We talk a lot about how distracted we are. Phones, apps, notifications. It’s constant. But here’s the thing: not all distractions are the same. Some are passive, like doomscrolling your feed for no reason. Others are more intentional. You grab your phone or open your laptop with a goal: to play something, to relax and reset.
So, what exactly are Canadians playing these days when they want to zone out? It’s not just Candy Crush and Wordle anymore.
The TikTok Effect: Games You Watch Before You Play
TikTok isn’t just for dances or recipe hacks. It’s actually become a weird but powerful way to find new games. You scroll past a clip of someone playing a game, and suddenly you’re downloading it.
Take Eggy Party, for example. It's a quirky multiplayer game from NetEase where you race as an egg through obstacle courses. It was soft-launched in a few countries last year, and people started sharing gameplay clips that felt like Mario Party meets Fall Guys. That buzz led to its Canadian release on iOS and Android in January 2024. It now ranks in the top 10 casual games on the App Store in Canada.
Same thing with Only Up! A 3D platformer that blew up on Twitch and TikTok last summer. It’s a frustrating vertical climb game, where one wrong move can send you tumbling to the start. Not exactly relaxing, but people love the challenge.
The Classic Time Killers Still Hold Up
Some games never leave. Subway Surfers, Clash Royale, and 8 Ball Pool are still among the top games in Canada, thanks to how easy they are to pick up and play. They’re fast, simple, and perfect for killing time on a commute or during a break.
And then there’s Wordscapes and NYT’s Connections. Word games that feel a little more mindful, especially when you want to feel like you’re doing something good for your brain.
According to MobileSyrup, the New York Times Games app, which includes Connections, Wordle, and Spelling Bee, continues to grow in popularity with Canadian users, especially those over 35.
Wait, Are We Still Playing Slots?
Well, yes. Just not how you might think.
Slot games have quietly kept their place in the digital distraction world. There’s something about the simplicity of spinning reels and watching symbols match that just works after a long day. No storylines. No timers. Just click and play.
In Australia, they call these games online pokies. And that term is catching on with younger Canadian players who’ve seen the word on streaming platforms or Reddit threads. If you’ve ever wondered where to find those games, online pokies are just slots under another name. Same game, different slang.
But here’s what’s changed: modern slot games look a lot more like mobile games. People aren’t necessarily gambling. They’re just playing, the same way they might play Candy Crush. The line between games of chance and casual games is getting blurry.
Gaming as Background Noise
A lot of people don’t play games for the win. They play while listening to a podcast. Or while watching a show. Or just to have something in their hands while thinking about something else.
That’s why games like My Talking Angela 2 or Design Home still do well. There’s no rush, no real skill, and no need to give it your full attention.
Even something like Roblox fits in here. The platform isn’t just for kids anymore. Adults are jumping into mini-games, fashion shows, or virtual hangouts that feel more like digital background noise than hardcore gaming.
Why This All Matters
Here’s what it comes down to: we’re not just bored, we’re tired. And games, especially simple ones, let us relax without asking too much.
They’re not about being productive. Or improving yourself. They’re just something to do. And that’s okay.
Digital distractions get a bad name. But sometimes, they’re exactly what we need.
Bonus: Two Worth Checking Out Right Now
One Last Thought
Not all digital distractions are created equal. Some keep you stuck in a loop. Others give you a quick laugh or just a few minutes of calm. But let’s not forget that real-life distractions like a Night in Venice or an annual Masters Swim in Ocean City can be even better. You don’t always need a screen to recharge.
They might be chasing eggs, matching letters, or spinning some online pokies just for fun. And honestly? That sounds fine.
