Known more for remarkable advancements in technology and innovation than for jobs and commerce, the computer and video game industry is proving to be a bright spot in a slowly-improving American economy. According to a new report, "Video Games in the 21st Century: The 2014 Report," released by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) this week, the industry added more than $6.2 billion to the U.S. economy in 2012. Approximately 146,000 individuals are directly and indirectly employed by the video game industry.
The new report reinforces the growing role video games play in our economy. Our industry drives technological and societal advancements that help Americans lead healthier, happier and more productive lives. It is also one of the nation's fastest growing sectors, providing tens of thousands of high-paying jobs to hardworking Americans across the country. Here are four examples of why games are such an economic powerhouse:
- The video game industry outperformed the U.S. economy by more than four times. Video games are a 21.5 billion industry in the U.S. The industry significantly outpaced the overall economy from 2009 to 2012, growing more than nine percent compared to the U.S. economy's 2.4 percent.
With more people enjoying video games around the globe through consoles and mobile game play, the industry shows little sign of slowing down. Curious about how well your state stacks up against the rest? Read the individual state reports to learn more. Interested in working in the industry, but not sure how to get started? Check out my take on the nearly 400 higher education institutions that offer video game design programs.