Gaming is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, in which the US, China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany are the top 5 countries for the revenue raised from gaming and the amount of citizens that regularly play video games. Throughout history, there have been many factors that have limited the growth of gaming, from lack of technology, no viable internet connection, lack of funds among citizens to afford such technologies to play games, and stringent laws that limit such activity,
However, as of 2024 the availability of technology and the affordability of such devices is much more accessible across the globe, in which there are now considered to be more than 3.09 billion active video gamers across the globe. Whether it be traditional casino games at the likes of casinos.com, or the latest popular video games such as first person shooter games or action adventure games, people across the globe are now finding a passion for these games in their lives.
In Canada particularly, video gaming has become a huge part of popular culture, with 60% of the population reported to spend some money every month on video gaming. While Canadian law states that individual territories can determine gaming law, the popularity of gaming and the amount of time and money allocated to gaming differs according to each province, however there’s no denying that gaming is an integral part of Canadian culture.
Below, we’ll take a look at the most popular gaming habits in Canada and evaluate how similar they are to the gaming habits of those in the Philippines.
What kind of platforms are Canadian gamers using?
Gaming is a huge pastime in Canada and while the latest gaming technologies are readily available, it seems that many Canadians prefer to remain old-school when it comes to what gaming device they are using. In fact, 35.5% of Canadian games opt to play on a console, compared to many countries in the world where people now prefer to play on a mobile or tablet device. That being said, 52.3% of Canadians prefer to play games on their smartphone, with Apple IOS being the leading operating device.
As for playing on a console, data shows that Canadians find the Xbox most appealing, with 63.24% of console players opting for this option. Part of the increase in Xbox players comes down to their latest technological offerings, from online streaming platforms that offer access to a huge library of video games, to new and improved xbox updates and a huge variety of games available for this device.
Types of Canadian gamers
When it comes to the personal profiles of Canadian gamers, things start to get interesting. With the average Canadian working 37.5 – 40 hours per week on Monday-Friday, it’s no surprise that the majority (47%) of Canadian gamers play video games to relax. However, a huge 40% of other gamers play video games to fill their free time. In addition, 26% of gamers say they use video games as a way to calm down and reduce their stress levels, which coincides with the players who use video games to relax. 17% of gamers like to play video games for the social aspect, in which many of the latest games include multiplayer modes, online chat rooms and virtual forums for particular gaming worlds.
If we were to compare these results to that of Filipino gamers, the results are quite different. Unlike Canadians who use gaming as a form of escapism from the stresses of daily life or simply to fill the time, Filipinos have taken gaming from an occasional solo pastime to a mainstream hobby in recent years.
Thanks to highly accessible internet and technological devices in recent years, Filipinos use gaming as a universal pastime where communities come together and transcend age and cultural boundaries. In addition, many Filipinos game for the social aspect, with multiplayer online role play games being most popular, in addition to First Person Shooter and Real Time Strategy games. It’s also said that many Filipinos game professionally and to make a profit, with casino games and esports being one of the most popular forms of online gaming.
What games are Canadians playing?
There has been a global rise in the likes of FPS and RTS games in recent years, however there has also been a significant rise in the amount of Canadians playing online casino games. As new technologies are embraced by the industry, online casino games are getting more and more exciting, in addition to larger prizes, a more interactive social environment, and live casino environments that bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds.
Overall, when it comes to gaming in Canada, Caiandians take gaming as a pastime very seriously. While there may be an emphasis on work life in this North American country, there sure is an emphasis on using gaming as a way of relaxing and escaping the everyday world too.