The document discusses the videogame industry and its various roles. It outlines the key players in the industry which include publishers, developers, platform holders, distributors, retailers, and consumers. Developers specialize in specific game platforms and aspects of development such as programming, animation, sound editing, or testing. Producers/directors manage the development process. Technical artists create 3D models and environments. The industry has experienced strong double-digit annual growth and has proven recession proof.

1. Videogame - Industry May 10, 2010
Publisher
Developer
Platform holder
Distributor
Retail Online
(direct downloads
Consumer/gamer

2. Videogame - Industry May 10, 2010
From wikipedia - which has an excellent entry for
videogame publishers

3. Videogame - Industry May 10, 2010
Games developers usually specialise in a particular game platform (e.g.
PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo) and a particular aspect of game development
(e.g. programming artificial intelligence, gameplay).
Specialisation is common in the industry, although games developers on
occasion perform a combination of roles.
Animator (Games Development)
A games development animator arranges characters and objects designed
by technical artists in a sequence of different positions to give the illusion of
movement. They synchronise lip movements with words, and actions with
music and sound effects. Animators work with programmers to create
interactive sequences and work with testers to provide life like movements
through digital techniques such as motion capture.
Digital Video Sound Editor (Games Development)
A digital video sound editor in games development involved in the
computer-based editing of video sound for games. Working under
instruction from directors, editors make editorial decisions with regard to
the mood, pace and climax of sound effects. This involves working closely
with other professional staff to analyse, evaluate and select sound effects
for integration with images and other media.
Games Programmer
A games programmer writes code (usually in C++ programming language)
or uses game-development engines to create computer or video games.
Producer/Director (Games Development)
A producer/director in games development manages, plans, oversees and in
some cases funds the development of a game. They work closely with the
marketing department and the team developing the game, ensuring
schedules, budget and productivity targets are met.
Technical Artist/3D Artist (Games Development)
A technical artist/3d artist in games development creates and manipulates
images and models using 2D and 3D computer graphics software (usually in
Adobe Photoshop, Maya or 3DS Max). They work closely with animators and
concept/layout artists to design (model) characters, vehicles, buildings and
other objects present in the gaming environment.
Tester (Games Development)
A tester in games development responsible for monitoring and testing
technical standards in gameplay, graphics, sound and functionality during
games development. They assist programmers in finding 'bugs' (errors) and
work with the team on performance related issues.

4. Videogame - Industry May 10, 2010
"The computer games industry is the star
of the entertainment sector. It has
achieved double-digit annual growth rates.
So robust is the medium that in the midst
of the recent economic downturn, the BBC
labeled the games industry 'recession
proof'."
(Brand, Knight and Mejewski, 2003)