New Data Reveals the True Face of Canadian Gamers
A recent survey by the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) has shattered long-held stereotypes about who plays video games. According to the data, approximately 23 million Canadians — about 61% of the population — identify as gamers. Contrary to the common belief that gaming is dominated by children and teenagers, nearly three-quarters of players are over the age of 18. In fact, more than half of Canadian gamers identify as female, challenging the notion that gaming is a predominantly male pastime.
Age and Gender Demographics
The ESAC report highlights that 35% of gamers are aged 55 and older, surpassing the 27% of gamers between 16 and 34. The average age of a gamer globally is now 41, according to the Entertainment Software Association's Power of Play report. Carl-Edwin Michel, creator and executive producer of the Canadian Game Awards, notes that older adults are increasingly turning to games for relaxation, mental stimulation, and social connection. The rise in mobile gaming has made the medium more accessible, contributing to this demographic shift.
Mobile Gaming Leads the Way
Smartphones have become the most popular gaming platform in Canada, with 52% of gamers using mobile devices as their primary gaming tool. While consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X, as well as PCs, remain popular, the convenience of mobile gaming has broadened the audience. Whether playing fantasy role-playing games, puzzle games like Candy Crush, or daily word games like Wordle, all are considered gamers.
Canada's Gaming Industry Impact
The Canadian video game industry employs approximately 32,300 full-time workers and contributes over $5.5 billion to the country's GDP. ESAC President and CEO Paul Fogolin emphasizes that Canada has one of the strongest development ecosystems globally, with studios across the country and a highly skilled workforce. The Canadian Game Awards, taking place May 21 at the Metro Convention Centre in Toronto, will celebrate homegrown achievements and innovations.
Gaming vs. Hollywood
The global gaming industry reached nearly US$184 billion in market value in 2024, far exceeding the combined revenue of the film industry (US$34 billion) and music industry (US$29 billion). While comparisons include in-game microtransactions, the scale underscores gaming's cultural and economic significance. The global gaming population is estimated at over 3.5 billion, driven largely by mobile gaming in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
Overcoming Perception Gaps
Despite its size, the video game industry often lacks the recognition afforded to film, TV, and music. Fogolin notes that video games are interactive and don't fit neatly into traditional media discussions, and creators often remain less famous than the games themselves. However, as more people recognize gaming's cultural and economic impact, respect is growing. Veteran reporter Chris Morris adds that the explosion of mobile gaming proves the industry is appreciated by mainstream audiences, even if they don't call themselves "gamers."
Industry Leaders Gather in Las Vegas
The inaugural Interactive Innovation Conference (IICON), hosted by the ESA, took place at the Fontainebleau Resort in Las Vegas, bringing together C-suite executives to explore how interactive entertainment transforms business, technology, and culture. Headliners included CEOs from Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, which is set to release the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19, 2026.
