IDA attract US gaming giant to Galway
Release date: Thursday, 27 May 2010
An IDA strategy to target blue-chip electronic gaming companies for inward investment paid off handsomely yesterday with confirmation that 200 new jobs in the sector are to be created in Galway.
Market leader, Electronic Arts, a US Fortune 500 company, will establish a European customer service and operations centre in Galway city through its Bioware studio division.
The Bioware studio has produced such massive gaming hits as Mass Effect, Star Wars, Knights of the Old Republic and Dragon Age: Origins.
More than 20 major gaming companies are now employing about 1,600 people in the creative hi-tech field in Ireland.
Senior vice president of Electronic Arts, Dr Ray Muzyka said the Galway facility would help it get closer to fans of its products across Europe.
"Galway gives us the right mix of solid technology infrastructure and international recruitment opportunities as we continue to focus on bringing the highest quality gaming experiences to the market," Dr Muzyka said.
EA has already started recruiting for its new Galway centre and the 200 jobs are expected to be filled by the end of next year. The company is understood to have already identified a preferred location in Galway city and should be up and running by 2011.
EA has its headquarters in Redwood, California and has annual net revenues of $3.7bn.
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, said: "The IDA are very pleased because they regard this company as a very important strategic company in a growth sector they have identified as providing opportunities for the future for Ireland."
On Tuesday 1st June, Barry O'Leary CEO of the IDA, will host an evening lecture in Engineers Ireland on the strategy to attract foreign direct investment.
To attend this free event please register here.