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Canadians have always been avid gamers and their tastes have always been as diverse as the nation itself. Shaped by everything from cultural tastes to preferences for certain consoles, there many gaming genres beloved by Canadians in 2025. Whether its iGaming titles, traditional console games, or online multiplayer games, modern Canadian taste in gaming is a microcosm of how expansive the wider gaming industry is now. To gain a better sense of this, here’s a look at some of the most popular gaming genres for Canadians in no particular order.
iGaming at the Forefront
Online casinos have rapidly become a firm favorite of Canadians. Regions like Toronto have embraced the industry in a legislative sense and reaped the financial windfalls that come with it. According to CBC, in the 2023-24 fiscal year alone, Ontario residents generated around $2.2 billion in total gaming revenue. That staggering figure was a whopping 75% increase from the year before.
Stats like these make it clear that Canadians love casino games. According to gaming writer Matt Bastock, in Canada instant withdrawal casinos are often a go-to type of platform. Fast payouts, generous bonuses, and wide gaming libraries are usually standard fare at these. While the games themselves may vary (some prefer slots while others enjoy table games), the genre itself is certainly among the favorites this year. The industry continues to grow locally, with Alberta now also looking to emulate Ontario’s success.
For those who love these kinds of games, money isn’t always the determining factor. Many enjoy the fact that these platforms now offer a social element. Live dealer games are among the hot new trends in iGaming. These use streamed video and even virtual reality tech in some cases to provide an immersive experience for players. You can play or watch a live game while interacting with a real dealer and other players. That mimicry of the physical casino experience is just one way modern iGaming sites are advancing.
Open-World Adventures
As one of the most engaging genres, open-world adventures draw large Canadian audiences. The ability to roam freely through expansive worlds is appealing to many gamers. Even across various age groups, there’s an innate coolness about being able to explore various environments. When mixed with beautiful graphics and fantastical characters, the experience can be even more enjoyable.
It could be a vast forest, a futuristic metropolis, or a magical kingdom. The scope for creativity is limitless and for many, games like these are a way to truly step outside ourselves. The future will likely pair these kinds of games with VR tech more often. The possibilities are mouth-watering. Picture playing a Jurassic Park type of game while the full-sized dinosaurs roam around you? Imagine exploring an underwater adventure and a blue whale swims past your nose?
Open-world games are like a fantasy playground for gamers. If there are customizable avatars, even better! A large part of the appeal is immersion. These games often come with deep storylines and often feature cinema-style larger-than-life graphics. Even their soundtracks can pull you in. With worlds large enough to entire cities on their own virtual cities, these games can offer a truly awe-inspiring way to play video games.
Competitive Shooters
In real life, guns are not something that is often celebrated in mainstream Canadian culture as much as it is by our neighbors down south. However, when it’s in a video game, that’s another story altogether. Competitive shooter games have exploded among locals in recent years. Esports plays a large role in that as FPS titles often make great games to play in competition.
The fact that these games also often encourage social aspects and connecting with others worldwide is also one of its best traits. Players can make friends from other parts of the world, interact with other cultures, and bond over them. For Canadians, many of whom pride themselves on being welcoming and tolerant people, this is a treat in itself. The ability to make close connections and even sincere friendships with people from other regions is all a part of what makes competitive shooters a growing genre.
Another reason for their popularity is accessibility. While some shooters require high-end equipment, many run smoothly on standard consoles or PCs. This allows players across different budgets to join in. The learning curve can be steep, but the reward comes from improvement. Winning a close match after hours of practice delivers a rush that few genres can match.
Esports has also boosted the appeal. Competitive leagues, tournaments, and streaming platforms have made shooters part of a larger culture. Canadians tune in to watch top players compete, then bring strategies back into their own matches. This connection between casual play and professional gaming keeps the community strong. It blurs the line between entertainment and sport, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.
Sports and Racing Games
Sports and racing titles remain household staples. Hockey games, in particular, hold a special place in Canadian homes, reflecting the country’s passion for the sport. These games allow fans to control their favourite teams, relive rivalries, and even create custom players to take through full careers. The attention to detail in rules, stadiums, and commentary makes the experience feel authentic.
Racing titles also continue to attract a loyal following. From realistic simulations to high-octane arcade racers, they provide thrills that appeal to a wide demographic. For players who may not be interested in fantasy or combat, racing games offer a straightforward yet exciting form of play. The ability to compete online with friends or take part in ranked challenges keeps the genre fresh.
Another reason these games stay popular is their accessibility for social play. Sports and racing titles are often built with multiplayer in mind. Local co-op, online matches, and seasonal updates keep players returning. Families, friends, and casual groups can gather around and enjoy them together, making them ideal for both competitive and casual sessions. This shared element gives the genre a staying power few others can match.
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