Texas governor Rick Perry honored for support of game industry

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is no stranger to headlines, always attracting attention for one reason or another. This time it’s good attention, and it comes from the video game industry.

Yesterday, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) presented the Republican governor with an award recognizing his support of the industry. Specifically, Perry has helped the industry grow by working with Texas lawmakers to implement the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, which has already pumped $20 million into Texas’ video game businesses since 2008, according to a statement on Perry’s website. The ESA claims in its statement that the industry hosted over 14,000 jobs and added $490 million to the state’s economy in 2009.

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During the awards ceremony at the governor’s mansion, ESA president Michael D. Gallagher praised Perry’s efforts. “Gov. Perry has been a true champion for Texas and for our industry. … At E3 in 2008, he made a personal pitch for computer and video game companies to come to Texas. Since then, he has dedicated his passion and energy to building the state’s global reputation as an innovation incubator and economic powerhouse, known for its creative community and cutting-edge businesses.”

Perry also reaffirmed his belief in the value of video game production in his state. “Video game production represents Texas’ trail-blazing spirit,” he said. “Thousands of Texans are hard at work creating the next great diversion, either on a console, tablet, PC, or their phones. Texas has always been home to bold innovators, and people who are eager to make a difference in the technology of the day, while creating a new vision for tomorrow.”