ccording to a study released by the Entertainment Software Association, the entertainment-software industry enjoyed a 17 percent growth rate from 2003 to 2006. In addition, the study found that the industry contributed $3.8 billion to the U.S. GDP, employing more than 80,000 people in 31
 states.

“Computer and video game companies play an ever increasing role in our nation’s growing economy,” said Michael Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, which represents U.S. computer and video game publishers. “These companies and their colleagues across the nation are making entertainment software one of the fastest growing industries in the United States.”