As it enters its third decade, Quebec’s $1.4-billion video game sector stands tall as one of the world’s top five game production hubs with more than 280 studios, of which 86% are Quebec-owned. Understanding the key factors of this success is the focus of a new study commissioned by La Guilde du jeu vidéo du Québec with funding from Behaviour Interactive.

Conducted by Habo Studio, the study surveyed developers and producers working at Quebec video game studios and experts on the local and international video game industries. From this analysis, the study identified four key strengths that have been vital to Quebec’s emergence as a global leader in video games:

FERTILE GROUND FOR GAMES: The industry draws on Quebec’s world-famous creative streak and the international reputation this has built to attract major video game developers and top talent.

KEY FINDINGS

The industry has established itself as a leader in the video game sector over the past 3 decades. The sector has experienced significant growth since the 1990s, with the arrival of major international studios and the fact that 80% of employees are graduates of digital creation or video game programs.

• Quebec’s location and the province’s cultural links to both the United States and Europe leave the Quebec studios well-positioned to conduct business in both markets.

• Quebec’s high standard of living and the multiculturalism of Montreal are important draws for talent.

• Schools offering specializations in video game development ensure a rich local talent pool.

A COMMITTED WORKFORCE: Nearly 15,000 Quebec residents are directly employed by the video game industry and impressive numbers of them feel highly satisfied and engaged.

KEY FINDINGS

• 87% of those surveyed reported a high degree of job satisfaction and fulfillment.

• 97% see themselves continuing to build their career in video games.

• 96% considered themselves lucky to work in gaming.

• 95% said they would recommend their employer to their peers.

A PASSIONATE AND COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY: The developers and producers interviewed are above all gamers, and gamers are nothing if not deeply passionate about games!

KEY FINDINGS

• 97% consider themselves gamers, which contributes to a passion for and a sense of pride in their work.

• 96% are happy to contribute to and help the industry advance.

• 96% are happy to contribute to and help the industry advance.

• 91% feel included in the industry.

INNOVATION AND AGILITY: Developers and producers interviewed see Quebec’s video game industry as highly skilled with a strong focus on problem solving and innovation.

KEY FINDINGS

• 98% cited advanced technical skills as a defining characteristic of their teams and employer.

• 93% cited team spirit as defining a characteristic of their teams and employer.

• 89% cited mutual support as defining a characteristic of their teams and employer.

• 88% cited curiosity as defining a characteristic of their teams and employer.

• 75% said agility is highly valued and one of the industry’s core strengths.

“With its mix of technical expertise and creativity, Quebec excels in the (video game) sector and its productions enjoy major international success,” the report concludes. “In a global industry that is growing quickly, the province occupies an important place and is well-positioned to benefit from future growth in the industry.”