You might have noticed that gaming in Canada is on the rise. According to a 2021 report from ESA Canada, the sector contributes $5.5 billion to the country’s GDP, seeing an increase of 23% when compared to 2019. A report commissioned by Nordicity shows that approximately $3.2 billion was earned directly from the gaming industry while the rest came from “indirect and induced impacts.”
What is more, it’s important to note that some of the biggest titles are also coming out of Canada, such as the FIFA series (made by EA Vancouver), Far Cry (Ubisoft Montreal and Toronto), and Mass Effect (BioWare Edmonton). So, if you’re interested in other factors that are contributing to this boom, read on for more details.
Technology is always evolving
As you’re surely aware, technology is constantly evolving. Developers are always coming up with new tech solutions that can solve various issues in all spheres of life. The gaming industry is no different, so players have various new methods at their disposal to play new games. With that in mind, people have all sorts of devices that they can use to play high-quality, demanding games. Video game consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S as well as the Nintendo Switch are attracting more and more players as they’re coming out with interesting titles. Moreover, augmented and virtual reality are also boosting the popularity of the gaming market. The impact that Pokémon Go had is yet to be mimicked but many developers are working on implementing AR into their releases. On the other hand, the headsets required for VR are also more affordable than ever before, paving the way for games that rely on virtual reality technology to take over the market.
Internet speeds are increasing
Just like technology is evolving to allow developers to create better games, it has also contributed to better infrastructure overall, which also includes faster internet speeds. For instance, the introduction of 5G across Canada in 2020 made it possible for users to play games in the cloud, without having to purchase the equipment that is capable of running demanding titles. Having access to online games without worrying that the connection will lag or cut out without saving their progress is a big advantage that is attracting gamers to this approach.
Mobile gaming is on the rise
Faster internet speeds and better technology have also facilitated the rise of mobile gaming. Countless games are available on mobile devices now and Canadian players are making the most of the opportunity. Furthermore, they are also looking for the best sports betting apps in Canada to place a few wagers on their favourite teams and athletes. Using mobile apps is a very convenient method of gaming as it allows users to play when on the go, during the commute, when waiting in line, on their lunch break, and before bed. Mobile phones and data prices are much more affordable these days while smartphones are also able to run reasonably demanding games. All of these factors are contributing to the trend of mobile gaming.
Gaming can be affordable
In addition to smartphones and data plans being more affordable, the fact that many of the available games are free is also a big plus. For example, games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Final Fantasy XIV, Guild Wars 2, Magic: The Gathering Arena, Genshin Impact, League of Legends, Dota 2, and many more are free to play. That means that the players don’t have to pay to download or access the game and can do all the basic gameplay free of charge. However, many of these titles come with additional content that can be accessed by making in-game purchases. These include DLCs, skins, extra lives, more tools, and so on. As these are optional, players are not forced to spend their actual money to enjoy a fun game.
COVID’s impact cannot be overlooked
Lastly, we cannot overlook the fact that the coronavirus pandemic had a huge impact on this industry as well. As concert halls, cinemas, and other entertainment venues were shutting down, people had to stay inside and find a way to pass the time while still having fun. All sorts of games came in really handy during COVID, which can be seen in the boost that the sector experienced. The games allowed not only Canadians but players from all over the globe to escape the cruel reality and immerse themselves into a better (or at least different) world. Staying safe indoors while playing a wide array of games helped many overcome the circumstances, that is certain.
As you can see, several factors contributed to the boom of the gaming sector in Canada. From the many diverse games that are free to play, the wide range of platforms and titles on offer and the simple (but extraordinary) situation that relegated most of the world to remain indoors, avoiding infections. The rise of the gaming industry shouldn’t come as a surprise in these digital times. We can only expect it to grow further still.