Canada’s Hidden Gem: Indigenous Games in the Spotlight
As a gamer with a sprawling Steam library, I take pride in Canadian-made titles. Local creators bring a distinct voice to the screen. Yet in Canada, these games often stay out of the mainstream chatter. Indigenous-led projects, in particular, are easy to miss.
Canada rarely grabs the loudest headlines in games. Still, it is home to many studios and teams that craft big hits. The Entertainment Software Association of Canada puts a number on it: video games added 5.1 billion to the country’s GDP in 2024. That shows big potential, even if it isn’t always seen.
Among thousands of games in the works, only a tiny slice is led by Indigenous creators. Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) from Montreal’s Unreliable Narrators and Hill Agency: PURITYdecay from Hamilton’s Achimostawinan Games stand out as notable examples. If you’re not tuned into niche lists or dev blogs, you may miss them entirely.
Barriers Every Native Studio Faces
Indigenous-led teams face the same pinch points as many studios, plus extra cultural hurdles. Training, funding, and a strong professional network are tough to come by. Beyond that, there’s the weight of tradition and identity in the mix. This adds layers that many peers don’t have to juggle.
Jeremy Nelson, a producer and designer at Little Buffalo Studios, explains the odds. He helps bring Akiiwan: Survival to life, a cozy survival game. His view is simple: real progress comes from opening doors for Indigenous creators, not from changing their stories to fit a wider market.
Jean-François D. O’Bomsawin of the Indigenous Screen Office adds context. The group backs First Nations, Inuit, and Métis creators. They fund a range of media, and some of their money goes to Interactive and Immersive projects, which include video games. Even if they don’t track every game, their support helps players push forward.
Funding Can Be a Double-Edged Sword
When money arrives, it helps. Yet it can also push a project toward a safer path. Some backers want what they fund to be easy for broad audiences. That can water down the heart of Indigenous stories, says Josh Nilson. He owns Maskwa Investments and runs the Roblox game The Métis Life. He knows good intentions can still blunt a game’s unique voice.
Akiiwan: Survival has shaped his view. He says his job is to help Indigenous founders stay true to their roots. As more money floods into the space, comments from funders can steer a game toward a different vibe. The finish line remains authentic storytelling, done in a respectful, right way.
With fewer Indigenous creators in the scene, networking stays sparse. There are not many big, widely seen Indigenous games yet. Distribution is a common hurdle, even when a studio has a solid title. The result is a quiet but real gap between potential and reach.
Different Medium, Same Goal: More Indigenous Voices
Nelson looks at the bigger picture. He dreams of a future with thousands of Indigenous creators stepping up. He wants to see a surge in projects that prove gaming can be a real path for native storytellers. The medium matters: some stories fit better in games, while others shine in film or visual arts. Still, games offer fresh ways to share culture.
The push for more creators is not just about numbers. It is about keeping a strong, honest voice in every project. Nelson points to the need for more Indigenous VCs, bankers, and allies who will back real, respectful stories. He believes real change happens one step at a time, even if those steps feel small.
There is a spark in communities where developers gather. An Indigenous devs Discord channel has become a hub for sharing work and getting feedback. The scene is expanding, just barely, but it is moving in the right direction.
Stories that Reflect a People, Stories that Endure
Video games can be a solid business with a bright future. There is a growing appetite for original stories and fresh experiences. Indigenous creators are ready to deliver both. Nilson says, “What’s more authentic than an Indigenous game, made through Indigenous viewpoints?” The sentiment rings true for many fans who crave real voices from diverse communities.
For readers who want to help, the simplest path is the best. Look for Indigenous-made games, play them, and tell others about them. Support, share, and spread the word. Download and talk about these titles to lift them into more hands and screens.
Header image credit: Little Buffalo Studios
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