A video game named “South of Midnight,” created in Quebec and set in a fictional version of the American Deep South, emerged as the winner at the recent Canadian Game Awards. This victory reflects a broader issue within Canada’s gaming industry. Despite Canada being a significant player in the global gaming sector, contributing $5.5 billion to the country’s GDP and providing employment to thousands in various studios, only a few games are distinctly situated in Canada.
This discrepancy was evident during the awards ceremony, where none of the nominees for Game of the Year featured Canadian settings, even though a video tribute highlighted the role of Canadian developers in shaping the industry. While some Canadian game developers find it challenging to pitch explicitly Canadian-themed games to investors, others believe that Canada’s landscapes, cities, and values represent an untapped creative resource, especially amid cultural and economic tensions with the U.S.
Guillaume Provost, the head of Compulsion Games behind “South of Midnight,” emphasized the need to broaden horizons beyond traditional Canadian themes like hockey in Montreal. He acknowledged the importance of diversifying game settings while also advocating for more Canadian-inspired content.
The trend is gradually shifting as independent studios explore games rooted in Canadian identity. However, opinions vary among creators on whether emphasizing Canadian elements enhances a game’s uniqueness or poses challenges in marketing it effectively.
Despite some investors expressing concerns about the global appeal of games set in Canada, developers like Sean Browning remain committed to showcasing Canadian cities like Toronto in their projects. Joel Burgess of Soft Rains dismissed the notion that Canadian-themed games are unmarketable, stressing the potential for Canadian stories and culture to resonate globally.
The narrative director of Soft Rains, Kaitlin Tremblay, highlighted the reflection of Canadian values in their game “Ambrosia Sky,” despite its sci-fi setting. Burgess and Tremblay agreed on the importance of embracing local culture in creating internationally appealing content.
While some developers choose to explore new settings for creative inspiration, the creators of “North Shore,” a game set in northern Ontario during the late 1800s, draw inspiration from Canadian landscapes. They noted positive feedback for their game at an international event, showcasing the potential for Canadian-themed games to attract global interest.
Guillaume Provost emphasized the strength in celebrating local culture, echoing the sentiment that Canadian game developers should leverage their unique perspectives to captivate audiences worldwide.