Battlefield 6, Game Pass, and Canadian Studios: What Google Search Trends Reveal About Gaming in Canada

On September 12th, it was National Video Games Day. We were honoured to be joined by Google Canada’s Communications Manager, Simon Langlois, who breaks down the top gaming searches from July to August 2025, giving us a glimpse into what Canadian players are most curious about and what that means for the industry.

While the backlog of unplayed titles only grows taller, Google’s Search and YouTube data show Canadians are less worried about finishing old games and more excited about discovering new ones.

Battlefield 6 Leads the Charge

Among the most notable spikes from July to August was Battlefield 6. The beta lit up Canadian Search, with fans eager to learn how to join, what platforms it would release on, and most importantly, if it would be available on Game Pass.

Langlois highlighted just how massive the response was: “When there’s a big franchise like Battlefield, it’s known by every gamer and non-gamer. The beta pushed searches to the top of the charts.”

The game’s chaotic destruction and wild player stories — from snipers losing rooftops to tanks improbably flying in planes have only added fuel to its trending momentum.

Grounded 2, Delta Force, and Canadian-Made Buzz

Canadians also rallied around Grounded 2, which launched July 29. Interest was particularly high given its co-development by Edios-Montreal, underscoring Canada’s pride in locally developed games.

Delta Force also surged thanks to its console release on August 19, proving that established PC titles can find fresh life on new platforms. Both titles show how search behaviour spikes around launch windows and especially when Canadian studios are involved.

The Backlog Can Wait: New Adventures Dominate

Beyond Battlefield, Grounded 2, and Delta Force, Canadians also searched heavily for Mafia: The Old Country, Marvel’s Wolverine, and Pokémon. Even older franchises, like Knights of the Old Republic, resurfaced in trending queries, showing that nostalgia and Canadian-made classics still hold strong sway.

The pattern is clear: the excitement of new releases consistently outweighs catching up on older games.

What’s on Every Gamer’s Mind?

Subscription services are shaping Canadian search habits. The top questions over the past month included:

• “Is Battlefield 6 on Game Pass?”
• “Is Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 coming to Game Pass?”
• “Is Ready or Not on Game Pass?”

Canadians also want answers about managing their digital libraries, from “How to cancel Fallout 1st?” to “How to refund a game on PS5?”

As Langlois explained, these searches show a wider trend: Canadian gamers are price-conscious, platform-savvy, and eager to maximize value from their purchases.

“Games Like…”: Searching for the Next Fix

With so many releases each year, Canadians are increasingly turning to Google to find games similar to their favourites. Searches for “games like Polytopia,” “games like Dave the Diver,” and “games like The Legend of Zelda” reflect a strong appetite for both indie creativity and classic franchises.

Notably, Knights of the Old Republic developed in Canada was among the trending “games like” searches, reinforcing the cultural imprint of Canadian studios.

Between Sessions: YouTube as a Gaming Companion

Search isn’t the only place Canadians turn for gaming inspiration. YouTube remains central to the experience, whether for tips, walkthroughs, or live creator content.

The most watched games on YouTube in Canada last month included Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto V, and League of Legends — proving that online multiplayer giants continue to dominate the digital conversation.

Nintendo’s Slow Burn and What’s Next

While Nintendo’s Donkey Kong Bonanza and Mario Kart World didn’t make the top five for July–August, Langlois suggested they were just outside the rankings. With the Nintendo Switch 2 looming large, and new entries like Pokémon Colosseum stirring buzz, Canadian players will no doubt keep Nintendo near the top of their collective minds.

Looking Toward 2026

When asked to predict what searches might define the year ahead, Langlois pointed to three likely leaders:

• GTA 6 — unstoppable hype, pre- and post-launch.
• Nintendo Switch 2 — the biggest hardware story in years.
• Hollow Knight: Silksong — an indie sequel with cult-level anticipation.

From AAA blockbusters to Canadian indie gems, the latest Search and YouTube trends highlight one truth: Canadian gamers are insatiably curious, community-driven, and unafraid to chase both the next big thing and nostalgic favourites.

With Fall’s lineup heating up, one question remains for every player staring at their growing backlog:

What’s the next game you will search for?

I would like to thank Simon Langlois for the interview.
Data Source