The Entertainment Software Association, ostensibly the lobbying arm of the video game industry in America, has released a report stating that while the U.S. economy is in a bit of a holding pattern, the video game industry is booming. According to their report (PDF), the growth of the industry is outpacing the growth of the economy 10.6% to 1.4%, or 7.6 times, from 2005-2009. They also reported that there are an estimated 120,000 employees in the industry, and that the industry was responsible for $4.9 billion in gross domestic product. Furthermore, the average annual compensation - including wages, salaries, pensions, insurance, etc. - per employee in the industry was $98,781.
This information is staggering, and is further proof that video games are no longer just a hobbyist niche, but big business as well. While these numbers can't hold steady forever, this is certainly good news.
This information is staggering, and is further proof that video games are no longer just a hobbyist niche, but big business as well. While these numbers can't hold steady forever, this is certainly good news.
No comments:
Post a Comment