Games brought $4.9 billion to US GDP last year
ESA findings reveal industry grew 10 times as much as economy for last five years
The US games industry has seen dramatic growth over the last half-decade, according to a new survey by the Electronic Software Association.
The growth rate of the games industry during 2005 to 2009 was 10.6 per cent, compared to 1.4 per cent for the US economy as a whole. If the global financial crisis of 2009 is factored out, the figures spanning 2005 to 2008 are 16.7 per cent versus 2.8 per cent.
Annual total sales in general grew over the last five years, climbing from 2005's $7 billion to 2008's high of $11.7, but declining slightly to $10.5 billion last year.
Unit sales saw less dramatic increases, rising from 226 million in 2005 to 273 million in 2009.
In total, the industry contributed $4.9 billion to America's gross domestic product. Growth has maintained even despite the financial crisis - 2005's contribution was $3.4 billion, and $3.8 bilion in 2008.
However, converting these figures to 2005's dollar value has 2009 suffering a $300 million decline from 2008's contribution.
Despite the average growth for the industry as a whole, the recession appeared to take some toll on games employees' wallets.
The average videogame industry salary (including benefits) in 2009 was estimated at $89,781. This is actually down from both 2008 and 2005, where the average was $93,852 and $92,355 respectively.
Publisher staff did much better than developer staff, last year earning an average of $112,712 against $75,908.
Despite the wage drop, direct employment in games grew from 23000 in 2005 to 32000 in 2009 - a compound annual growth of 8.65 per cent.
This meant that the total compensation (now $2,875,775,211) paid to employees had continued to grow despite individual average wages declining.
The Videogames In the 21st Century report also estimated that total direct and indirect employment in games and games-related industries reached around 120,000 last year.