Think Services Game Group’s Game Developer Research has recently published its Game Developer Census 2008 report with some interesting numbers.  Surveying all companies working in the video game development and publishing in North America, the survey uncovered a 12 percent year on year increase of US employees.  This years number clocks gaming industry jobs at a rockin’ 44,400 – up from 39,700 in 2007.  If the 12 percent in the US wasn’t enough to make you sit up and take notice, take a look to our neighbors to the north: Canadian video game jobs leaped a healthy 17 percent; up to 9500 from 8100.  Combined the North American gaming industry increased 13 percent, from 47,800 to 53,900.  Now that’s alotta jobs, and outstanding industry growth.

While a portion of this increase comes from increased staffing numbers related to next-gen games, the driving factor has been continued development and investment in MMOs and Virtual Worlds.  VC’s have obviously put their reservations on the shelf, as continued growth in the free-to-play game worlds has spurred increased investments.

Breaking it down in geographic terms, while Governor Schwarzenegger’s statewide economy might not be rocking the Kasbah, 21,200 game developers couldn’t be happier in the Golden State.  Washington State ranks a healthy #2 with over 4,700 employees, and the longhorns of Texas calling 3,330 video game industry professionals state residents.  In total, seven states (California, Washington, Texas, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Florida) have over 1,000 game professionals as inhabitants.  North Carolina and Maryland are just below the 1,000 threshold.

Interesting to note; the census did NOT include game tools companies (who’s your favorite microtransaction payment method firm?), game contracting/services companies, external PR, marketing, legal, and other business services and liaison or licensing divisions at larger media companies.  Game Developer Research estimates this number to be in the 18,000 range in North America.

“We’re delighted to present our second Census report, showing a notable increase in the amount of professionals employed in the game industry. With industry revenues at an all-time high, we believe that we’ll continue to see a vibrant market for those employed in the art and science of gaming,” said Simon Carless, publisher of Game Developer Magazine and director of Game Developer Research.

To view a sample data set, or purchase the entire 170 page Game Developer Census 2008 report, visit Think Services at gamedevresearch.com.