In March 2024, the Canadian gaming landscape showcased a vibrant mix of genres and narratives, led by two standout titles that garnered exceptional commercial success. The Entertainment Software Association of Canada, in collaboration with Circana (formerly known as NPD), unveiled the list of best-selling games for the month, with “Helldivers 2” and “Dragon’s Dogma 2” securing the top spots. This achievement underscores the diverse gaming preferences of Canadian players, reflecting a broader trend of interest across the nation.
“Helldivers 2,” available on PS5 and PC, clinched the number one position, captivating players with its intense, cooperative, twin-stick shooter gameplay set in a satirical and dystopian future. Its strategic depth, combined with relentless action, offers a compelling experience that evidently resonated with the Canadian audience. Following closely, “Dragon’s Dogma 2” enthralled gamers on PS5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC, with its richly detailed world and deep role-playing mechanics. Its expansive open world and innovative pawn system provided a fresh and engaging adventure, making it a favourite among Canadian players.
The list further reveals the varied tastes of Canadian gamers, with titles like “MLB The Show 24,” “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,” and “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” rounding out the top five. Interestingly, “NHL 24,” which was developed by EA Vancouver, also made the list, highlighting a national interest in hockey that extends into the digital realm. Additionally, Toronto Blue Jay’s star Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s involvement with “MLB The Show 24” not only celebrates a Canadian athlete but also signals a growing synergy between real-world sports and their digital counterparts.
This selection mirrors the top sellers in the United States quite closely, with the top three titles being identical in both countries. However, “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” enjoyed a higher ranking in Canada compared to the U.S., possibly indicating a greater affinity for Japanese role-playing games among Canadian audiences. Aside from “NHL 24’s” presence over “WWE 2K24” in the Canadian list, the preferences between the two nations show remarkable similarities.
The connection to locally developed titles like “NHL 24” by EA Vancouver and assistance from Quebec City’s Beenox in “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” adds a layer of national pride to the list. It’s a testament to Canada’s growing role in the global gaming industry, not just as consumers, but as creators and innovators.
Looking to the future, given the relatively quiet release schedule in April 2024, it’s likely that many of these titles will retain their popularity moving forward. The enduring interest in both sequels and original IPs, as demonstrated by this list, reflects the health and dynamism of the gaming market in Canada. With anticipation high for new titles like “Stellar Blade” and the PlayStation 5 launch of Xbox’s “Sea of Thieves,” the Canadian gaming community continues to thrive, eagerly embracing a wide range of gaming experiences.
