The Gaming Industry Could Reinvent the Space Coast
By Space Coast Daily // August 18, 2022
The Space Coast (the area in Florida between the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral) has always been progressive and advanced in terms of tech, innovation, and discovery. It has, however, in recent times somewhat stagnated as the industry related to NASA and space exploration has moved on, and private space tech firms have taken over the sector.
Yes, there has been some re-growth and development as companies pivot to assist and work for private space launches, but it’s just not been enough to reinvigorate the local economy to pre-2011 when NASA stopped launches.
There are, however, still some great institutions of learning and knowledge creation in the region, as well as the political will to make it prosperous and thrive once more. As such, it should be a no-brainer that our region participates in what is expected to be the next big tech-based boom – gaming. This article looks at why gaming as an industry would be the perfect fit for the Space Coast.
The Gaming Industry
The gaming industry in the US is by far the fastest growing business opportunity that there is at the moment. There are over 2.7 billion gamers worldwide and 75% of US households have at least one person who could be regarded as a core gamer. The global gaming market is huge and is expected to reach $314 billion by 2026. The next big thing is going to be in next-generation console design and development, as well as virtual reality gaming. It’s big money, and an industry that’s always on the lookout for, skilled techies, opportunities, and improved ways of innovating and developing their products.
What This Would Bring to the Space Coast
The Space Coast already has the infrastructure needed for high-end tech development and innovation, and the gaming industry is at the forefront in this regard. It would thus serve to keep and attract further skilled professionals to move to and live in the area.
Whether it’s making and developing games, hosting world championships, or online casino gaming, and more, the Space Coast has a lot to offer and a lot to gain from establishing itself as a gamer’s Mecca.
The Next Step
It is about the political will, but also the ingenuity and creativity of local businesses to be able to simply change from the previous space support-based industry to one that can take gaming to the next level. The skillsets required are similar in both industries and as gaming, online competitive e-sports, and online casino gaming becomes the next frontier, it makes perfect sense to cross over into this sector.
Gaming is a perfect business and industry choice for the Space Coast and arguably the best way back to profitability and improved community and social development of the region. The sustainability of the region depends on new people moving into the area, new ideas, and the redevelopment of some of the slowing space tech-related industrial plants.
The gaming industry can do all of this and more. It is an exciting prospect and one that is gathering traction. It is perhaps time to think about how your business or skills will fit into these expected developments.
