About the Gaming Industry

Serious Games—Not just for entertainment!

Internet game and simulation technology is increasingly being used for education, training, advocacy and advertising. Role-playing simulations and other specialized "games" are used to train students, educators, businesses, government officials, and soldiers.

For example, the federal government spends millions of dollars on game technology; the popular game America’s Army created for training and recruitment is just one of many military examples. Firefighters and police use game technology to practice dealing with high-intensity emergency response situations. Medical students train on interactive 3D simulations instead of live patients. Pilots fly in aircraft simulators before flying real planes. And the advertising industry now creates advergames that range from simple "click the monkey" web banner games to complex 3D web-based virtual experiences. (For example, WildTangent created an immersive driving game for Toyota to sell new Toyota Corollas).

MC students are getting on the job experience creating serious games. See the awards page to read more about our award winning educational games!

Oscar the Otter (and family) from the MC/NOAA game WaterLife:

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Data about the Gaming Industry

For facts and figures on the multi-billion dollar Entertainment Gaming Industry, please see the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) website.

For more information on the gaming and simulation industry in Maryland, see our "MD Game Companies" page.