In 2024, Canada’s gaming industry emerged as a global powerhouse, contributing over $5.1 billion to the nation’s GDP. With a thriving development scene, strong government support, and a rapidly expanding iGaming sector, the country has cemented itself as a key player in the global gaming landscape.

But what exactly is fueling this growth, and where is the industry heading next?

What’s Behind the Industry’s Growth?

Canada’s gaming industry has seen exponential growth since the early 2000s. What started as a handful of mid-sized studios has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem supported by creative industry incentives, a skilled workforce and international investment.

Today, major cities like Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto are home to some of the world’s top gaming studios, placing the country at the center of global games development.

Key Trends Driving Growth in 2025

Several factors are contributing to Canada’s gaming boom:

• Increased Investment in Studios: Both local and international companies are pouring resources into Canadian game development. According to a 2023 report by the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC), the number of active gaming companies in Canada has grown by over 20% since the late 2010s.
• Government Incentives: Tax break incentives and funding initiatives play a big role in sustaining the industry’s momentum. Programs such as the Video Games Business Development Fund—delivered in partnership with the Canada Media Fund and Creative B.C—are just one of many initiatives that encourage game studios to both expand their operations and hire local talent.
• A Surge in Gaming Talent: Universities and specialized programs are shaping the next generation of gaming professionals, producing thousands of graduates each year who are ready to enter the industry as both players and makers.

Breaking It Down: Drivers of Growth

Let’s dig in a little further to Canada’s vibrant gaming scene…

Development hubs

Firstly, the country is home to some of the most influential game development hubs in the world. Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto and Edmonton lead the charge, housing industry giants such as Ubisoft, EA and Bioware, to name but a few. Montreal alone employs more than 15,000 gaming professionals and has even been dubbed the “Silicon Valley of video games.”

Moreover, Canadian studios have played a crucial role in shaping global gaming trends, from open-world RPGs to cutting-edge AI-driven experiences.

Beyond AAA developers, Canada also boasts a strong indie scene. Studios such as Klei Entertainment and Capybara Games have made waves in the industry with critically acclaimed titles like Don’t Starve and Grindstone. This diverse ecosystem, home to everyone from bleeding edge studios to independent creators, continues to attract both talent and investment.

Education and the Talent Pipeline

A major contributor to Canada’s gaming success also lies in its strong talent pipeline. Several institutions across the country, including Sheridan College and Vancouver Film School, offer specialized programs in game design, animation and programming.

These institutions work closely with industry leaders to ensure students graduate with relevant skills and strong networks for career opportunities.

The talent pipeline is developed further with government initiatives like British Columbia’s Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit scheme, which effectively incentivizes companies to hire and train graduates and young professionals. Unsurprisingly, Canada now consistently ranks among the top countries for gaming job opportunities.

The Expansion of iGaming and Online Poker

It would be impossible to dive into the factors behind the success of gaming in Canada without covering its flourishing iGaming scene. The sector, which encompasses real money gaming and online poker has enjoyed substantial growth in recent years, supported by shifts in legislation and expansion into the country by international brands.

The online poker specialist has an especially strong base in Ontario, a province that—according to publicgaming.com—generated record-breaking revenues of $2.4 billion in 2024.

It’s clear that there’s an appetite for online poker experiences among Canadian consumers, a trend that operators are set to capitalize on with new gaming opportunities as 2025 continues to unfold. PokerStars’ new Power Path campaign is one such initiative, which will widen access to high-stakes tournaments like the EPT, the campaign is set to boost the sector’s overall growth and further strengthen Canada’s reputation as a premier destination for online gaming, increasing engagement by providing opportunities to both amateur and professional players.

The Future of Gaming in Canada

IMAGE >>>https://images.pexels.com/photos/7360388/pexels-photo-7360388.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=1 <<< PHOTO

Looking ahead, Canada’s gaming industry shows no signs of slowing down—especially when we factor in major new developments like the backing of Web3 gaming by key players in the country.

Ubisoft is one such blockbuster development studio that’s been an early adopter of decentralized gaming technologies. The company’s Quartz Platform was one of the first major developments on the scene to integrate blockchain elements into gaming. More recently, Ubisoft has taken this to the next level with the release of the premium NFT-based tactical RPG Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles.

With the industry already booming, it’s clear to see there’s much more to come out of Canada in the near future.