Let's delve into a fascinating conundrum: why are Canadian video game developers hesitant to set their games in Canada, despite the country's significant contribution to the global gaming industry? It's a question that sparks curiosity and invites exploration into the creative minds behind these immersive digital worlds.
The Canadian Gaming Paradox
Canada, a powerhouse in the gaming industry, boasts an impressive $5.5 billion contribution to its GDP. Yet, a curious phenomenon persists: a reluctance among developers to showcase Canadian settings and locations in their games. This paradox was evident at the recent Game of the Year Awards, where none of the nominees featured Canadian landscapes, despite the industry's recognition of Canada's pivotal role in shaping the gaming landscape.
The Challenge of Expressing Canadian Pride
Developers like Guillaume Provost, head of Compulsion Games, face a dilemma. While he acknowledges the need to explore diverse settings, he also highlights the importance of representing the familiar. "We should totally see more [games set in Canada] as well," he asserts. This sentiment is echoed by indie developer Sean Browning, who is creating a pixel-art game set in downtown Toronto. Browning encountered pushback from potential investors, who deemed a Canadian setting "not globally marketable."
The Untapped Potential of Canadian Landscapes
However, not all developers share this view. Joel Burgess, head of Toronto-based Soft Rains, dismisses the notion that Canadian-set games are unmarketable as "bullshit." He believes Canada's landscapes, cities, and values offer a unique creative strength, especially in the context of rising cultural and economic tensions with the U.S. Kaitlin Tremblay, narrative director at Soft Rains, adds a cultural perspective, suggesting that Canadian values of communal care and helping each other in crises can be reflected in games, even when set in otherworldly locations like the rings of Saturn.
Finding Balance: Exploring New Worlds vs. Reflecting Reality
The debate extends beyond marketability. Provost suggests that creatives naturally gravitate towards exploring new settings and locations, allowing them to venture into uncharted territories. Yet, he also highlights the success of games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which celebrated French culture and imagery, leaving room for Canadian developers to do the same.
Embracing Canadian Identity
Despite the challenges, some developers are embracing their Canadian identity. Ravine Studios, inspired by the Group of Seven painters, is creating North Shore, an exploration game set in wintry northern Ontario. Dante Camarena, one of the developers, shares a positive experience of showcasing their game in the U.S. during a period of heightened trade tensions, emphasizing the universal appeal of Canadian landscapes.
A Call for Boldness
In my opinion, the gaming industry in Canada has an opportunity to embrace its unique identity more boldly. While exploring new worlds is essential for creativity, there's immense power in celebrating local culture and sharing it with the world. It's time to challenge the notion that Canadian settings are unmarketable and showcase the diverse and captivating landscapes and values that Canada has to offer. After all, as Tremblay suggests, Canadians have a way of just doing the work they care about, and that's something worth celebrating.
Final Thoughts
The tension between exploring new worlds and reflecting one's own reality is a fascinating aspect of creative expression. In the case of Canadian video games, it raises questions about cultural representation, marketability, and the untapped potential of Canadian landscapes and values. As the industry continues to evolve, I believe we'll see a more diverse range of settings and stories, reflecting the rich tapestry of Canadian culture and identity.
