The video game industry worldwide has exploded over the past decade, generating almost $120 billion in annual revenue worldwide. Georgia’s economic development team, never one to be left behind, has helped grow our own gaming industry, which now boasts an annual economic impact of some $600 million.
There are some 3,200 industry jobs in Georgia, making it the 7th largest state for game development. That number figures to rise in coming years, most notably with the arrival of Atlanta’s newest team – the Reign. Cox Enterprises purchased a spot in the Overwatch League for an estimated $30 million this summer, dipping its fingers into the ever-growing e-sports industry.
Meanwhile Dreamhack, one of the world’s premier ‘gaming lifestyle’ festivals will draw tens of thousands of visitors to the Georgia World Congress Center late this month to play games and watch pro players compete in tournaments in person.
Georgia’s entertainment tax credit, the same one that famously helped lure the film industry to the state, has likewise been utilized by video game developers to encourage growth here in the Peach State. According to Andrew Greenburg, Executive Director of the Georgia Game Developers Association, that means the state is getting a $600 million return on a $12.5 million investment.
See more thoughts from Greenburg on the video game industry from our friends at Metro Atlanta CEO.
