Global games giant, Electronic Arts, is to create 300 jobs at its European base in Galway, allowing the company to provide a multilingual international customer support and services for its major game titles such as the FIFA and Medal of Honour series.
The announcement comes less than a year after the opening of Electronic Arts Inc’s European Customer Experience Centre of Excellence in the city. More information has been made available on job opportunities with EA in Galway through www.jobs.ea.com The IDA has also estimated that a further 210 jobs will be created in retail and hospitality sectors as a result of EA’s announcement.
Speaking on Tuesday, Peter Moore, EA COO, said: The EA European Customer Experience Centre is the focal point of our strategy to serve gamers on a global basis. Galway’s mix of technology infrastructure and talent availability, combined with a pro-business environment, will help us expand on our existing foundation here.”
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, who opened the original EA facility in Galway said the jobs’ announcement is “a real endorsement of Ireland’s ability to meet the needs of leading multinational companies in the digital media space.”
The news has been welcomed by local politicians. Fine Gael Galway West TD Brian Walsh said EA’s decision could see Galway become a future destination for digital games industries, leading, he expects to further job announcements in the future.
“There is immense potential for Ireland to establish itself as global hub for the digital games industry, and I expect Galway to be central to developments in that regard,” he said. “Like the development of the medical device industry, we are already beginning to see a cluster of companies from within the ICT industry gravitating towards Galway.”
Dep Walsh also described the announcement as “a tremendous endorsement and vote of confidence in the quality of our graduates, our infrastructure, and our city as a place in which to work and live”.
His party colleague, Senator Fidelma Healy Eames, has also welcomed the announcement.
“The announcement is a strong vote of confidence in Ireland’s ability to meet the needs of leading multinational companies in the digital media space,” she said. “What’s particularly encouraging is that EA are going back to the Irish jobs market less than a year after they opened their original facility in Ireland.”
Labour TD Derek Nolan said the announcement shows Galway has the ability to attract new, quality jobs. “At a time of high unemployment, this announcement provides signs of hope of the permanent recovery we all wish to see,” he said.
The Arts Council believes the announcement shows that the creative industries hold real dividends for Ireland. There are now more than 2,000 employed in gaming in Ireland and the creative industries here employ 79,000 in total.
“This is a fantastic boost for Galway and for Irish jobs,” said the Arts Council’s Pat Moylan. “Gaming brings together creative and technological skills and Ireland is well placed to lead the world in this area.”
