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ANIMATION WORLD MAGAZINE - ISSUE 5.8 - NOVEMBER 2000
Video Games: Not Just For Males Ages 12-24 Anymoreby Jacquie Kubin
Animators who want to showcase their talents may want to stop pounding the pavement of the Hollywood movie studios. The video game industry has grown by almost unimaginable leaps and bounds with game studios all over the country. Working within the entertainment animation genre no longer requires moving to L.A. or being able to animate blood. Today’s retail video game shelf contains growing numbers of story driven games that have a traditional animation element to their development, even when completed with the help of the latest software. Plus, family gaming is growing in popularity too.
Proof in Numbers "If you watch the evolution of gaming over the last five years, you can see that it has broadened itself beyond the male, 14-24 demographic," says Doug Lowenstein, President of the IDSA. "There is no question that there are numerous opportunities to develop gaming products that are rich in story, animation, educational components and movie-like qualities and that are suitable for all ages." The video game industry has expanded to include multiple consoles -- computer and hand-held systems -- with the sale of games totaling more than 215 million units and US$6.1 billion. With the release of next generation gaming consoles -- the Sega Dreamcast, Sony PlayStation 2 and, in the near future, the Nintendo Dolphin and Microsoft Xbox -- animators may be wondering how far and varied the gaming market is expanding. Moreover, it is comprised of many more games suitable for all ages play, than Mature, Adult Only or even Teen titles.
During the month of September, the Entertainment System Ratings Board (ESRB) rated close to two hundred new titles including those developed for the new Sega Dreamcast and PlayStation 2.
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