Why the Canadian video games industry is bigger than you think

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Level Up Your Knowledge: Why Canada Is a Global Gaming Powerhouse

From Assassin’s Creed to NHL, Call of Duty to Grand Theft Auto, Canada plays a pivotal role in the global video game industry. At Web Summit Vancouver 2025, industry leaders John Koetsier (Forbes columnist and Tech First Podcast Host), Paul Fogolin (President & CEO of ESAC), and Jeanne-Marie Owens (Founder of Critical Path Games and Board Chair of DigiBC) discussed Canada’s gaming prowess and its potential for future growth.

Canada boasts a thriving gaming ecosystem with 821 studios, 34,000 full-time jobs, and over 11,000 games developed in British Columbia alone. The industry’s success is fueled by a mature workforce, government incentives like tax credits, and a supportive environment that fosters innovation. Mr. Fogolin highlighted Canada’s resilience during the pandemic, attributing it to a strong social safety net and government support programs that allowed studios to adapt and continue operations.

Ms. Owens shared her journey through the Canadian gaming landscape, from working at BioWare Edmonton to EA Canada and eventually founding her own studio. She emphasized the importance of structural choices, such as establishing companies as Canadian entities, to access tax rebates and government funding. Ms. Owens also noted the lower operating costs in Canada compared to other major hubs like San Francisco and Los Angeles, making it an attractive location for game development.

The panelists discussed the challenges of launching new games in a competitive market, where discoverability is crucial. Ms. Owens stressed the need for new playbooks and innovative approaches to reach players. Mr. Fogolin highlighted Canada’s success in the indie game scene, citing examples like Blasphemous, Sea of Stars, and Cuphead, which have garnered international recognition. He emphasized the importance of government support and funding programs to help studios reach their markets and bolster their launches.

The discussion concluded with a call to action for consumers, investors, and government funders to support the Canadian gaming industry. Ms. Owens urged the audience to explore games developed in Canada and invest in the talent and creativity within the industry. The panelists expressed optimism about the future of gaming in Canada, emphasizing the need for continued innovation, government support, and a focus on building sustainable growth.