Welcome to MapleArcade

Canada's Friendliest Gaming Community

Discover charming indie games, helpful guides, and a welcoming community for gamers of all skill levels

Our Vision

Diverse group of Canadian gamers enjoying games together

Creating a Welcoming Gaming Space for Everyone

At MapleArcade, we believe gaming should be accessible, enjoyable, and stress-free for players of all backgrounds and skill levels. Our community celebrates the joy of play without the competitive pressure often found in gaming spaces.

Founded in 2020 by a group of passionate Canadian indie game enthusiasts, we've created a digital haven where gamers can discover charming titles, find helpful guides, and connect with like-minded players who share a love for thoughtful gaming experiences.

Our approach focuses on highlighting games with positive themes, inclusive characters, and creative gameplay that sparks joy and imagination. We're particularly passionate about showcasing Canadian game developers and the unique stories they tell.

5000+ Community Members
350+ Game Reviews
120+ Canadian Indies Featured

How We Curate Games

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Discovery

We actively search for hidden gems in the indie gaming world, with a special focus on Canadian developers. Our team attends local game jams, indie showcases, and digital festivals to find titles that might otherwise fly under the radar.

Game curators exploring indie game showcases
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Evaluation

Each game undergoes a thoughtful evaluation process that considers not just technical aspects, but also accessibility, storytelling, and the emotional experience. We look for games that bring joy, spark creativity, or tell meaningful stories.

Team discussing game merits in a cozy office
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Documentation

We create helpful guides, character spotlights, and level walkthroughs that help players get the most enjoyment from each game. Our mini-reviews highlight the unique aspects that make each title special without spoiling key moments.

Content creator writing game guides
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Community Sharing

Finally, we share our discoveries with our community through our curated collections, weekly spotlights, and member discussions. We create spaces for players to exchange tips, share fan art, and form friendships around shared gaming interests.

Online community discussion about games

Latest from our Blog

Gaming Resources

We've gathered some valuable resources from across the gaming community to help enhance your gaming experience. From developer tools to community platforms, these links will connect you to the broader gaming world.

Game development tools and resources

Indie Development

Resources for aspiring game creators

itch.io Game Assets
Canadian gaming community meetup

Canadian Communities

Connect with fellow Canadian gamers

IGDA Toronto Chapter
Accessibility gaming resources and guides

Accessibility Resources

Making gaming accessible for everyone

Game Accessibility Guidelines
Game preservation project and retro games

Game Preservation

Supporting game history and archives

Internet Arcade Archive

Community Stories

Our Gaming Research

At MapleArcade, we regularly conduct research into gaming trends, player preferences, and the evolving indie game landscape. Our findings help us better serve our community and contribute to the broader understanding of gaming culture in Canada.

Charts showing Canadian gaming trends

Canadian Gaming Trends 2023

Our annual survey of over 1,000 Canadian gamers reveals shifting preferences toward more narrative-driven experiences and games with positive social impact. Indie games continue to gain market share, with particular growth in cozy games and titles featuring Canadian settings and stories.

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Accessibility research in gaming

Accessibility in Indie Games

Our collaboration with Canadian accessibility advocates produced a comprehensive guide for small developers. This research identified the most impactful accessibility features that can be implemented with limited resources, helping make indie games more accessible to players with diverse needs.

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Kids learning through educational games

Games in Education

We've partnered with Canadian educators to study how indie games can support learning outcomes. Our research shows that thoughtfully selected games can enhance critical thinking, foster empathy, and engage students with complex subjects through interactive storytelling.

View Full Report

Membership Options

Join our community to access exclusive content, early game demos, and special events. All memberships support our mission to create a welcoming gaming space and highlight Canadian indie developers.

Maple Seedling

Free
  • Access to game reviews and guides
  • Community forum participation
  • Monthly newsletter
  • Basic game recommendations
Sign Up

Maple Forest

$11.99/month
  • All Grove features
  • Early access to game demos
  • Quarterly indie game collector box
  • Virtual game night invitations
  • Developer workshop access
  • Name in credits of sponsored games
Join Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes MapleArcade different from other gaming sites?

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MapleArcade focuses specifically on creating a positive, welcoming gaming environment with an emphasis on Canadian indie games. Unlike larger gaming sites that prioritize competitive or AAA titles, we celebrate games with charming aesthetics, meaningful stories, and inclusive characters. Our content is curated to help players discover hidden gems and enjoy games without stress or pressure.

Can I contribute reviews or guides to MapleArcade?

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Absolutely! We welcome community contributions. Members can submit reviews, guides, and character spotlights through our submission form. Our editorial team reviews all submissions to ensure they align with our community guidelines. Accepted contributions are published with full credit to the author, and regular contributors may be invited to join our core writing team.

Do you feature games from outside of Canada?

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While we have a special focus on Canadian developers, we feature games from around the world that align with our values of positivity, creativity, and inclusivity. We believe in highlighting quality gaming experiences regardless of their origin, though we do take pride in showcasing our homegrown Canadian talent whenever possible.

How often do you add new games and content?

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We publish new reviews and guides weekly, with major content updates every Monday. Our blog features new articles every Wednesday and Friday. Members receive notifications about new content relevant to their interests, and our monthly newsletter highlights the best new additions. During major Canadian game festivals and events, we increase our publishing schedule to cover exciting new releases.

Do you organize any in-person gaming events?

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Yes! We host quarterly meetups in major Canadian cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary) where community members can connect, play games together, and sometimes meet indie developers. We also have a presence at major Canadian gaming conventions like EGLX and Montreal ComicCon with community lounges designed for relaxed gaming and socializing.

Get in Touch

Contact Information

We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about our community, want to suggest a game for review, or are interested in partnering with us, please reach out using the form or contact details below.

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123 Maple Street, Toronto, ON M5V 2K1, Canada

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+1 (416) 555-7890

Operating Hours

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm EST

Saturday: 10am - 3pm EST

Sunday: Closed

MapleArcade office in Toronto

Send Us a Message