As we enter 2021, it’s no surprise that video games continue to be popular among Canadians. With so many options available on various platforms, it can be hard to determine which game reigns supreme. However, we have analyzed data from multiple sources and come up with a definitive answer to the question: “What is the most popular video game in Canada 2021?”
First, let’s take a look at some of the top-grossing games in Canada in recent years:
| Year | Game Title | Gross Revenue (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | FIFA 18 | 5.5 million |
| 2018 | Fortnite | 4.5 million |
| 2019 | Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 | 3.2 million |
| 2020 | Minecraft | 3 million |
From this data, we can see that Fortnite has been consistently popular among Canadians, with a gross revenue of CAD $4.5 million in 2018 and CAD $3 million in 2020. However, it’s important to note that these figures only reflect the gross revenue generated from sales and in-app purchases, and do not take into account the total number of players.
Another way to determine popularity is by analyzing the number of users across different platforms. According to a survey conducted by Statista in 2019, Xbox Live was the most popular gaming platform among Canadians, with 35% of respondents indicating that they use it. Other popular platforms include PlayStation Network (26%) and Nintendo Switch Online (18%).
Using this data, we can make an educated guess about the most popular game in Canada. However, it’s important to note that there are many factors that can influence popularity, including age, gender, and region.
For example, a survey conducted by EEDL in 2019 found that Fortnite was the most popular game among younger gamers, while Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 was more popular among older gamers.
Popularity by Platform
| To gain further insight into which games are popular on different platforms, we can analyze data from gaming tracking website Statista. In 2021, the top-played games in Canada across different platforms include: | Platform | Game Title | Number of Players (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox One | Minecraft | 4.5 million | |
| PlayStation 4 | Fortnite | 3 million | |
| Nintendo Switch Online | Animal Crossing: New Horizons | 2.7 million | |
| PC | League of Legends | 1.6 million | |
| Mobile | Pokémon GO | 1 million |
From this data, we can see that Minecraft is by far the most popular game in Canada across all platforms, with over 4.5 million players in 2021. However, it’s worth noting that these figures only reflect the number of players, and do not take into account gross revenue generated from sales and in-app purchases.
Popularity by Genre
| Another way to determine popularity is by analyzing the most popular game genres among Canadians. According to a survey conducted by Newzoo in 2019, the top-played game genres in Canada include: | Game Genre | Number of Players (in millions) |
|---|---|---|
| Action/Adventure | 20 million | |
| Role-Playing Games (RPGs) | 18 million | |
| First-Person Shooters (FPS) | 16 million | |
| Sports | 13 million | |
| Strategy | 12 million |
From this data, we can see that action/adventure games are the most popular in Canada, with over 20 million players in 2019. However, it’s worth noting that these figures only reflect the number of players, and do not take into account gross revenue generated from sales and in-app purchases.
Now that we have analyzed the data, let’s take a look at some real-life examples of how this information can be used by game developers:
Game Developers Can Use Popularity Data to Make Informed Business Decisions
Game developers can use popularity data to make informed business decisions when it comes to creating and marketing their games. For example, if they see that a particular game genre is popular among Canadians, they may be more likely to create a game in that genre. Additionally, they may use this information to target their advertising efforts towards the demographics most likely to play their game.
Another way that popularity data can be used by game developers is by analyzing how different platforms are performing. For example, if they see that Minecraft is incredibly popular on Xbox One, they may be more likely to focus on developing games for that platform in the future.
Popularity Data Can Also Inform Content Creation
In addition to informing business decisions, popularity data can also be used by game developers to create content that resonates with their target audience. For example, if they see that a particular game genre is popular among Canadians, they may use that information to create content related to that genre in their games. Additionally, they may analyze the most popular games on different platforms to see what features or elements are driving engagement and incorporate those into their own games.
Now that we have discussed how popularity data can be used by game developers, let’s take a look at some real-life examples of successful games in Canada:
Fortnite
As mentioned earlier, Fortnite has been consistently popular among Canadians, with a gross revenue of CAD $4.5 million in 2018 and CAD $3 million in 2020. The game has also won numerous awards, including the Game Developers Choice Awards’ Best Multiplayer/Co-op Game and the BAFTA Games Award for Best Multiplayer or Co-operative Game.
One of the reasons that Fortnite has been so successful is due to its constant updates and new features. The game is always evolving, which keeps players engaged and interested. Developers can take inspiration from this and incorporate similar elements into their own games.
Minecraft
Minecraft has been a popular game in Canada for years, with over 4.5 million players on Xbox One alone in 2021. The game’s open-ended gameplay allows players to create and explore in their own way, which has immense appeal. Developers can take inspiration from this and incorporate more sandbox-style gameplay into their games.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons emphasizes social interaction, which has shown that games don’t have to be solely focused on competition or conflict to be engaging and fun. Developers can take inspiration from this and include more social elements in their games, such as cooperative gameplay or community-driven content.
Developers Can Learn From Successful Games to Create New and Innovative Content
Successful games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons have shown that there are many different ways to create engaging and fun games. By analyzing the features and elements that make these games popular, developers can learn from their successes and use that knowledge to create new and innovative content.
For example, Fortnite’s constant updates and new features have shown that keeping a game fresh and exciting is key to maintaining player engagement. Developers can take inspiration from this and incorporate similar elements into their own games. Additionally, Minecraft’s open-ended gameplay has shown that giving players the freedom to create and explore has immense appeal. Developers can take inspiration from this and incorporate more sandbox-style gameplay into their games.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ emphasis on social interaction has also shown that games don’t have to be solely focused on competition or conflict to be engaging and fun. Developers can take inspiration from this and include more social elements in their games, such as cooperative gameplay or community-driven content.