Maryland - the East Coast Hub of the Gaming Industry

Many are not aware that Maryland is the East Coast hub of the gaming industry. According to Maryland Interactive Technologies, "Already Maryland boasts the largest cluster of entertainment software companies on the East Coast."

According to the University of Baltimore, "Even in a slow information economy this number is expected to increase by about ten percent annually. As defense planning and industrial training integrates more simulation technologies, hundreds of new jobs will be created in the field."

Maryland's economic development officials have targeted the interactive technology industry as "a business sector on the rise." Maryland Secretary of Business and Economic Development, David Iannucci explains, "The technology that brings these games to life is also being used for virtual training in medical, defense, consequence management and other simulation programs."

From entertainment games to so-called "serious games" (games used for simulation or training), Maryland has a significant presence in this new technology industry.

Game-Related Companies in Maryland

Game-Related Companies in Virginia

Game-Related Companies in Washington, DC

Some Games Made in Maryland & Virginia

Quotes:

“Sid Meier’s Civilization” and “SimGolf,” developed by Firaxis, and “Rise of Nations” by Big Huge Games, are among the best-selling titles in a world where virtual reality and simulation generate a seemingly unreal $10 billion in annual sales. Both Firaxis and Big Huge Games are headquartered in gaming-rich Hunt Valley and are among some 20 gaming-related companies that quietly have made Maryland the new frontier for gaming development. (The Daily Record)

Local high school students who fantasize about getting a job playing video games might not be too far off the mark. Baltimore County boasts the largest concentration of video game and simulator technology firms on the East Coast, and local schools are working to put their students at the head of the line for employment in this emerging new field.

"We are working with the schools and with employers to make sure our students are prepared for the workplace of today and tomorrow," said County Executive Jim Smith. The county's Department of Economic Development is collaborating with industry insiders, schools, and state agencies to develop academic programs that prepare area students for employment in the county's burgeoning game and simulator development industry. (Baltimore County News)