The Video Game Industry
The video game industry may be about producing products that allow consumers to have fun, but it's a serious business too. In the past several years, the industry has grown exponentially and is expected to continue to do so.
The audience for video games is traditionally made up of children and teens, which means that as this demographic group grows up, they will take their interest in video games with them.
Who Are the Players?
Rather than being relegated to the stuff of childhood, an interest in video games in all genres is something that young people want and expect to enjoy as they reach adulthood.
What does this mean to a person who is considering a career in the video game industry? There is a ready and growing market for these products, which adds up to job opportunities in many facets of the industry.
Video Game Industry Sales
Recently, computer and video game companies reported total sales of more than $20 billion, which represented nearly a double-digit percentage decrease from the numbers posted a year earlier. Software sales were also down during this period, with the total revenue coming in at $10.5 billion, which was 11 percent lower than the previously reported figures ($11.7 billion). Hardware sales, however, increased over the same period.
In Focus: Inside the Video Game Industry
Now, video game industry sales were again on the increase. Numbers for video game software and accessories were up from the previous year. Hardware sales were down slightly from the year before, but still accounted for $440.5 million.
The decrease in sales was a small setback in this industry, since the industry has seen total sales quadruple in the time between 1996-2008. In 2008, consumers spent $9.6 billion on video games, which was more than what moviegoers spent on tickets.
Companies in the Video Game Industry
The video game industry is made up of companies that specialize in developing software or hardware only. Some of them are known for working on both kinds of projects. For a prospective worker in this exciting industry, this means there are many opportunities to find a position that will be challenging, rewarding and lucrative.
Not only are companies in the industry looking for creative types to work on developing and testing new products, but there are other job titles available for people interested in working in other roles. Companies in this industry hire workers for functions like accounting, distribution, administrative support, payroll and the like.
