Despite the recession, video games continue to break records—and command unprecedented amountsof media coverage. The U.S. is the world’s biggest video games market and manufacturer, with a
marketnow worth over ＄20 billion annually in software and hardware sales—more than quadruple its size in themid 1990s. World of Warcraft now boasts over 11 million players worldwide,
and over ＄1 billion per year inrevenues. Gaming is flourishing as a career and a creative industry as well. 254 U.S. colleges and universities in 37 states now offer courses and degrees in
computer and video game design, programming andart. Video games are increasingly for everyone: 68% of American households now play computer or videogames, while the average game player is 35
years old and has been playing games for twelve years.
Against the popular image, too, 43% of online U.S. game players are female. The U.S. militaryalone now spends around ＄6 billion a year on virtual and simulated training programs, based
aroundvideo games and virtual worlds. The budgets for developing the biggest games can now top the ＄100million mark and are snapping up some of the biggest names in film—from Stephen Spielberg
to Peter Jackson.
