Computer and Video Game Designers

Computer and video games are a fast-growing segment of the U.S. entertainment industry. The global market research and technology company Circana reports that total U.S. consumer spend on video games reached $56.6 billion in 2022—up from $43.5 billion in 2019.

Employment of multimedia artists and animators in the software industry is projected to grow 19.7 percent (much faster than the average for all careers) from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). It says that "consumer demand will continue for more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and three-dimensional movies. Additional special effects artists and animators will be required to meet increased demand for these enhanced visual complexities."

However, employment opportunities may be reduced if companies continue to outsource game design work to countries where employers pay workers lower salaries than are typically offered in the United States. Additionally, the DOL says that "some routine animation and special effects tasks produced by artificial intelligence may dampen demand for this occupation."