Dallas, Texas: A hotspot for the video game and tech industries
Dallas has played a major role in the video game industry since the 1980s, becoming a hub for PC gaming with studios like id Software, 3D Realms and Ensemble Studios. The area today remains home to an ecosystem of game studios with top-selling titles, app developers, digital media, and technology companies.
In fact, recent research indicates that Dallas-Fort Worth leads the nation in the growth of high-tech jobs. The area has seen such a massive recent tech boom that over 20,000 new tech jobs were added here in 2025 as virtually all major industries look to develop emerging technology solutions to drive the future of their companies. Some even see this growth as an indicator that Dallas may become the next Silicon Valley, with a unique character of its own.
As Dallas solidifies its reputation as a major tech hub, it is becoming a top destination for companies that value innovation and are looking to leverage emerging and disruptive technologies. Headquarters, campuses, and innovation centers have been built for giants like Texas Instruments, AT&T, Capital One and Microsoft, as well as growing companies like Bestow, StackPath, and Shield AI.
At SMU Guildhall, this area-wide rich gaming and tech environment is at our fingertips, allowing us to enjoy active studio partnerships and cross-industry research collaborations to enhance student learning.
