Leading tech company invests in the gaming industry’s future workforce

 

POSTED ON Nov 30, 2023

 

Earlier this year, Aristocrat Gaming announced a $500,000 contribution to the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) at the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association Conference and Tradeshow.

The funding will go to various AISES programs, notably the Resources for Indigenous STEM Education (RISE) Fund and the organization’s annual conference and student scholarships.

At the event, Sarah Echohawk, AISES president, stated that the RISE Fund, powered by Aristocrat Gaming, is designed to support students, professionals, and tribes by offering resources and programming to develop STEM education and careers in the gaming industry.

“As a valued partner of ours for over six years, we are elated to further our relationship with AISES to intentionally invest in the gaming industry’s future workforce, helping to open up access to STEM education and career opportunities for Indigenous peoples,” said James Starr, president of VGT, an Aristocrat Gaming company.

Aristocrat Gaming’s contribution will support scholarships, employment and professional development, education programs, internships, and workforce development opportunities, helping to identify and prepare the next workforce generation and diversify industry talent pipelines.

The funding provided by Aristocrat Gaming will also go towards continuing the company’s support of the AISES general scholarship fund, providing $2,500 in scholarships to 20 undergraduate students pursuing Casino Gaming degrees at accredited four-year colleges and universities nationwide.

The study revealed where Americans are best off launching a career in game development and which states want to follow a career path in the sector.

The research analyzed data on the average annual salaries offered in each state, compared to the average consumer spending, to identify where Americans are worst off launching their gaming career.

The gaming industry is a multi-billion dollar business that is booming and is adaptable to suit many lifestyles, such as remote workers or those who prefer part-time hours. Given this flexibility and popularity, numerous people want to enter the thriving game development sector.

However, money isn’t the main appeal, as the states where individuals could have the most disposable income don’t align with those most interested in pursuing a career.

This suggests development is more of a passion for those working in it – or that people are willing to relocate to pursue their dream role.

The study reveals that the ten states most interested in a game development career are Vermont, Alaska, Delaware, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Wyoming, Hawaii, Maine, and South Dakota.

Vermont tops the list with an average of 51.1 monthly searches per 100k residents, which is 88% higher than the national average of 27.2. However, Vermont game developers earn $111,662, only 2% more than the national average.

Alaska is the second state most interested in game development, with 47 searches per 100k, which is almost three quarters (73%) higher than the US average, yet those in The Last Frontier earn 10% less than the national wage at $97,860.

In third place is Delaware at 46.1 searches per 100k, which is 69% above the US average; however, the state experiences over a $20,000 pay cut (12% decrease) at $96,640 compared to the typical game developer.

Idaho game developers earn the highest salary in the industry, with an annual salary of $135,559, 24% higher than the US average wage.

Following Idaho as the second-best state for a game development career is Mississippi at $131,158, which is 20% higher than the national average. New Mexico is third with $126,287, which is still $15,000 higher (20% increase) than the average.