{"id":27429,"date":"2023-01-04T00:33:17","date_gmt":"2023-01-04T00:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mailinvest.blog\/index.php\/2023\/01\/04\/here-are-10-canadian-games-to-look-out-for-in-2023\/"},"modified":"2023-01-04T00:33:17","modified_gmt":"2023-01-04T00:33:17","slug":"here-are-10-canadian-games-to-look-out-for-in-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mailinvest.blog\/index.php\/2023\/01\/04\/here-are-10-canadian-games-to-look-out-for-in-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Here are 10 Canadian games to look out for in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

\n

2023 is shaping up to be a big year for games. Between the likes of\u00a0The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom<\/em>,\u00a0Final Fantasy XVI<\/em>,\u00a0Marvel\u2019s Spider-Man 2<\/em>,\u00a0Starfield, <\/em>Street Fighter VI<\/em>, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor<\/em>,\u00a0Diablo IV<\/em> and\u00a0Hogwarts Legacy<\/em>, we\u2019ll have no shortage of titles to play over the next 12 months.<\/p>\n

While you\u2019ve likely heard of most, if not all of those, what you may not<\/em> have known is just how many other 2023 games hail from Canadian studios. Indeed, quite a few of them do, ranging from new entries in such major franchises as Minecraft <\/em>and Dead Space <\/em>to promising indies spanning all kinds of genres.<\/p>\n

Due to the ever-evolving nature of game development, some of these are titles that have been delayed and, therefore, have shown up on previous lists<\/a>. There\u2019s also no guarantee that any of these games won\u2019t see further delays. In the meantime, though, there\u2019s a lot to be excited for in 2023 from Canadian developers, and here\u2019s a small taste of that.<\/p>\n

Dead Space<\/h2>\n
\"Isaac<\/a><\/p>\n

Image credit: EA<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Developer:<\/strong>\u00a0EA Motive<\/a> (Montreal, Quebec)
Publisher: <\/strong>EA
Genre:\u00a0<\/strong>Sci-fi, horror, third-person shooter
Platform:<\/strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, PC
Release date:\u00a0<\/strong>January 27th, 2023<\/p>\n

Nearly 10 years after the release of\u00a0Dead Space 3<\/em>, EA\u2019s acclaimed sci-fi horror series is back, compliments of Canada\u2019s own EA Motive (Star Wars: Squadrons<\/em>). Taking inspiration from Capcom\u2019s incredible remake of Resident Evil 2<\/em>, the Montreal-based developer has created a compelling reimagining of Visceral\u2019s original Dead Space<\/em> that expands upon the original story<\/a> while giving everything a stunning modern sheen. The remake also leverages current-gen consoles\u2019 SSDs for a loading screen-free experience that should only enhance Dead Space<\/em>\u2018s signature eerie atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Farewell North<\/h2>\n
\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

Image credit: Mooneye<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Developer: <\/strong>Kyle Banks\u00a0<\/a>
Publisher:<\/strong> Mooneye Studios
Genre:\u00a0<\/strong>Adventure
Platform:<\/strong> PC
Release date: <\/strong>TBA 2023<\/p>\n

Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, Kyle Banks and his wife moved from Canada to Scotland, and that journey helped inspire a video game. Enter\u00a0Farewell North<\/em>, an adventure game in which a young woman and her Border Collie must restore colour to a darkened world while recovering her memories. All told, it looks to be quite the emotional story about depression, and exploring the Scottish Highlands-inspired setting should make for a uniquely absorbing experience. And yes, you can absolutely pet the dog<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Goodbye Volcano High<\/h2>\n
\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

Image credit: KO_OP<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Developer\/Publisher:<\/strong>\u00a0KO_OP<\/a>\u00a0(Montreal, Quebec)
Genre:\u00a0<\/strong>Narrative adventure
Platform:<\/strong>\u00a0PlayStation 4\/5 (timed console exclusive), PC
Release date:\u00a0<\/strong>TBA 2023<\/p>\n

After delays out of 2021 and 2022, Goodbye Volcano High\u00a0<\/em>is (hopefully) set to finally release this year. Focused on teenagers going through their final year of high school, the game aims to tell a sentimental coming-of-age story with anthropomorphic dinosaurs. And beneath that fantastical premise is a push for rare representation: Fang, the main character, is non-binary and actually voiced by Chilling Adventures of Sabrina\u2019<\/em>s Lachlan Watson, one of Hollywood\u2019s youngest non-binary actors.<\/p>\n

Minecraft Legends<\/h2>\n
\"Minecraft<\/a><\/p>\n

Image credit: Xbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Developer: <\/strong>Mojang, Blackbird Interactive<\/a> (Vancouver, B.C.)
Publisher:<\/strong> Xbox
Genre:\u00a0<\/strong>Action-strategy
Platform: <\/strong>Xbox consoles, PlayStation 4\/5, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release date: <\/strong>First half of 2023<\/p>\n

One of the biggest games of all time is getting a brand-new spin-off in 2023, and it\u2019s being co-developed by Vancouver\u2019s own Blackbird. In\u00a0Minecraft Legends<\/em>, the Nether\u2019s corruption of the Overworld leads a great hero to unite the mobs and defend their home. Gameplay-wise, Legends\u00a0<\/em>blends real-time action combat with ally-commanding strategy mechanics to deliver something wholly unique for Minecraft<\/em>. You\u2019ll also be able to team up with \u2014 or fight against \u2014 other players to defend your village.<\/p>\n

Nightingale<\/h2>\n
\"Woman<\/a><\/p>\n

Image credit: Inflexion<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Developer\/Publisher:<\/strong> Inflexion Games<\/a> (Edmonton, Alberta)
Genre: <\/strong>Survival, crafting, shared world
Platform:<\/strong> PC
Release date:\u00a0<\/strong>First half of 2023 (Early Access)<\/p>\n

New IPs don\u2019t come around often, and certainly not those from BioWare Edmonton alums (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic<\/em>,\u00a0Mass Effect<\/em>) like Aaryn Flynn. But Nightingale\u00a0<\/em>isn\u2019t selling itself on pedigree alone \u2014 it aims to pull you in through its rich Victorian gas lamp setting filled with fearsome magical creatures. Whether on your own or with other players, you\u2019ll have to travel the mystical land, build out your character and face off against monstrous beasts.<\/p>\n

Ravenlok<\/h2>\n
\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

Image credit: Cococucumber<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Developer\/Publisher: <\/strong>Cococucumber<\/a>\u00a0(Toronto, Ontario)
Genre: <\/strong>Action-RPG
Platform:<\/strong> Xbox consoles (plus day one on Game Pass), PC
Release date:\u00a0<\/strong>TBA 2023<\/p>\n

In 2021, Cococumber released its acclaimed turn-based RPG Echo Generation<\/em>, and now, the Canadian developer is crafting a more action-focused spin on the genre. As Ravenlok, players will be transported into a fantastical monster-infested world ruled by the evil Caterpillar Queen. Beyond the Alice in Wonderland and Ghibli-inspired setting, Cococucumber aims to tell a heartfelt coming-of-age story filled with real-time combat, creepy creatures and more of the studio\u2019s signature charming voxel art style.<\/p>\n

For more on\u00a0Ravenlok<\/em>, read our interview with Cococucumber co-founder and director Vanessa Chia<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sea of Stars<\/h2>\n

\"Sea<\/a><\/p>\n

Developer\/Publisher: <\/strong>Sabotage Studio<\/a> (Quebec City, Quebec)
Genre: <\/strong>RPG
Platform:<\/strong> PlayStation 4\/5, Nintendo Switch, PC
Release date: <\/strong>Mid-2023<\/p>\n

Sea of Stars <\/em>is a\u00a0prequel to Sabotage\u2019s acclaimed 2018 action-platformer, The Messenger<\/em>, and follows two young heroes who must wield the power of the sun and moon to stop an evil alchemist. This retro-inspired RPG\u00a0features new music from Chrono Trigger<\/em> composer Yasunori Mitsuda, as well as a teamwork-focused combat system inspired by the iconic Square RPG, a beautiful 2D pixel art style and grind-free progression system. All in all, it looks like a perfect mix of homage and modernity.<\/p>\n

For more on\u00a0Sea of Stars<\/em>, check out our preview<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sons of the Forest<\/h2>\n
\"Sons<\/a><\/p>\n

Image credit: Newnight<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Developer: <\/strong>Endnight<\/a> (Vancouver, B.C.)
Publisher: <\/strong>Newnight
Genre: <\/strong>Survival horror
Platform:<\/strong> PC
Release date: <\/strong>February 23rd, 2023<\/p>\n

Studio Endnight\u2019s sequel to its 2018 cult hit\u00a0The Forest\u00a0<\/em>boasts a more realistic open-world sandbox filled with even deadlier threats to survive against. Now, though, you have a 3D printer to craft items, a greater number of weapon types, seasonal changes for warmer and colder weather challenges and full co-op support. Without any NPC quest-givers, how you survive in this\u00a0cannibal-infested hellscape is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n

Spiral<\/h2>\n
\"An<\/a><\/p>\n

Image credit: Folklore Games<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Developer\/Publisher: <\/strong>Folklore Games<\/a> (Montreal, Quebec)
Genre: <\/strong>Narrative, adventure
Platform:<\/strong> PC
Release date:\u00a0<\/strong>TBA 2023<\/p>\n

For the past several years, two Canadian school friends have been toiling away at Spiral<\/em>, a game about an elderly man going through cognitive degeneration. As you relive his memories one last time, his disease will begin to affect all facets of the game, including UI, music, characters and environment. At the same time, Folklore says it doesn\u2019t want its debut title to be \u201ctragic,\u201d with the experience instead intended to evoke feelings of \u201cempathy, patience and love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Venba<\/h2>\n
\"An<\/a><\/p>\n

Image credit: Visai Games<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Developer\/Publisher: <\/strong>Visai Games<\/a> (Toronto, Ontario)
Genre: <\/strong>Narrative, cooking
Platform:<\/strong> Nintendo Switch, PC
Release date:\u00a0<\/strong>Spring 2023<\/p>\n

Following a delay out of 2022,\u00a0Venba <\/em>is ready to serve a delicious main course of South Indian cuisine. Drawing from creator Abhi\u2019s personal experiences of immigrating to Toronto, Venba\u00a0<\/em>follows an Indian mother, her husband and their child as they adjust to life in Canada. By preparing signature Indian dishes, the family is able to reconnect with their homeland\u2019s culture. Throw in a wonderfully distinct art style and authentic Indian soundtrack and\u00a0Venba\u00a0<\/em>looks real appetizing.<\/p>\n

For more on\u00a0Venba<\/em>, read\u00a0our interview with Abhi<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

Of course, this only covers some of the games that are confirmed for 2023; others include The Outlast Trials\u00a0<\/em>from Quebec City-based Red Barrels<\/a>, Tails: The Backbone Preludes <\/em>from Vancouver-based Eggnut<\/a> and\u00a0Homeworld 3<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>(Blackbird Interactive).<\/p>\n

That\u2019s to say nothing of the many Canadian games that we know are on the way, but likely are still a ways off:<\/p>\n

And, naturally, there are so many more unannounced Canadian games that could be formally revealed throughout the year.<\/p>\n

For now, though, which Canadian games are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.<\/p>\n

A round-up of 2022\u2019s top Canadian games can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Image credit: Sabotage\/Xbox\/EA<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n