How Money Flows in Game Theory

English: The original controller for the American Xbox video game console, sometimes called the "Duke" controller. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Gaming has become a phenomenon that has now seeped into the daily life of the average individual. In Ontario, almost 61% of all households have a gaming console. This excludes those that play on computers and not on consoles. The total number of gamers is far greater. With over $ 1.7 Billion spent according to the RateSupermaket infographic on video gaming cost, Canadians are looking to get out and get amongst the action.

The average games spends roughly $ 900 on gaming. This includes buying consoles and an average of fifteen and a half new games a year. Currently, the Nintendo Wii U is the cheapest console as compared to the Playstation 4 and the Xbox One which are 400 and 500 dollars as each. Consoles depreciate a lot too with resale prices being as low as a hundred dollars for the previous Xbox 360. Canada being the third largest gaming population in the world, almost $84 million being spent on games alone.

This brings to light the growth of the gaming industry which has shifted from its niche arcade roots to games which are as grand as movies, both in conceptualization as well as making. The domain of the rich has had the addition of the geeky gamer in it and the wealth of that gamer is still to grow. In 2010-11, the gaming industry in Canada grew almost over 11 percent making it a market which is not only large with almost two billion dollars being spent in Canada alone but also a market which is growing at a steady and strong rate.

It is not a phenomena now, it is a proper player in a market that is growing with promise. Perhaps the greatest factor is the fact that there are a lot of people who don’t put a price on entertainment, which is primarily what the games cater to. The amount of money they spend on entertainment is a large amount to say the least.

With games such as FIFA and Need for Speed running successful franchises which have been running for over two decades, the demand is undying. And it is a blatant lie to say that only young people game with Canada’s average gamer being over thirty years old. Another surprising fact is the number of females that now play games. In what has been called by draconian sources as a predominantly male society, and in an industry which manufactures and caters to a net worth of close to two billion dollars, females comprise of over 46 percent of the total gaming population.

The gaming industry has created a subculture with its own financial system to ensure that the previously underground circuit now receives as much attention as required. The marketing costs for some game titles run into millions and rival those of automobile manufacturers making much more expensive products. For the potential gamer there are now better and more prudent finance decisions that are available. Buying used games has become an alternative way of tapping into the market of previous titles. Consoles become much cheaper and for the gamer who is simply learning the ropes, getting a decent rig is relatively inexpensive as compared to the amount of entertainment that can be gained from it. According to RateSupermaket infographic on video gaming cost over $300 CAD, over 90 percent of Canadian children are gamers. This observance states that the market for the spending gamer is going to increase massively. If 90 percent of children play a computer game then a lot of them will continue to do so when they become adults and active participants in the market. Hence the way to go for games is only up.

13 Highest Paid Jobs in the Tech Industry

In life, it’s never too late for a career change. Today, technology based careers make up a large portion of the global job sector. Here are thirteen of the highest paying tech jobs you can find, all offering salaries between 50k and 100k+ per year.

13. Video Game Designer

Most of us love spending time playing video games, but might not have any idea how the games came to be. Or maybe video game design has been your dream job since you first touched a controller.

Designers use their knowledge of programming languages and personal creativity to create vastly entertaining virtual worlds. The average video game nowadays can cost up to $60 and generates millions in revenue, so talented designers of fun, popular games often earn pretty hefty paychecks for their work. 

12. Data Modeler / Architect

If you have a good head for math, then you might find work as a data modeler. Modelers use applied mathematics to create database systems and improve the transfer of data between them.

Those seeking this kind of work must be able to visualize the numbers through graphs and charts to analyze the data. Sometimes this job title is called data architect, because these workers basically construct storage and archival systems for information. 

11. IT Auditor

Interested in detective work? Information Technology Auditors investigate computer systems and collect info about accounting and controls to make sure companies obey all laws and practices. Working alongside systems admins, auditors insure networks are running efficiently and safely.

They also are responsible for consolidating all resources within a system so they operate at the highest performance possible. It's not exactly private eye level work, but it's a great job for anyone focused and observant.

10. Database Admin

Someone has to be in charge of data entry. A database administrator (DBA) uses software to collect and organize important data, like client or financial information. They have to make sure the data is secure, accessible, and consistent between all systems, and frequently troubleshoot systems when things go wrong. 

9. Systems Analyst

You've probably resorted to calling an IT company when your computer won't work. Every IT company uses system analysts to make sure every technical problem gets solved. Analyst jobs can often be split between business and applications fields and have various responsibilities within each.

Application systems analysts are responsible for overseeing all network operations and use knowledge of computers to fix technical problems and errors. Business systems analysts decide what software and system is best for their organization and have to understand the ins and outs of those programs. 

8. Web Developer

Ever wonder who made it possible to surf the web? Thanks to web developers, people all over the world have an endless supply of sites to browse when accessing the Internet.

Developers use complex languages and scripts to create web sites and can work independently as a freelancer or even help big businesses maintain a functional presence online. They often work alongside designers to create the most aesthetically pleasing site possible.

7. Software Engineer

We've come a long way since the 80s. Technology is always evolving, so there is a great need for engineers who can help mold it. Software engineers use computer languages to create programs that help consumers stay on top of the latest advancements, trends, and needs. These engineers are responsible for extensive testing of their programs and often rely on user feedback to improve all applications. 

6. Mobile Application Developer

Smart phones are huge right now and will only become more popular and useful over time. There are plenty of jobs available for people who can develop programs and applications for mobile phones, such as time-wasting games, banking apps, or small-screen versions of major websites.

Without a mobile app developer, for example, mobile devices like the LG Optimus phone would not have the functionality that people come to expect from a smartphone. If you're interested in a challenging development field where you're developing for devices with limited resources, then this might be the field for you. 

5. Mechanical Engineer

If you're as creative as you are intelligent, you might want to research the field of mechanical engineering. Architects and contractors rely on mechanical engineers to make sure their plans are safe and logical through the use of computer programs.

Engineers also maintain technology in a public setting, like traffic light computers or ATM machines. There are even positions available in factories, on oil rigs, and in the military! Mechanical engineering is definitely a broad field.

4. Computer and Information Research Scientist

Technology is a complex thing. Computer and Information researchers solve difficult computer problems and improve current tech while looking for new ways to use existing programs. Because our world is so dependent on technology, the pay is fantastic. Only the best and brightest can snag a job like this, though -- you'll probably need a doctorate in computer sciences! 

3. Programmer

As you're probably well aware, there are all sorts of languages that only a computer can understand. Programmers have a strong understanding of computer languages like C++ and Javascript and can write software with them. They often work alongside systems analysts, software engineers, and web developers to create useful programs and video games.

2. Professional Hacker

Television and movies are full of depictions of hackers trying to get into a locked-down system. The hacking you see on a movie screen is mostly made up gibberish, but there is actually a real field of work for people who can hack their way around a computer. Believe it or not, you can take classes on ethical hacking and earn certifications in a field usually seen as criminal.

Companies and governments employ hackers who can help prevent illicit attacks on servers and use their wits to take vital information from encrypted systems. It may not be as glamorous as Hollywood usually shows it, but hacking is a great job for anyone who knows how to do it.

1. Security Admin

As head of security for systems or networks, you will oversee server activity to make sure everything is running smoothly, as well as install them and run support. These admins often manage big projects and keep the network connection running well and safely. Security admins are necessary for any major online company and require plenty of experience and a good sense of judgment when it comes to system access capabilities and privileges.

If you spend most of your time in front of a computer, why not make a career of it? With a little training and technological know-how, anyone can find a cool, high-paying job working with computer programs and systems. It’s never too late to learn something new!