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The U.S. video game industry employs more than 220,000
individuals according to new data released today by the
Entertainment Software Association (ESA). Video Games in the 21st
Century: The 2017 Report states that the U.S. video game industry is
creating high-paying jobs and generating revenue for communities across
the nation. Employment in the video game industry grew at an annual
rate of 2.9 percent, more than double the rate of the U.S. job market.
Employees in the industry earned an average compensation of $97,000
per year in 2015 – nearly double the average U.S. household income.
“The 21st Century knowledge economy demands a creative and
innovative workforce. The interactive entertainment industry is powered
by real jobs that develop the most innovative and remarkable technology
and entertainment in the world. These high-paying, creative careers build
communities all across the US,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and
CEO of ESA, the trade association that represents the U.S. video game
industry. “The data we share today details a roadmap for economic
growth, and the power of cultivating high-paying, technical careers in
interactive entertainment.”
"The 21st Century knowledge economy demands a
creative and innovative workforce. The interactive
entertainment industry is powered by real jobs that
develop the most innovative and remarkable
technology and entertainment in the world."
Michael D. Gallagher, ESA President & CEO
Other key findings in the report include:
* There are 2,322 video game developer locations across all 50 states and
the District of Columbia. There are also 526 publisher locations across 44
states. In total, there are 2,858 video game company locations across 84
percent of the congressional districts in America;
* 95 percent of video game companies were founded in the United States;
* There are now 65,678 workers directly employed at game software
publisher and developer locations in the United States. Of this total, U.S.
video game publishers directly employ 28,556 workers while U.S. video
game developers employ 37,122; and,
* The U.S. game company industry’s value added to U.S. GDP was more
than $11.7 billion in 2015.
Video Games in the 21st Century: The 2017 Report, presents a number of
statistical measures that quantify the economic contributions of the game
software industry from 2012-2015. Video game company databases and
online tracking resources provided the information used for this analysis.
In addition to data collected by ESA, U.S. government sources such as the
U.S. Census Bureau provided statistical measures included for this report.
This report is the third economic impact study prepared by ESA, with the
most recent report published in 2014.
entertainment software association
U.S. Video Game Industry Expands
to 50 States, Supporting 220,000
Jobs, and $30.4 Billion in Revenue