Sijun Forums :: View topic - location of game developmennt studios in US

tater · junior member Member # Joined: 09 Jan 2003 Posts: 13

why are game development studios clustered in only a few states such as California, Texas, Seattle, Illinois, and few others? Why couldn't successful studios set up, say, in Iowa or Montana? It's not like they need access to natural resources or a large workforce; you just need 20 brains and some electricity. Any insights?

Chris · Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2003 5:04 pm

Some of the best game programming schools are in those states. Why pay for their travel and relocation fees if they can set up shop next to them and just recruit next door? That is my understanding on it anyway.
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Giant Hamster · member Member # Joined: 22 Oct 1999 Posts: 1782

They do need natural resources...Not directly, but employees.

Employee morale is a very important thing to a company, so they only set up in places that keep people happy...like texas...no state tax(right?) and various other crap I know nothing about.

I just know setting up businesses in certain places, like montana, is a stupid idea. =)

themagicpen · member Member # Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Posts: 81

Weather is the #1 reason why they are in warm/good weather locations ...those places you stated have shitty weather ..

Chris · Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2003 8:02 pm

True (living in Iowa), enjoying 10 degree windy weather right now Wink

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Jezebel · Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2003 11:01 pm

Nope, no state tax in Texas... and generally its cheaper to run businesses here (from what I've heard). That's why there are so many corporate offices in the area.
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Godwin · Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2003 1:34 am

arent iowa and montana like farming states or something?
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tater · junior member Member # Joined: 09 Jan 2003 Posts: 13

that's exactly my point. Theoretically, there should be no location difference between a "farming state" and a "high tech state". Iowa was just an example. There's two studios in WI, a farming state: Human Head and Raven, but none in MN, SD, ND, NE, MO, MI ect. You could make games on a ship or at the South Pole. There might be something to the tax arguement, there's a lot of studios in WA state, which also has no state income tax (plus decent weather)

lalPOOO · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 1:01 pm

The places you stated above, as places gamer makers make games are all big cities. A lot of young game designeers want to live in the city and make the $$$. Its like the new american dream, make lots of cash making games, living in the big city, and owning a giant condo which is in the state of perpetual mess.

well, at least thats my american dream. more or less.

Matthew · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 1:05 pm

Did that statement have such effect? regarding your sig lalPOOO.

radical travis · Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2003 7:45 pm

I think they tend to congregate in places that already have established devs there so that they can draw employees easier.

Drew · Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2003 1:25 pm

Also, when a company breaks up many times several former co-workers get together to start a new business. So one company goes under and two more spring up, both pulling talent into the area. Wash, rinse, repeat.

lalPOOO · Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2003 8:11 pm