Canada’s video game industry is showing remarkable growth and resilience in 2025, solidifying its role as a major player in the global gaming market. According to recent market reports, Canada generated more than $10 billion in revenue in 2024 and is on track to sustain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5% through 2030, potentially doubling market size by then.
The industry encompasses a diverse ecosystem of over 820 active studios and employs more than 34,000 full-time game developers nationwide, with hubs located in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, and Quebec. This mature workforce benefits from competitive salaries, which increased by over 20% in 2024 alone, indicating strong demand for skilled game development talent.
Government Incentives and Industry Support
Canada’s government has played a critical role in fostering growth through tax credits, grants, and incentives aimed at retaining and attracting game studios. These initiatives have helped Canadian developers remain competitive internationally, encouraging innovation and investment in new technologies like AI, motion capture, and immersive media.
Notable studios such as Ubisoft Montreal, EA Canada, Relic Entertainment, and Behaviour Interactive lead large projects with global reach, while smaller indie developers thrive with access to affordable digital distribution and incubator programs.
Diverse Market Segments & Trends
The mobile gaming segment dominates Canadian market revenue with over 54% share, benefiting from smartphone accessibility and casual gamer growth. PC and console gaming maintain significant audiences, while emerging sectors such as cloud gaming and VR/AR are gaining traction with new hardware launches and content pipelines.
Despite challenges like inflation and the post-pandemic economic climate, Canadian game companies report robust employment levels and a positive outlook for sustained growth. Industry leaders advocate for ongoing support to capitalize on Canada’s competitive advantages in tech and creative talent.
Opportunities for Aspiring Developers
As the market grows, demand for new talent remains strong across programming, art, design, production, and marketing. Education programs like Vancouver Film School help prepare candidates for these opportunities in a maturing and stable job market within gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is the Canadian video game market?
Canadian market revenue exceeded $10 billion USD in 2024, with projections reaching over $21 billion by 2030.
How many game companies operate in Canada?
More than 820 active game studios across the country.
What are the key cities for game development in Canada?
Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, and Quebec City are major hubs.
What segments dominate the Canadian game market?
Mobile gaming holds the largest revenue share, followed by PC and console. Cloud and VR/AR are emerging segments.
Is Canadian game development a growing career field?
Yes, salaries and employment rates are increasing with strong demand for creative and technical professionals.
Conclusion
Canada’s video game industry is vibrant and growing rapidly, supported by a skilled workforce, government incentives, and a diverse market. As a global hub for gaming innovation, Canada offers promising opportunities for creative talent and continues to contribute significantly to the worldwide gaming landscape.