Computer & Video Game Production in Texas

Texas has played a major role in the computer and video game industry since the 1980's, and continues to remain a hub for production. Texas has the second largest concentration of game companies in the U.S., with more than 155 development and publishing companies throughout the state providing around 4,000 full-time jobs.

Developers in Texas produce games for all platforms, including online, PCs, consoles, and mobile phones. Some of the most popular and groundbreaking games, such as Ultima Online (Origin Systems/EA), the Quake series (id Software), and the Age of Empires series (Ensemble Studios/Microsoft) were made in Texas. Visit our gameography for more information on the history of Texas-made games.

Between 10-15 percent of Texas game developers create serious games, programs that use game technologies for educational, military, medical and even government purposes. Working with major universities and federal institutions, Texas game companies are shaping the next generation of computer and video game tools.

Why Texas for Games

Financial Incentives
The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program offers production incentives for qualifying video game projects. Game developers are also eligible to receive sales tax exemptions on many of the goods and services used to produce games. Texas has one of the lowest tax burdens for businesses and has no state income tax. Please visit the Production Incentives Overview page for more information.

Clusters of Talent
Companies have migrated to cities such as Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and Houston because of their large collection of talented artists, programmers, designers and visionaries. New talent from Texas universities and colleges, as well as those from other industries, such as film and music, has helped the game community grow. Local professional organizations and industry-specific conferences also provide an environment for creativity.

Support Industries
There are support service companies 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. Texas is your one-stop shop for game production!

Infrastructure
Texas has strong communities, school districts, transportation networks and other resources that make the state a convenient and stable place to do business. Texas is Wide Open for Business.

Quality of Life
Companies have no trouble recruiting employees to Texas because of the comparatively low cost of living and no state income tax. It's easy to live a successful and active lifestyle in Texas, whether you are single or raising a family.

Texas Animation, Games & Visual Effects Showcase

The Showcase is a collaboration of the Texas Film Commission and A Bunch of Short Guys (Texas Animation Guild) that shows the quality and quantity of great work being produced in Texas.