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Games Industry Growth Outpacing US Economy
Gamasutra is reporting that the Entertainment Software Association believes the games industry has outstripped the US economy as a whole. In fact, the group found that the industry grew by an astonishing 17% between 2003-2006, some 13% faster than the general US economy. "The ESA states that the video game industry contributed $3.8 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product in 2006. Though 24,000 are directly employed, according to the report in total 80,000 are employed directly and indirectly by the industry in 31 states and U.S.-based game industry employees received a total of $2.2 billion in compensation. Predictably, California is the largest employer in the video game industry, accounting for around 40% of the nation's industry jobs. California industry growth was 12.3% last year, which the ESA claims is "nearly three times faster" than the state's overall growth."
...this means nothing. The game industry is a subset of the US economy. (partially) This means that it balances out with industries that arent doing so well. (housing, for instance) Consider it like this:
If we take the average of five numbers: 3,4,5,6,7
average is 5
if we raise one number (the 4), we have: 3,5,5,6,7
the average is now 5.2
one number went up 25%
the average went up 4%
if the trend continues, but a different number (the 5) goes down, but half as fast, then we still have a net increase, but the number that started as 4 has a much higher rate of increase.
Do yourself a favor and run as far away from the game industry as you can. It may look shiny and pretty but man-oh-man you get exploited worse than you ever could imagine. Here are some of the benefits: Low pay, long hours, guilt-slinging producers who look at you funny when you don't want to work 11+ hours everyday, Plus, you're most likely working on something that is a derivative to the nth degree, and based on a licensed property that you had no say in creating.
Basically, if you have artistic spirit then the game industry is not for you. If you don't mind wasting a good portion of your youth producing toys which are quickly forgotten then you might find some happiness working on games.
Yeah, I'm bitter, but it is also sad to watch 20-somethings get put through a meat grinder time and time again just because they have stars in their eyes when it comes to working in the industry.
Don't just take my word for it. Talk to anyone who has worked in the industry for longer than 5 (or so) years. Not many will tell you that they'd do it again.