Introduction
The gaming industry has grown exponentially over the past few decades, with millions of people worldwide playing games on their computers, consoles, and mobile devices. With this growth comes a demand for game developers to create engaging and immersive experiences that keep players coming back for more. In this article, we will explore how many game developers there are in the world as of 2019, and the factors that contribute to their growing numbers.
The Rise of Game Development
Game development has come a long way since its early days. From simple text-based games like Pong and Space Invaders to complex open-world adventures like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Red Dead Redemption 2, the evolution of gaming technology has allowed game developers to create increasingly sophisticated experiences that blur the line between reality and fiction.
As the demand for these experiences has grown, so too has the need for skilled game developers. This has led to a surge in the number of people entering the field, as well as an increase in the number of companies hiring game developers.
The Global Game Development Market
According to a report by Statista, the global game development market was worth approximately $159 billion in 2019. This is a significant increase from just a few years ago, when the market was valued at around $84 billion in 2015.
Estimating the Number of Game Developers Worldwide
There are a few different ways to estimate the number of game developers worldwide, but none of them are entirely accurate. One common method is to look at the number of job postings for game developers on popular job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed. However, this method only counts the number of people actively looking for work in the field, and does not include those who are already employed or working as independent contractors.
Another method is to look at the number of companies that specialize in game development. This can be done by searching online directories like Crunchbase or AngelList, which list thousands of startups and small businesses in the gaming industry. However, this method also has its limitations, as many larger companies may not be listed on these directories, and some smaller companies may not have a visible online presence at all.
A third method is to look at the number of game development degrees and programs offered by universities around the world. This can give an idea of the overall size of the field, but again, it does not include those who are self-taught or have entered the field through other means.
Factors Contributing to the Growth of Game Development
There are several factors that have contributed to the growth of game development over the past few decades. These include:
- Advancements in technology: As gaming technology has evolved, so too have the capabilities of game developers. With more powerful consoles and computers, as well as advances in artificial intelligence and virtual reality, game developers are now able to create incredibly immersive and engaging experiences that were once impossible.
- Growing demand for games: With the rise of mobile gaming and the increasing popularity of esports, there is now a larger market for games than ever before. This has led to a corresponding increase in demand for skilled game developers who can create high-quality experiences that keep players coming back for more.
- Increasing accessibility: Game development has become more accessible than ever before, with many universities and online programs offering degrees and certificates in the field. This has led to an influx of new talent, as well as a growing number of people who are self-taught and working as independent contractors.
