Sigh:

Despite the sluggish US economy, the Massachusetts video game industry keeps growing, according to a survey by Massachusetts Digital Games Institute (MassDiGI), a state-sponsored game development center at Becker College in Worcester. …

The survey found that Massachusetts game companies directly employ 2,041 workers, up 78 percent from the number found in a 2009 survey by the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council. On average, these jobs pay $90,000 a year, for a yearly statewide payroll of over $234 million, including benefits.

Moreover, almost 40 percent of the 112 companies that participated in the survey plan to hire more workers over the next 12 months.

Two years ago:

” … This investment in our economic development has the potential to spark the expansion of a new industry in our state and generate additional new business growth. I welcome 38 Studios and am confident Rhode Island will provide the environment and workforce to make the company a leader in the interactive entertainment and video game industry,” said Governor Donald L. Carcieri.

• Related: After 38 Studios, Mass. mulls bill to boost gaming (Jan. 19, 2011)