26/05/2010

Computer Game Firm Recruits 200 Staff

A world leading computer game developer has announced plans to open a European customer service and operations center to be based in Galway.

Electronic Arts (EA) today announced the new facility that will provide the firm's BioWare arm with greater proximity to European players.

Welcoming the announcement, the Taoiseach Brian Cowen said: "EA is the global leader in interactive entertainment and a very important addition to the thriving games industry in Ireland."

EA said it would maintain its existing BioWare studio locations in Edmonton, Montreal, Fairfax, Virginia and Austin, Texas. The new location in Galway is expected to be up and running in 2011, starting with roughly 200 staff.

Dr Ray Muzyka, Senior Vice President of EA and Group General Manager of BioWare said: "The new Irish location for BioWare will help us get closer to our fans in 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 market."

Barry O’Leary CEO of IDA Ireland said the new facility will join a vibrant digital media sector and is a key endorsement of the skills and expertise available in Ireland for the sector.

EA is headquartered in Redwood City, California. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet.

Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names including EA Sports and POGO.

In 2010, EA posted net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units.

(DW/BMcC)

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