Times are getting tough. Large companies like EA are laying off people left and right, and if you haven’t been layed off, you may be wondering if you are due. So why not let this weakening economy become the gateway to your future? Now is the perfect time to cut your loses and be your own boss. Get rid of the giant game company and start or join a small one. Small game companies have the advantage that they are flexible and don’t have the huge overhead of the multi-million dollar companies.

So I propose that you look at Pittsburgh as the place to start your brave new world. You see, Pittsburgh is the prime place to start an independent video game company. Here’s why:

The cost of living is low, which means your money goes much farther than places like California. It’s comparable to Austin, TX (another game hub), but a little lower.
The colleges churn out tons of the right talent for budding game companies. Eager students graduate every year from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh (art), Pitt (programming), Carnegie Mellon (programming, art, music, voice acting), and Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology Center (game development!), Duquense (music).
The cultural district is loaded with professional musicians and actors, all of which could be hired for scores and voice acting.
The game industry here is booming with several companies growing and a thriving IGDA chapter.
There is an international airport 20 minutes out of the city to bring in business partners.
It’s a fun place to be! With places like South Side who have more bars per capita than any other city in the country, three rivers for river sports, tons of outdoor activities nearby (skiing, camping, hiking, etc).
It’s safe. Sure there are a few problem spots, but the Gotham-like city of the 70’s and 80’s is long gone. I feel very safe walking the streets at night. In addition, people here are very friendly and helpful.
Before the dot com bust, Pittsburgh was actually targeted by several game companies as the place to open low cost, talent infusing, satellite offices. When the bubble burst, these companies backed off, but the fundamentals of Pittsburgh as a game city remain, and are in fact stronger than ever.

So give it a look. You won’t be disappointed!