Canada is vast yet underrated in the gaming world. With few major cities dotted around its giant land mass, the gaming industry is concentrated within hubs like Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary – to name a few. Few people know that it’s home to some of the most successful game development studios in the world – and ones that have produced blockbuster titles like Mass Effect, Watch Dogs, and Assassin’s Creed.
While the American market still dominates, grossing US $185 billion versus US $3.1 billion in Canada, Canadian gamers take their video games very seriously. If you’re one of those serious gamers and are looking for deals, insights, and extra fun, these sites are not to be missed.
RedFlagDeals
From restaurant deals to discounts on apparel, RedFlagDeals has long been a beloved source for Canadians looking to score a deal. In this financial climate, it’s certainly never been more valuable. Although the site is a little old-fashioned, the number of deals you can browse is endless – and they’ve got a specific section for video games. That means you can check out what consoles are on sale, if there are percentage discounts on a game you’ve been eyeing, or even gear up for a game platform sale. These forums let you discuss everything related to game deals with other avid gamers and join a community where everyone is looking out for each other’s wallets.
SlotsOnlineCanada.com
Online gambling has taken the world by storm. In Canada specifically, there are restrictions depending on which province you reside in, but those in most provinces can take advantage of the many great platforms out there. SlotsOnlineCanada.com isn’t a gambling platform – rather, it’s a resource for reviews of recommended casinos, including their payout speed, payment methods, number of slot games, and other useful information before you sign up. You can also read detailed reviews of slots and even play free demos to see what they’re all about.
IGN Canada
It’s quite unlikely that you haven’t heard of the entertainment media website IGN, seeing as it’s been a staple in the video game industry for almost 30 years. The site is known for its myriad video game reviews, commentary articles, news releases, and tutorials and walkthroughs. It is classified as an authoritative source with their game scoring system and annual ‘Best of’ awards.
Maybe you want to get a true rundown of whether a game lived up to expectations or want help finding all the Shrines in Tears of the Kingdom – IGN Canada is your best source for all things gaming.
Game Deals Canada
Game Deals Canada is a no-nonsense site that gives you a weekly round-up of games on sale and where to find them. Hop on the site, and you’ll instantly see a long list of games for PS5, PS4, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch – as well as accessories – that are often heavily discounted. For instance, you might find Sonic Superstars available for $39.99 on PlayStation 5 through Amazon – that’s a massive discount of $40. Video games can get expensive, especially if you’re constantly chasing new titles. Game Deals Canada helps you alleviate some of that financial pressure and makes you feel like your purchases are more justified.
GameStop Canada
GameStop is arguably the best mainstream video game retailer in the country. They’ve got all the latest games for major consoles, accessories, and collectibles, as well as preorder opportunities you can’t get anywhere else. On a budget and can’t afford items at full price right now? GameStop has a large selection of refurbished consoles and second-hand games at a discounted price.
There’s also a handy trade system where you can trade in old games and consoles for new purchases at the store. It’s the perfect way for gamers who tend to cycle through games quickly to keep up with the latest releases in a more cost-effective way. GameStop has brick-and-mortar locations dotted around Canada, but their site makes it easy to get what you need shipped directly to you or to take advantage of installment payments for expensive purchases.
Power Up Gaming
Not too fond of new releases and consider yourself more of a retro games fan? Power Up Gaming specializes in selling retro game titles and consoles such as the N64, Gameboy Original, and Sega Genesis at competitive prices.
Their commitment to authenticity and quality testing makes them a trustworthy source, and their products are backed by a 90-day warranty, which definitely beats a potentially shady deal on Facebook Marketplace. They boast over $1 million worth of used inventory at their location in Barrie, Ontario, and host occasional sales in-person and online.
Canadian Game Devs
If you’re most curious about the Canadian gaming industry, Canadian Game Devs is the ideal site to stay up to date on new Canadian-made releases, brush up on your local game developer knowledge, and see just how incredible the scene truly is. Browse through their list of game studios for each province, and you might be surprised at how many you’ve overlooked. Max Inferno Games, based out of Halifax, is the force behind an aesthetically pleasing puzzle game called A Little to the Left and is releasing a second DLC. Meanwhile, Montreal’s Compulsion Games revealed official gameplay for South of Midnight – an epic folklore action-adventure game that has released some intriguing trailers. Canadian Game Devs will keep you on the pulse of the Canadian gaming industry so that you never miss a beat.
