Gaming software jobs just the start of Galway’s new hub

Date Published: 16-Mar-2011

Galway is positioning itself to become a major Irish hub for multi-national gaming software giants, following the announcement this week that at least 200 new jobs – and potentially hundreds more in the sector – will be created here.

The IDA has confirmed to the Connacht Tribune that Galway is well-placed to attract further investment, after American online gaming giant ZeniMax Online Studios will create a new customer support centre.

It’s understood that at least 200 jobs will be created by the company, with the potential for hundreds more by the time ZeniMax begins recruitment – expected in the last quarter of this year.

The announcement was made by Richard Bruton, the new Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation on Tuesday afternoon.

ZeniMax offers online support for online videogame players – the head of the new Galway facility was responsible for providing support for ‘World of Warcraft’, the world’s most successful role-playing game.

The announcement comes as Electronic Arts’ (EA) Bioware subsidiary finalises plans to create 200 jobs at a new facility in Galway.

IDA Regional Manager Jim Murren told the Connacht Tribune: “There is huge potential there for Galway. It is now well-placed to attract even more jobs, multinationals and investment. It’s almost like a ‘herd instinct’, that’s why we have so many more software companies in Ireland. They’re not competitors here."

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.