much more than characters

Gaming & eSports

Orlando is known around the world as a region where people come to play games and be a child again. Unknown to many is the fact that Orlando’s influence extends far beyond its theme parks.

With decades of expertise in world-class entertainment, simulation, and digital innovation, Orlando’s professionals have skills highly transferable across industries. This blend of artistic vision and engineering know-how enables seamless collaboration between creative design and cutting-edge technology.

Companies looking to push the boundaries in digital entertainment and beyond can find a dynamic, innovative environment right here in Orlando.

Connect with an Expert

Abigail Wagner

Associate Director, Economic Development

407.902.2442

No. 2 for Tech Job Growth

Among Large Metros
CompTIA, 2024
2 Top-Ranked Game Design Programs

Princeton Review, 2024
68-Acre Creative Village Supports a High-Tech Cluster in Downtown Orlando

Known for the companies we keep

Featured Gaming Companies in Orlando

80 percent of workers in Orlando are employed outside of the leisure and hospitality industry, Making games is serious business here.

Electronic Arts Tiburon

EA SPORTS/EA Tiburon produces some of the top titles in the industry in its Orlando studio.

CyberDream

Orlando-based CyberDream is a VR game development studio.

GameSim

Orlando-based GameSim is a game development studio specializing in VFX, worldbuilding, and more.

Iron Galaxy Studios

Iron Galaxy is a U.S. game developer producing 60+ shipped titles.

"Electronic Arts Tiburon believes in doing business in Orlando for two reasons – talent and teamwork. The talent and the access to the talent is crucial – it’s the lifeblood of our company. "

– Daryl Holt, Senior Vice President, EA SPORTS/General Manager, EA Tiburon (Orlando, Austin, Madrid) at Electronic Arts

Learn More See More Success Stories

It’s a Smart world After All

Finding the best tech talent in any industry is difficult; however, the variety of programs specific to game development in Orlando directly feed the industry with indispensable talent.

Orlando houses nationally ranked schools including UCF’s FIEA and Full Sail University, which are consistently ranked in the Princeton Review’s Top Game Design Schools.

Learn more about Orlando’s workforce

No. 1 Game Design Program Worldwide

Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) at UCF
Princeton Review, 2024
No. 17 Game Design Program Worldwide

Full Sail University
Princeton Review, 2024
2,900+ Software Developers Graduated in Orlando

Lightcast (IPEDS), 2023

The theme here is Success

Orlando is home to the University of Central Florida (UCF), founded to support the U.S. space race and now a leader in producing top tech talent. With deep roots in space exploration, Orlando’s universities have a long history of graduating the brightest minds shaping the future of high-tech industries.

https://fiea.ucf.edu/

Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) at UCF

Ranked #1 by Princeton Review, FIEA is UCF’s Master of Science in Interactive Entertainment program.

https://communication.ucf.edu/

Nicholson School of Communication & Media at UCF

The school offers a bachelor’s in digital media a Game Design track.

https://www.fullsail.edu/

Full Sail University

Full Sail focuses on real-world industry experience and creative problem solving, with degrees ranging from entertainment business to simulation.

http://www.daveschool.com/

The Digital Animation & Visual Effects (DAVE) School

Located on the backlot of Universal Orlando, the DAVE school produces skilled graduates in the fields of digital entertainment and interactive media.

https://www.orangetechcollege.net/

Orange Technical College

Utilizes 3D animation and game engine technology to create realistic simulations used in the modeling, simulation and training industries.

https://catalog.valenciacollege.edu/degrees/associateinscience/artsentertainment/digitalmediatechnology/

Valencia College

Students in the Digital Media program’s Motion Graphics specialty learn about a wide array of industry-standard motion graphics programs.

An Ecosystem of Support

Orlando’s tech community is enthusiastic about partnership and collaboration.

Innovate Orlando

Innovate Orlando contributes to the overall development and success of the local technology and innovation sector. They provide essential funding and comprehensive marketing assistance to strategic tech associations, talent, and innovation organizations.

OMG Labs

OMG Labs is a frontier technology co-working space located in the heart of Orlando. It acts as an incubator of fresh ideas and connections, aiming to facilitate the success and scaling of gaming tech and media companies in Orlando.

VR/AR Association

The Virtual Realty/Augmented Reality Association (VRARA) fosters research, development, and connection in virtual reality and augmented reality communities. Orlando’s chapter is the largest chapter globally.

Indienomicon & Indie Galactic Space Jam

Indienomicon is a community-driven platform that supports and promotes the game development industry by showcasing independent game studios. Each year, it hosts the Indie Galactic Space Jam, a space-themed game event in partnership with NASA and Space Florida.

Greater Orlando Sports Commission

Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) has partnered with Full Sail University, Orlando Magic Gaming, EA Sports, Valencia College, UCF, and dozens of other groups with a singular focus in mind: make Central Florida the national capital of esports.

The Fortress eSports Arena

The Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress is home to esports on Full Sail’s campus. Built to recognize and support Armada—Full Sail’s collegiate-level esports team—The Fortress is a flexible live production space, designed to host everything from friendly campus game events to full competitive collegiate tournaments.