Video games have now overtaken movies as the world’s favourite pastime, and with the digital generation still growing, the explosive expansion of the games sector looks set to continue.
There’s never been a better time to pursue a career in game design or development. Here are 5 surprising facts to inspire you!
The games market is worth over £100 billion
The global games market was valued at £109.49 billion in 2019, and has grown significantly since. Stats predict it will grow by 9.17% a year and hit £186 billion by 2025.
The gaming industry now generates more profit than both movies and music combined. In the UK, it accounts for over half of the whole entertainment market.
Choosing a career in such a fast-growing sector will give you access to some of the most exciting jobs and highest salaries available.
One in three people is a gamer
According to Statista, the number of gamers worldwide is 2.7 billion and rising. With 7.9 billion people in the world, that means 34% of people are gamers – more than one in three.
And that percentage is going to keep growing as Generation Z takes over from millennials and online gaming pushes the industry forward, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world.
Most gamers are adults
Don’t let anyone tell you gaming is childish. Research has found that 70% of video gamers are adults aged 18 or over. Adults need to play. Thriving online communities and whole subcultures owe their existence to gaming.
The once-mainstream view that gaming is bad for you is rapidly becoming outdated as research reveals that gaming has a whole range of positive effects, including better mental health and increased creativity.
On mobile, most gamers are women
Women are coming into their own across the games sector, making it an increasingly important arena for promoting gender equality. The mobile games sector is actually female-dominated, with 63% of gamers being women, of whom 60% play daily. Many of them consider themselves “core gamers” who dedicate large amounts of time to gaming.
This makes it a great time for female developers to make their mark on the games industry. An inside perspective on what women gamers want is now a valuable asset.
Video games are good for your brain
Not only do games boost people’s mental health – they actually boost cognitive health, according to a study from the University of Iowa. The study found that the mental exercise of playing video games can help people’s minds stay sharp as they age. Other studies suggest it can also improve decision-making and even make people more sociable.
If you are considering a career industry change and have relevant skills the gaming industry is very compeeling, with huge growth potential and exciting opportunities. If you would like to know more about the roles and companies we work with please get in contact with one of our specialist gaming recruiters at enquiries@tecpartners.co.uk