Texas Computer & Video Game Industry

Texas has always been a center for entertainment media, and games are no exception. Since the 1980s the game industry has been thriving in Texas, setting the pace in this ever-changing environment. There are currently more than 70 game development companies throughout the state, creating games for computers, home consoles, the Internet and mobile phones.

WHY TEXAS?

Here are just a few of the many reasons why people have chosen the Lone Star State as their game development destination:

Clusters of Talent - Over the years, companies have migrated to cities such as Austin, Dallas and Houston because of their large collection of talented artists, programmers, designers and visionaries.
Support Industries - It's not just about the developers. There are support services for the game industry throughout the state, including motion capture studios, software and hardware manufacturers, game-specific scriptwriters, animation and programming outsourcers, audio facilities and recruiting agencies.
Infrastructure - Texas has strong communities, school districts, transportation utilities, and other resources that make the state a convenient and stable place to do business.
Cost of Living - Because of the relatively low cost of living, owning your own home is a more realistic goal in Texas than in many other states.

WHAT CAN THE TEXAS FILM COMMISSION DO FOR ME?

The Texas Film Commission was set up to support the media industries in the state, and does so through a variety of methods - all of which are free.

Are you relocating to Texas and want to know about local job openings and professional organizations? We've got that information and so much more.

Are you a developer looking for an audio facility? The Texas Film Commission maintains an expansive list of qualified vendors throughout Texas. You can search our list by clicking on the Directory. We add to our list of game-related crew and vendors every day; if you don't see what you're looking for, give us a call.

We can also help with your beginning stages of game development. Are you looking for a particular building or structure to use in cinematics? Do you need references for textures or patterns? We have plenty -- our vast film locations database can also create custom photo packages especially for your project.

Good news: in Texas, game developers are exempt from State and local sales taxes on many items used during production. It's not a rebate, but an up-front exemption. Refer to the sales tax exemption information for further details.

Check out the links below to view our helpful industry information:

Still haven't answered your questions? Contact us at game@governor.state.tx.us. You never know what we might be able to do for you!