Canada
Gaming Poised to Continue Accelerated Growth According to Unity Gaming Report 2022
Unity, the world’s leading platform for creating and operating real-time 3D (RT3D) content, has released UnityGaming Report 2022. Pulling insights and data from Unity’s Create and Operate Solutions divisions, the report offers an extensive view on the state of gaming, revealing player behaviors throughout the pandemic and detailing trends propelling the industry’s growth.
The report highlights how gaming has brought people together and provided human connection in a time of distance and isolation. Unity’s data also shows that far from a “pandemic spike” the changes in the games industry appear to be long-lived and sustainable. In 2021, the number of people playing games is at far higher levels than they were pre-COVID and the industry has continued to step up to feed the demand.
Gaming is on track to reach over $300 billion by 2027. In 2021, the number of games made with Unity increased by 93%, and the number of new creators increased by 31%. Furthermore, players are spending more on games than ever before. The pandemic spike raised gaming revenue by 30% for games operated with Unity, and that bump is expected to stay.
“In the face of high player demand and even greater player expectations during these unique times, we have seen creators step up and deliver incredibly inspiring, creative, and innovative ways for people to engage and connect through gaming. This passion and resilience from our developer community fuels our commitment to make it as simple and as easy as possible for them to bring their vision to life. It remains our mission to equip developers of all sizes with everything they need to build, scale, and manage their games successfully,” said Ingrid Lestiyo, SVP & GM, Unity Operate Solutions.
“Whether from growth in established studios or from hobbyists making the leap to game development as a full-time gig, I am amazed at their sheer creativity as they bring their visions to life. We’re proud to be providing tools that help creators everywhere make great games,” said Marc Whitten, SVP & GM, Unity Create.
Key findings include:
- More creators are making more games – The production slump of the pandemic’s early phase is now far behind us. Mirroring other industry reports highlighting continued growth in the gaming sector, in 2021, the number of Unity creators increased 31% compared to 2020. Additionally, there were 93% more games made on the Unity platform in 2021 than in 2020.
- The demand for games remains high – The total number of daily active users (DAU) playing games rose from before the pandemic, reached a peak, then settled at far higher levels than before COVID began. PC/Console DAU has increased by 62% since the start of 2019, and mobile DAU has increased by 74%.
- The “pandemic spike” raised gaming revenue – and it’s here to stay – Gaming revenue grew by almost 30% for creators in 2021. Unlike sectors of the economy where pandemic bubbles have popped, the changes in gaming appear to be sustainable, bolstered by revenue growth in ad revenues and in-app purchase in the United States and Europe.
- As game development becomes more ambitious, creators are increasingly turning to third party solutions to stay competitive – Studios of all sizes are increasingly using a different mix of out-of-the-box solutions so they can free up resources to do what they do best: design great player experiences. Among enterprise creators, over 91% use player engagement and segmentation services, 88% use in-app purchase services, and 76% use analytic, authentication, and privacy services. Smaller studios use similar solutions but also invest heavily in ad monetization and user acquisition support.
The Gaming Report 2022 draws on fresh, original data from the 230,000 developers who make and operate over 750,000 games using the Unity Engine and the Unity Gaming Services portfolio of products. These powerful gaming solutions span mobile, PC, and console gaming, giving a unique view of the entire gaming industry. To provide a complete snapshot of the industry, this data is placed in context with information from outside reports and insights from creators.
Unity will be highlighting the trends outlined in this report alongside an array of in-person and online sessions at the 2022 Game Developers Conference from March 21–25, 2022 in San Francisco. Attendees will get an overview of all the latest Unity tools – many of which are interoperable with other game engines – to enable the success of our creators to deliver the best player experiences and build robust businesses. There will also be sessions where developers can get further insight into the trends, benchmark, behaviors, and analysis presented in the Gaming Report 2022. For more details on Unity at GDC 2022, visit unity.com/gdc.
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Canada
ComeOn Group adds sportsbook to its offering in Ontario
ComeOn Group announced a significant milestone in its sportsbook expansion journey with the addition of sportsbook to their offering in Ontario following the successful acquisition of the required permits. This addition represents a strategic advancement in the Groups sportsbook growth trajectory where they are set to double its sportsbook business in the coming years.
ComeOn Group is one of 51 active operators in Ontario. The Ontario market has experienced robust growth since its launch, reaching C$6.7 billion in revenue in 2023.* By 2029, the market is forecasted to grow by a total of 29%, with 2024 expected to close with a 20% increase.
ComeOn keeps investing in its sportsbook business acceleration that is powered by its proprietary sportsbook platform and in-house risk management and trading team. As a multi product vertical operator, ComeOn is striving to give its customer base a safe and exciting entertainment destination and this approach is now expanded to their Ontario audience.
Juergen Reutter, Chief Executive Officer at ComeOn Group, said: “We are very excited about the opportunities this new milestone opens up for us. As a casino-led operator it represents a key part of our sportsbook strategy to double our business in the coming years. Like in any of our other markets, we are striving for a differentiated sportsbook entertainment experience that is powered by our in-house technology. Our goal is to deliver top-tier entertainment to our players while fostering safe and innovative gaming experiences.”
*Source – H2GC H2 Ontario Data 25.10.2024 (excl. Lottery)
BCLC
INTRALOT Announces New Project with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation for Online Lottery Platform
INTRALOT S.A. has announced the undertaking of a new project between the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the sole lottery operator for the Government of British Columbia in Canada, and INTRALOT Inc., its US subsidiary, for the provision of an online lottery platform. The project also includes the digitalization of the existing land-based network.
The solution will be based on the Player X platform, part of the Lotos X ecosystem, and adds to the company’s overall partnership with BCLC, which has been extended until 2028.
INTRALOT is a leading player in a changing world of gaming. With significant experience in looking forward and anticipating emerging trends, the company provides future-proof solutions to regulated lottery and gaming operators around the world.
Canada
IAGR announces Toronto as host city for 2025 conference
Hot on the heels of its most attended conference in history, the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) is excited to announce that its 2025 conference will take place in Toronto, Canada, from October 20 to 23, 2025.
The event will be held in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) at the Westin Harbour Castle, offering stunning waterfront views and a premier, downtown Toronto location.
‘Fresh off the success of our Rome conference, we’re thrilled to continue the momentum with next year’s event in Toronto,’ said Ben Haden, IAGR President.
‘The IAGR 2025 conference promises to be another unparalleled opportunity for our global community to come together, collaborate and shape the future of gaming regulation. We’re looking forward to working with AGCO to bring it all together.’
AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr, added, ‘We’re excited to welcome IAGR and its members to Toronto. This partnership provides a great opportunity to share Ontario’s innovative regulatory practices and foster meaningful discussions that drive positive change in the industry.’
Stay tuned for registration details early next year.
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