U.S. Game Industry May Face Talent Shortage

Recently we reported on a game design skills shortage in the U.K., but as it turns out, our friends across the pond may not be the only ones with this problem. According to the AP, fewer college students are pursuing computer-related degrees, such as computer science – a field that's obviously critical to video game creation.

The combination of fewer students in computer fields, increasing demand in technology sectors, and thousands of baby boomers now retiring from technical jobs has some worried. "There's a bit of a perfect storm going on," said Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology, a California-based consulting and staffing service. "I do think it's serious and I do think we need to start at the elementary school level and get students talking about math and science."

The Computing Research Association reported that enrollment in undergraduate degree programs in computer science is more than 50 percent lower than it was five years ago. In fact, between the 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 school years, the number of new students declaring computer science as a major fell 43 percent to 8,021.

Major publishers like Electronic Arts are aware of the problem and are now working more frequently with colleges to push game-related degrees and recruit talent. "We're definitely concerned around the fact that there's a talent shortage," said Cindy Nicola, vice president of talent acquisition for EA.

Nicola said EA is working with universities to help shape curriculum and offer internships. EA offers up to 400 hands-on internships a year, she said, and these include enticing perks like fitness centers, on-campus coffee shops, dry cleaning, dental services, haircuts, massage therapists and game rooms.

Thanks to Joystiq for the tip.