Canada's Game Industry: Why Local Settings Matter

Canada is one of the largest game industries in the world, contributing $5.5 billion to the country's GDP.
Despite this, few games are set in Canada, with many developers opting for more 'globally marketable' settings.
Some developers argue that explicitly Canadian games can be a tough sell to investors, while others see it as an untapped creative strength.
Indie studios are leading the charge in creating games with Canadian settings and themes.
The success of games like South of Midnight and Retroronto could pave the way for more Canadian-focused games.

The Canadian game industry is a significant player in the global market, with thousands of employees and a substantial contribution to the country's GDP. However, despite this success, few games are set in Canada, with many developers opting for more 'globally marketable' settings. This raises questions about the industry's identity and the potential for Canadian-focused games to succeed.

According to Guillaume Provost, head of Compulsion Games, the developer of South of Midnight, the decision to set a game in a particular location is not necessarily driven by a desire to showcase a specific culture or setting. Instead, it is often a matter of creative freedom and the desire to explore new ideas. However, Provost also notes that there is power in celebrating local culture and sharing it with the world.

Canada Game Industry: The Full Story Explained

The Canadian game industry has grown significantly in recent years, with many major studios establishing themselves in cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. The industry is supported by a number of organizations, including the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, which provides resources and advocacy for developers. Despite this growth, the industry still faces challenges, including competition from other countries and the need to attract and retain top talent.

One of the key challenges facing the industry is the perception that Canadian settings are not 'globally marketable'. This has led some developers to opt for more generic or fantastical settings, rather than exploring the unique culture and landscapes of Canada. However, this approach can also limit the creative potential of games and make them less distinctive.

Historical Context: Has This Happened Before?

The Canadian game industry is not alone in facing challenges related to local settings and cultural identity. Many countries have struggled to establish a strong game development industry, and the issue of cultural representation in games is a complex one. In the past, games have often been set in generic or fantastical worlds, rather than being rooted in specific cultures or locations.

However, there are examples of games that have successfully showcased local cultures and settings. For example, the Assassin's Creed series has explored a range of historical settings, including ancient Egypt and the American Revolution. These games have been successful in part because they have been able to balance historical accuracy with creative freedom, resulting in engaging and immersive experiences for players.

Canada Game Industry: Economic & Real-World Impact

The Canadian game industry has a significant economic impact, contributing $5.5 billion to the country's GDP. The industry also supports thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, and is an important part of the country's cultural landscape. However, the industry's reliance on foreign investment and its lack of focus on Canadian settings and themes could limit its potential for growth and development.

For consumers, the lack of Canadian-focused games can be a disappointment, as it limits the opportunities to engage with games that reflect their own culture and experiences. However, the success of games like South of Midnight and Retroronto suggests that there is a market for Canadian-focused games, and that developers are beginning to recognize the potential of exploring local cultures and settings.

Expert Analysis & What Comes Next

According to Joel Burgess, head of Toronto-based team Soft Rains, the argument that games set in Canada are not 'globally marketable' is 'bullshit'. Burgess believes that Canadian developers can create games that are both uniquely Canadian and globally appealing, and that the industry should focus on showcasing its own culture and creativity.

Canada has a unique cultural identity that is worth exploring in games. We have a rich history, diverse landscapes, and a distinct perspective on the world. By embracing this identity and showcasing it in our games, we can create experiences that are both authentic and engaging.

The future of the Canadian game industry is uncertain, but it is clear that there are opportunities for growth and development. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be important for developers to balance creative freedom with commercial viability, and to recognize the potential of exploring local cultures and settings. With the success of games like South of Midnight and Retroronto, it is likely that we will see more Canadian-focused games in the future, and that the industry will continue to thrive.

What This Means For You: Practical Guidance

If you are a game developer, the success of Canadian-focused games like South of Midnight and Retroronto should be encouraging. It suggests that there is a market for games that reflect local cultures and settings, and that developers can create experiences that are both authentic and engaging. When considering your next project, think about how you can incorporate Canadian themes and settings into your game, and how you can balance creative freedom with commercial viability.

If you are a consumer, the lack of Canadian-focused games can be a disappointment. However, the success of games like South of Midnight and Retroronto suggests that there is a market for Canadian-focused games, and that developers are beginning to recognize the potential of exploring local cultures and settings. Look for games that reflect your own culture and experiences, and support developers who are working to create unique and engaging experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Canadian game industry's contribution to the country's GDP?

The Canadian game industry contributes $5.5 billion to the country's GDP, according to the Entertainment Software Association of Canada. This makes the industry a significant player in the country's economy, and highlights its potential for growth and development.

Why do some developers opt for generic or fantastical settings rather than Canadian settings?

Some developers may opt for generic or fantastical settings because they believe that Canadian settings are not 'globally marketable'. However, this approach can limit the creative potential of games and make them less distinctive. By exploring local cultures and settings, developers can create experiences that are both authentic and engaging.

What are some examples of successful Canadian-focused games?

Examples of successful Canadian-focused games include South of Midnight and Retroronto. These games have been successful in part because they have been able to balance creative freedom with commercial viability, and have showcased the unique culture and landscapes of Canada.

How can developers incorporate Canadian themes and settings into their games?

Developers can incorporate Canadian themes and settings into their games by exploring the country's history, culture, and landscapes. This can involve researching and incorporating authentic details, such as historical events, cultural practices, and geographical features. By doing so, developers can create experiences that are both authentic and engaging.

What is the future of the Canadian game industry?

The Canadian game industry is a significant player in the global market, but it faces challenges related to local settings and cultural identity. By exploring local cultures and settings, developers can create experiences that are both authentic and engaging, and that reflect the unique culture and landscapes of Canada. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be important for developers to balance creative freedom with commercial viability, and to recognize the potential of exploring local cultures and settings.

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