Texas Game Companies Improve State’s Economy Thanks to Gov’t Incentive Program

Add “gaming industry” to the list of things that are bigger (and better) in Texas.

Thanks to an incentive program, Texas game companies have created more economic growth in the state than any other entertainment entity. The Moving Image Industry Incentive Program was created in 2007 to help state job growth by enticing television, film, and game companies to produce their works in the Lone Star State.

The program allows entertainment companies working within the state to receive a refund of the money they spend in Texas (like state taxes). Game companies are eligible for a 5% refund, and an additional 2.5% incentive if they work in designated “underutilized or economically distressed” areas. The state is home to a handful of major game companies like developers Gearbox, id, and Retro Studios.

According to Texas state comptroller Susan Combs, “In 2009, the video game industry spent $234 million in Texas and employed 3,400 permanent workers with a positive economic impact on the state and on their local communities.” Between 2009 and 2010, another 1,700 jobs were also created. This is more than any other industry currently involved with the incentive program.

via: Gamasutra