Game Developer Census details nearly 600 companies in North America
by Scott Jon Siegel 
{ Jun 29th 2007 at 1:15PM }
It's a groundbreaking achievement, and you probably can't afford it. The CMP Media Group has just published an exhaustive list of every significant game publisher and developer in North America. The publication details approximately 510 companies in the United States, and an additional 80 in Canada, and includes the full postal address, phone number, e-mail contact, URL, approximate number of employees, and examples of games produced for every included business, as well as details regarding the particular focuses of each company.In addition to the comprehensive directory, the census also reveals that over 39,700 individuals are currently employed by the games industry in the United States, and around 8,100 in Canada. Of those employees in the United States, over 46% are working in California, with Washington state a far second at 11%, and Texas third with 7.37%.
Individuals interested in purchasing the report are probably out of luck. Priced at $1,995 (yes, that's a comma), the census is intended for contractors and service companies looking to invest or do business with the North American market. The census is the second publication from CMP's Game Developer Research group, which also published the industry salary report earlier this year.
[Via Sys-Con]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
machrc @ Jun 29th 2007 1:24PM
Kali Gamer Developers FTW.
Crono @ Jun 29th 2007 1:38PM
I will never understand why information companies can get away with charging so much for a list you could compile yourself with a bit of legwork.
I mean, I could see 200 dollars for this report, but 2000 is highway robbery.
Almost as bad as NPD reports.
vidGuy @ Jun 29th 2007 1:41PM
No kidding, Crono, but I guess those who need the information NOW are happy to pay. I mean, how much would the legwork cost you? Remember you have to factor in time, too.
I didn't realize the vast majority of games employees are in California. I assumed it was more like 20%...
Tukulito-Zakayama @ Jun 29th 2007 1:52PM
I know there are some several in Texas too, i think ID Software and many others...
faceless coward @ Jun 29th 2007 2:48PM
Who actually NEEDS this list?
Simon Carless @ Jun 29th 2007 7:36PM
To be fair, commenters, individually compiling a list of 600+ companies, including size and very specific contact details (often not listed in one place) would probably cost significantly more than the report's price tag if you do it properly.
Well, actually, it did cost us significantly more than that to make - and we compiled the report, so we know! But again, this report is meant for companies to buy, not individuals. Value is relative, sure, but we feel like it's a fair price for what we've put together compared to possible return.
Simon @ Game Developer Research
Judd @ Jun 30th 2007 4:05AM
"39,700 individuals are currently employed by the games industry in the United States."
Wow, that's...tiny. I've heard about the booming video game market, but is it just me or did anyone else expect there to be more people? I feel as if there are more video game journalists than people who actually make games.