Georgia’s Gaming Industry: Unveiling the State’s Thriving Game Development Scene

While the state of Georgia may be known for a plethora of different things, such as its affinity with peaches, sports teams, and others, some may not have realized just how strongly it should be associated with the gaming industry.

Indeed, the region is considered a hotbed for the industry, with the state continuing to offer a number fo world-class facilities for gaming developers. The interactive entertainment sector within Georgia continues to thrive and is showing no sign of slowing down.

Gaming continues to evolve in Georgia

In 2020, the video game industry managed to bring in $155 billion (which was more than the film and music industries combined), with Georgia believed to have brought in around $20 million of that total. In 2023, it is expected to fetch around $30 million, while it is predicted that the continued growth will fetch the state around $35 million by 2027 in terms of revenue.

This figure could be greater in the future should the Peach State decide to introduce and allow other forms of gaming. The US is undergoing a lot of transition at the moment with the gaming industry, with some states deciding to allow iGaming activities.

Online slots and classic casino table games have only been made legal in a handful of states at the moment. Still, those in Georgia will want to make sure they continue to keep tabs on the latest poker news, as there is every chance that they could become one of the next states to permit it.

The iGaming industry has already proven that it can be successful in terms of generating revenues. Places like Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have each recorded high levels of income from the activity since legalizing it. With its world-class gaming environment, Georgia may find it too difficult to ignore in the future, especially as 66% of the state’s population is said to want it introduced.

What has made Georgia’s gaming industry thrive?

Although Georgia is known for its thriving movie industry, there is a huge and highly talented community of artists, designers, programmers, and gamers that are located in the region. The Peach State has been able to use the legislation that is in place for film to benefit its gaming sector.

With the talented pool of potential workers in a creative sphere, as well as the rise of technology, the state is seen as one of the best. New technologies, including highly innovative options like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are already showing promising signs as an exciting way to boost interactivity and immersion across gaming. With the availability of a skilled workforce, Georgia is extremely attractive for the gaming industry.

Adding to the attractiveness is a tax incentive that can be obtained by companies that work within the entertainment sector. Through the use of the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act, companies are able to apply for a transferrable tax of up to 30% when they develop and produce a creation within state lines. This is not limited to games, however organizations across the niche have taken advantage of it to help the gaming industry thrive as much as it has.