Texan incentive program creates 1700 game jobs
Grant system increases workforce by 50% over just 16 months
A grant system in Texas which provides funding for game, film and television projects, created 1700 jobs in the state between April 2009 and August 2010, a government study has revealed.
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts' report also found that it was the games industry which had created the largest number of full time jobs in the area out of all of the industries which qualified for the funding.
"The Texas incentive program is a great example of how investing in the computer and video game industry attracts 21st century jobs and boosts a state's economy," said Entertainment Software Association CEO Michael D Gallagher.
"We commend Governor Perry and the Texas legislature for their vision in creating a program to cultivate these high-tech jobs."
A number of US states run similar programs to the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, but it was the Lone Star State which helped pioneer the idea.
"Texas was one of the first states with an incentive for the video game industry, and it has proven successful," said Texas Comptroller Susan Combs. "In 2009, the video game industry spent $234 million (£150.24m) in Texas and employed 3,400 permanent workers with a positive economic impact on the state and on their local communities."