The iGaming industry continues to witness remarkable growth worldwide. The Canadian gaming industry is among the sectors that have experienced significant development over the past few decades.
The country has established itself as a key player on the global gaming stage, providing excellent gaming products and services to players in Canada and beyond.
Canada has gradually become a hub for online game development, boasting vibrant software developers, publishers, gaming platforms, and more. Herein, we'll discuss the innovations and success stories of the Canadian gaming industry.
Early Beginnings of the Canadian Gaming Industry
The origins of the Canadian gaming industry can be traced back to the 1980s when video game development began. One of the earliest and most notable franchises was "The Adventures of Bayou Billy," by Beam Software, which was released in 1989 by Konami.
Although this game was not developed entirely in Canada, it featured contributions from Canadian talent, thus setting the pace for future developments. While physical gaming was popular in the country, the game marked the onset of online games.
In the 1990s, several studios emerged in Canada, laying the foundation for the industry's future growth. For example, Silicon Knights, founded in 1992 in St. Catharines, became famous for its innovative games.
The company's hit titles, such as "Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen" and "Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem," garnered massive fans not only in Canada but also in other parts of the world, demonstrating its potential in producing quality games.
The Rise of Internet Gaming
Like most other nations globally, internet gaming is legal in Canada. The country adopted online gaming soon after it was launched in the mid-1990s, becoming among the first countries to embrace it.
Currently, Canada has a vibrant online gaming industry with a wide selection of top online casinos for Canadian players. These casinos provide gamers with an assortment of games that cater to everyone's needs.
Notable games at top Canadian casinos are slots and table games, such as baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. In addition, players receive regular bonuses and promotions, which add more fun and excitement to their gameplay.
Casinos operating in Canada are required to have a valid license from a recognized authority. Online gaming in the country is mainly regulated by province-based governments. For example, in Ontario, the main licensing body is the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
The Rise of Ubisoft Montreal in Canada
The early 2000s marked a turning point for the Canadian industry following the establishment of Ubisoft Montreal in 1997. As a subsidiary of the French gaming giant Ubisoft, the studio steadily grew into one of the largest and most influential game developers in the world.
The company's successes first came with the release of "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell" in 2002. The game was a commercial success, praised for its innovative and captivating gameplay, cutting-edge graphics, and exciting features.
The launch of the "Assassin's Creed" series in 2007 was yet another success story that put Canada into the global arena. A decade later, this game is still one of the most successful franchises in the gaming industry.
The series' rich historical settings, engaging storylines, thrilling missions, and innovative gameplay are among the elements that make more players love this game, years after its release.
The Growth of Indie Game Studios
While large studios like Ubisoft Montreal were making headlines, the Canadian gaming industry also saw an increase in independent game developers, such as the Indie Game developers.
The indie game scene in Canada thrived due to various factors, including accessible game development tools, a community of creative personnel, and supportive government policies.
One of the most successful franchises in the indie sector is "Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP," a game developed by Toronto-based Superbrothers and Capybara Games. The game was released in 2011 and received extensive praise for its inventive and unique art style, ambient music, and innovative gameplay.
The game demonstrated that small teams could produce impactful gaming experiences. Another notable game is "Cuphead," developed by Studio MDHR, a team led by Canadian brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer.
Released in 2017, Cuphead received endless praise for its hand-drawn animations, challenging yet thrilling gameplay, and, above all, its nostalgic homage to 1930s cartoons.
Role of the Government in the Industry's Growth
Government support and educational initiatives have increased the growth of the Canadian gaming industry. The government recognizes the gaming sector's role in economic and cultural developments, thus putting measures to help it grow.
A notable initiative is the Canada Media Fund (CMF), a public-private partnership established by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Canadian cable industry in 2010.
CMF funds the development of original Canadian content, such as video games. The CMF, in particular, plays a crucial role in enabling Canadian developers to bring their ideas to life, especially smaller studios.
More so, some learning institutions contribute to the industry's growth. Numerous colleges and universities in the country offer specialized programs that allow students to gain more knowledge in game design and development.
The skills they acquire prepare them to enter the gaming industry. Notable centres where students learn about game development include the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Film School and Sheridan College.
Developments in Technology
Technological advancements have been a driving force behind the success of the Canadian gaming industry. The sector embraces new trends and innovations aimed at making online gaming better and more exciting for modern gamers.
Canadian developers consistently push the boundaries of technology, resulting in breathtaking experiences that captivate players worldwide. One notable example is the Frostbite game engine by Electronic Arts (EA) Canada.
Initially created for the Battlefield series, the Frostbite engine has become a cornerstone of the company's game development, powering a range of titles across multiple genres.
The engine's enhanced capabilities in graphics, interactivity, and artificial intelligence have set new standards for the industry, resulting in its success. Virtual reality (VR) has promoted success stories for the country’s gaming sector.
Montreal-based game developer Owlchemy Labs gained international recognition in 2016 for its VR franchise, "Job Simulator." The game's intuitive mechanic showcased VR's potential as a medium for interactive gaming experiences.
