New Report Highlights Video Games’ Growing Importance to Canadians

Video games are playing an increasingly important role in Canadian life, providing entertainment, social connections and opportunities for relaxation, according to a new national survey from Video Games Canada.

The organization’s 2026 Essential Facts report examines Canadians’ gaming habits, their attitudes toward the domestic video game industry and the sector’s economic future.

Nearly Half of Canadian Adults Play Video Games Regularly

Canada is a major international centre for video game development, with more than 800 studios contributing approximately $5.1 billion to the country’s gross domestic product.

Canadian developers have helped create internationally recognized franchises, including Mass Effect, Assassin’s Creed, Warframe and Dead by Daylight.

According to the report, 48 per cent of Canadian adults aged 18 to 64 play video games regularly, while 93 per cent of children and teenagers report playing weekly.

Mobile devices and gaming consoles are particularly popular, with 60 per cent of respondents regularly using these platforms. Meanwhile, 44 per cent play on computers and 13 per cent use handheld gaming systems.

Action-adventure games lead Canadian preferences at 44 per cent, followed by puzzle games at 40 per cent, strategy and simulation titles at 37 per cent, and casual or social games at 35 per cent.

Gaming Supports Relaxation and Mental Well-Being

Paul Fogolin, president and CEO of Video Games Canada, said the findings demonstrate how gaming has become an important recreational activity.

The survey found that 91 per cent of players believe video games help them relax and unwind.

Additionally, 78 per cent of adult gamers and 69 per cent of teenage players reported positive effects on their mental well-being.

Social interaction also emerged as a significant benefit, with 70 per cent saying gaming helps them maintain connections and 63 per cent indicating that games encourage community building.

Fogolin said these findings are particularly relevant amid financial pressures, global uncertainty and growing concerns about mental health.

The results are consistent with findings from the organization’s 2022 survey, suggesting that Canadians continue to value gaming for reasons extending beyond entertainment.

Canadian Gamers Show Strong Support for Domestic Developers

The latest survey also explored public attitudes toward Canadian-made video games and the country’s development industry.

It found that 68 per cent of respondents consider access to Canadian-developed games important, while 61 per cent recognize the industry’s contribution to the national economy.

Another 77 per cent believe Canada should invest at least as much as competing countries in supporting video game development.

Young Canadians Express Interest in Gaming Careers

The report identified considerable interest in careers within the gaming industry.

Among teenagers, 54 per cent expressed interest in pursuing gaming-related employment. Similar interest was recorded among 52 per cent of Generation Z respondents and 44 per cent of millennials.

However, the industry continues to face challenges, including layoffs, studio closures, project cancellations and tighter investment conditions.

Fogolin acknowledged that Canadian developers have not been immune to the global industry’s post-pandemic restructuring.

Rising development costs and reduced access to capital have made competition increasingly difficult.

Nevertheless, he emphasized Canada’s established development infrastructure, experienced workforce and independent studio community as important competitive advantages.

BioWare Closure Raises Questions About Industry Support

The recent closure of Edmonton-based BioWare by Electronic Arts has intensified discussions about the future of Canadian game development.

The studio was internationally recognized for influential role-playing franchises, including Mass Effect and Dragon Age.

Fogolin described the closure as a significant loss while emphasizing that the expertise developed within the company remains part of Canada’s gaming workforce.

The shutdown has also prompted political discussion about government involvement in protecting Canadian game development.

Federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis has proposed helping former BioWare employees regain control of the studio and its Mass Effect intellectual property. However, there is no indication that Electronic Arts or the federal government intends to pursue that proposal.

Industry Calls for a National Video Game Strategy

Fogolin argued that supporting Canada’s gaming industry requires a coordinated approach rather than policies focused on individual studio closures.

He identified investment availability, workforce mobility, competitive provincial incentives and supportive business conditions as essential priorities.

Existing programs, including the Canada Media Fund, already provide financial support to Canada’s creative industries. The fund recently received a $213.4-million federal investment.

Fogolin nevertheless believes a broader national strategy would help Canada remain competitive internationally.

He also welcomed the inclusion of video games among growth industries identified in the 2026 federal budget, alongside sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics and cybersecurity.

According to Fogolin, this recognition signals increasing federal awareness of gaming’s long-term economic potential.

Survey Provides Insight Into Canada’s Gaming Future

The 2026 Essential Facts survey was conducted by Burson through the Leger Opinion online panel between October 1 and 16, 2026.

Researchers surveyed 1,650 adults, 250 children aged six to 12 and 250 teenagers aged 13 to 17 across Canada. All participants had played video games on a device they owned within the preceding four weeks.

The findings highlight gaming’s importance as both a recreational activity and an economic sector. While Canadian developers face significant financial and competitive pressures, strong public engagement, growing career interest and support for domestic investment suggest opportunities for continued industry development.