Canada is a nation of gamers! With half the population (19.89 million) engaged in various gaming activities, the Great North is an established gaming hub.
Gaming in Canada has seen tremendous growth in popularity over the last three decades. Back in the 1980s, Lode Runner was quite popular, while the ‘90s brought hits like Secret Agent and Crystal Caves.
These games were played on computers or consoles, as this was still during the infancy stages of the Internet. Mobile gaming was nearly non-existent at the time.
Television also played a role in shaping Canadian gaming culture, with Video & Arcade Top 10 dominating screens in the ‘90s. In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, the Sega Genesis was arguably one of the biggest consoles.
Between 1996 and the early 2000s, almost every gamer owned a Nintendo 64 (N64). It had a great selection of files, such as Mario 64, The Ocarina of Time, Banjo Kazooie, and Perfect Dark.
Local video game rental stores serving as community hubs for gamers thrived around the same time. Some of these stores were still going strong in the mid-2000s.
Today, there has been a great shift from PC games and consoles to mobile and online casino gaming. This is due to the fact that games are now more readily available on smartphones.
The popularity of gaming in Canada
Gaming is a significant pastime, a source of entertainment, and a revenue-generating activity for many Canadians. Stats from a 2022 report by the Entertainment Software Association of Canada reveal that 53% of Canadians are active gamers.
However, more recent data suggests that this figure has grown.
Over 55% are into online gaming, according to the Media Technology Monitor and that was released in 2023. Other sources put that number as high as 61% as of 2024.
The reasons for this popularity are diverse:
- Entertainment: Gaming provides a form of escapism and a way to unwind.
- Social interaction: Other gamers, mostly teenagers, use online gaming to improve their social lives by making friends in the virtual world.
- Advancements in technology: Improved graphics, immersive gameplay, and innovative gaming platforms have enhanced the gaming experience.
Studies found that most women play games primarily on mobile devices. Men are more likely to use a variety of devices, but they’re big on consoles.
As gamers age, there’s a shift towards using mobile devices, away from consoles and PCs.
Still, nearly 75% of gamers under 50 have a game console, compared to 38% of those aged 50 to 64. That number drops even further for those above 65–only 15% relies on consoles or PCs.
Teenage boys are the most engaged gamers in Canada spending an average of 11.5 hours on various games per week. Interestingly, women aged 55-64 follow closely at 8.4 hours per week.
Other quick facts about the increasing popularity of gaming in Canada
- Canadian players devote 7.9 hours each week to video games.
- Over 70% of gamers prefer online games.
- 37% of adult Canadians play puzzles and word games.
- 33% of children and teenagers play action and adventure games.
Types of games that are popular in Canada
The popularity of gaming in Canada depends on the distinctive experiences that each gaming category offers. An assessment of the major categories has the following outlook:
Video games
From console games to PC gaming, Canadians enjoy a wide range of video games. The gaming community is also growing with the increasing popularity of multiplayer online games and eSports.
Titles such as Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed dominate, appealing to competitive and immersive storytelling enthusiasts. Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Minecraft are also favorites.
Casino gaming
Casino gaming has a strong presence in Canada, both online and offline. However, online casinos are the most appealing because they make players’ access pretty easy.
In addition to the convenience factor, game variety, and a myriad of bonuses and promotions are other crucial driving factors. Most online sites offer players welcome bonuses, free spins, and no-deposit bonuses.
An increase in the number of pay-by-phone casinos has also pushed the growth of online casino gaming in Canada. These casinos allow players to deposit funds into their accounts using their mobile phones, making payments fast, convenient, and secure.
As such, users can withdraw money or fund their accounts without using credit cards, e-wallets, or bank accounts. Uncover the best pay by phone casinos in Canada from this expertly reviewed source to help you choose the perfect gaming platform.
Unlike offline casinos, online casino gaming makes it easy to determine which sites offer the best:
- Experience
- Game variety
- Security
- Payouts
Mobile gaming
Quick, accessible, and engaging games like Candy Crush or Genshin Impact thrive in the mobile sector. Other popular mobile games include Royal Match, Roblox, and Coin Master.
Key takeaways
Gaming in Canada is a cultural phenomenon that continues to grow. With its diverse gaming preferences, Canadians have established themselves as committed gamers in the world.
Whether it’s immersive video games or casino gaming, the future of gaming in Canada looks promising. And the rise of pay by mobile casinos and great bonuses and promotions make things even much easier for gamers.
As technology continues to fuel the growth of gaming, it’s a great time for new gamers to explore. So, pick up a controller or visit a casino to dive into the exciting world of gaming in Canada.
