The gaming business in the United States grew by more than 9% annually between 2009 and 2012. At the same time, the American economy has shown growth of only 2%, – says the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) in its recently published report.
The study reports that as of 2012, more than 146 thousand people were directly or indirectly involved in the gaming industry. Most of them worked in California, although states such as Texas, Illinois and New York also supplied a considerable number of jobs.
As of 2012, the gaming industry was estimated at $6.2 billion, which was 0.04% of the national GDP.
“Our industry represents one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy in the country,” said Michael D. Gallagher, executive director of ESA.”
Every third American plays mobile games
Researches the market, provides legal advice and copyright protection, lobbies for the interests of the industry in Washington. Formed in April 1994 under the name Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA) and renamed ESA on July 16, 2003. Since 1995, ESA has been the organizer of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). The headquarters of the Association is located in Washington.