By Jon Scarr
The Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) will become Video Games Canada later this year. ESAC president and CEO Paul Fogolin announced the name change following Video Games on the Hill 2026 in Ottawa.
In a LinkedIn post after the event, Fogolin said the Video Games Canada name better reflects the industry the organization represents and where it wants to go next. An exact date for the change hasn’t been announced, with more information expected in the months ahead.
Video Games Canada Will Replace the ESAC Name
ESAC currently represents companies from across Canada’s video game industry, including console makers, publishers, independent developers and national distributors. The organization also works with government and decision-makers on regulatory issues affecting its members.
The move to Video Games Canada gives that work a more direct identity. Instead of an association name built around “entertainment software,” the new name explicitly identifies the industry it represents.
Fogolin announced the change after this year’s Video Games on the Hill event on September 22. The annual event brought game companies together with parliamentarians, government officials and public servants in Ottawa. Industry roundtables covered competitiveness, talent development, commercialization and safety, while Canadian studios demonstrated games during the event.
The rebrand was one of the developments to come out of the event. Fogolin also raised discussion around developing a National Video Game Strategy, although that is a separate conversation from the Video Games Canada name change.
More Details on the Rebrand Are Still to Come
For now, ESAC has confirmed the new name and a broad timeline rather than a complete rollout plan.
Fogolin didn’t provide an exact date for when Video Games Canada will formally replace the ESAC identity. He also didn’t outline changes to the organization’s membership, leadership or existing work with government.
Additional branding details haven’t been announced either. That includes any new logo, website or other public-facing changes tied to the Video Games Canada identity.
For now, the organization is still using the ESAC name. Later in 2026, it will become Video Games Canada, with more details expected before the transition takes place.
Jon Scarr
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