Canada - A Nation of Gamers
New research shows majority of Canadians play
video games and see positive benefits
TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2018 /CNW/ - New research conducted by NPD Group for the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) reveals that two thirds of Canadians, or 23 million of us, are gamers. This makes Canada home to one of the largest per capita populations of video game players in the world. The Essential Facts 2018 about the Canadian Video Game Industry also features demographic profiles, stats on device usage, video game acquisition and ESRB rating awareness.
The average age in Canada for a video game player has now increased to 39, meaning that baby boomer and gen X Canadians play more than ever before, especially on their mobiles and tablets. Players also recognize the positive impact video games have on their daily lives. The research highlights that over half of the respondents think that video games help develop technical and problem-solving skills, and another 40% believe video games teach us to communicate and work as a team.
"With this new research we're gaining insight into the Canadian gamer; who they are, what they play and what other activities they like to engage in," said Jayson Hilchie, President & CEO of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada. "We are now at a point where video games are part of the lives of our grandparents, parents, siblings and children, just like TV and the Internet. Canadians recognize our products as mainstream entertainment, and increasingly as tools to socialize with each other and learn new skills" added Hilchie.
Video games are increasingly playing a role in social interactions across all age groups. Findings show that 71% of parents play video games with their children at least once a week. For younger players, video games remain a platform to engage with friends. Eight in ten action/adventure game players indicate they typically play with their friends, and over a third of teen respondents believe video games are an excellent way to interact with family and friends.
Findings also suggest those who regularly play video games are very active in other forms of activities. Adult players tend to participate in physical activities such as going to the gym or coaching a sport, while younger players say they enjoy participating in outdoor activities, reading and going to the movies, among others.
While game consoles and PC platforms remain popular, mobile devices such as phones and tablets continue to trend up as the most popular platforms for playing video games. The research indicates 46% of Canadians report playing on mobile devices the most often, an increase of 35% since 2012.
Additional stats on device ownership, demographic profiles and ESRB ratings awareness will be released on ESAC's Twitter feed today and the full report is now available on www.theESA.Ca . Follow @ESACanada on Twitter for more.
About the Research
ESAC partnered with NPD to conduct demographic research about Canadian gamers, video game usage, awareness of ESRB ratings and general attitudes towards video games. NPD surveyed 2579 adults (18-64), 260 teens (13-17), and 281 kids (6-12) between June 18 – June 29, 2018, both English and French, male and female, from across the country.
About the Canadian Video Game Industry
While Canada is home to one of the world's largest per capita populations of video game players, its video game industry has long been regarded as a world leader, employing close to 22,000 full-time jobs and contributing almost $4 Billion to the country's GDP in 2017. Homegrown titles include some of the best-selling games in the world, such as FIFA 19, Assassin's Creed Odyssey and Shadow of the Tomb Raider to name a few.
About ESAC
ESAC is the voice of the Canadian video game industry. Association members include the nation's leading interactive software developers, publishers and distributors, such as Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Activision Blizzard, Microsoft Canada, Nintendo of Canada, Capcom, Sony Computer Entertainment, Other Ocean Interactive, Glu, Take Two Interactive, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Ludia, Square Enix, Relic Entertainment, Gameloft, Codename Entertainment, Netmarble and Solutions 2 Go.
SOURCE Entertainment Software Association of Canada
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact: Jean-Simon Farrah, Director of Communications & Public Affairs at ESAC [email protected] or 416-620-7171 ext. 248
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