to the nation’s GDP in 2023-24. With 821 active game studios operating across the country, the sector is not only a powerhouse of creativity and technology but also a significant driver of employment and economic growth. From Vancouver to Halifax, game development has evolved into one of the most dynamic components of Canada’s digital economy.
According to the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, despite a 9% decline in the number of studios since 2020, the industry’s core remains resilient. The contraction primarily impacted micro studios with fewer than five employees, while large and very large companies—those employing over 100 people—have held strong and even grown. Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia account for 83% of all studios, with Quebec leading in employment numbers, hosting over 15,000 game workers.
Canada’s game developers directly supported 34,010 full-time equivalent jobs in the last fiscal year. Notably, 76% of studios remain Canadian-owned, but foreign companies employ 88% of the total workforce, highlighting the international investment flowing into Canadian talent. Flexible work models have become the norm, with hybrid setups dominating large studios and remote-first environments thriving among smaller developers.
The sector’s increasing maturity is also reflected in higher salaries and the growing presence of women in gaming, now representing 26% of the workforce, up from just 19% in 2019. This trend is particularly strong in smaller studios, where women are more likely to work directly on game production. The industry is also riding the wave of generative AI adoption, with many studios using these tools for brainstorming, content creation, and prototyping—pushing the boundaries of what interactive experiences can be.
Still, challenges persist. Smaller studios often struggle with funding and discoverability, while larger companies cite longer development cycles and talent shortages as pressing issues. As Canada seeks to reinforce its position on the global gaming stage, strategic investment and regulatory support will be critical.
Canada’s video game industry is more than just entertainment—it’s an economic engine, an innovation lab, and a cultural force. To stay updated on national developments like this, visit weeklyvoice.com and explore more Canadian stories in our Canada section.
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