The digital media and wireless industry in B.C. is a diverse industry made up of companies participating in five cross-industry sectors: web 2.0 & social media; interactive marketing & e-learning; mobile and wireless; video games; and animation & visual effects. Companies from all sectors of the digital media and wireless industry in B.C. engage in cross-sector activities with most collaboration occuring with film, television, and video game industries. A number of B.C. companies are producing content and developing applications on multiple platforms including social media, web, and mobile.
B.C. has one of the top video game clusters in the world, with the presence of major publishers including EA, Nintendo, THQ, Blizzard Activision, Disney and Microsoft. Its roots in mobile communications run deep, beginning with satellite data technologies developed by MacDonald Dettwiler and continuing with GIS systems developed by MDI. B.C. is also home to major companies in wireless telecom and technology, including such companies as Telus Mobility, Sierra Wireless, and Nokia.
It is estimated that there are 1,150 companies in the B.C. industry generating revenues of about $3 billion and employing 16,500 people. Those employed by the digital media and wireless industry in B.C. are skilled, educated, and highly experienced.
All of B.C.'s major post-secondary institutions are engaged in digital media, providing outstanding facilities, training and research services. The Great Northern Way Campus offers a Master's degree that prepares digital media professionals with advanced skills and critical management training.
The B.C. industry continues to grow and attract new entrants with a third of companies operating in B.C. for less than two years. The majority of companies in the B.C. industry are small, privately held companies attracted to the province because of lifestyle, talent, domain expertise, and a strong digital media community.
Source: DigiBC