MONTREAL – November 8, 2023 – As it enters its third decade, Quebec’s video game sector is among the industry’s top five global production hubs, valued at $1.4 billion. With more than 280 studios, 86% of which belong to Quebec interests, a study by Habo Studio For The Quebec Video Game Guild and financed by Interactive behavior examines the key factors of this success.
Analysis of the results reveals four critical elements to Quebec’s emergence as a global leader in video games. First, Quebec’s globally recognized creativity and international reputation attracts the best video game developers and the most promising talent. Over the last three decades, the industry has experienced significant growth, characterized by the arrival of large international studios and the presence of employees primarily qualified in digital creativity and video games.
The video released on February 2, 2023 is for illustrative purposes only.
Due to Quebec’s geographic location and cultural ties to the United States and Europe, Quebec studios are strategically positioned to operate in both markets. The high quality of life in Quebec, particularly in Montreal, as well as multiculturalism play a crucial role in attracting talent. Additionally, schools that offer specializations in video game development help build a local talent pool.
In terms of labor force, almost 15,000 people residing in Quebec are directly employed in the video game industry, and the vast majority of them express great satisfaction and commitment. It also creates a passionate and collaborative community where developers and producers define themselves as gamers first, contributing to the passion and pride they feel for their work.
In terms of innovation and agility, the developers and producers surveyed believe that the video game industry in Quebec is characterized by advanced technical skills, strong team spirit, mutual support, curiosity and valued agility.
Finally, the report highlights that Quebec stands out in the video game industry thanks to a combination of technical expertise and creativity, with productions enjoying great international success. In a growing global industry, the province is well positioned to benefit from future industry growth.
For more information about the study in French, visit this Quebec Video Game Guild page.
Further information in English about the study can be found on this Quebec Video Game Guild page.
ABOUT THE QUEBEC VIDEO GAME GUILD
The Quebec Video Game Guild is a non-profit cooperative that brings together independent and international video game developers, creators, educational institutions and entrepreneurs in related businesses based in Quebec. A unified voice of more than 330 members and a global leader in the sector, The Guild is the largest group of its kind in the world.
ABOUT INTERACTIVE BEHAVIOR
Behavior Interactive is the largest Canadian game studio with over 1,300 employees worldwide.
Behavior is best known for its flagship franchise, the network multiplayer survival horror game Dead by Daylight, which has attracted 60 million players across multiple platforms. The studio is currently expanding its portfolio of original intellectual property with several projects, including the recent release of the base building and raiding title titled Meet Your Maker. In addition, Behavior has established itself as one of the world’s leading providers of external development services.
The company has worked with many gaming industry leaders including Microsoft, Sony, EA, Warner, Netflix and Take-Two, to name a few. For over 30 years, Behavior has developed an unparalleled, award-winning culture. The company was named one of Canada’s Best Employers by GamesIndustry.biz and received Enterprise Fast 15 and Best Managed Company awards from Deloitte Canada. Montreal-based Behavior has expanded its global footprint with studios in Toronto (Behavior Toronto), Seattle (Midwinter Entertainment), the United Kingdom (Behavior UK – North and Behavior UK – South) and the Netherlands (Behavior Rotterdam). For more information, visit www.bhvr.com.
Selected image credits: Games From Quebec / The Quebec Video Game Guild