Irish games industry grows 400% in seven years

The Irish games industry has grown 400% in the past seven years making it one of the fastest growing recruitment sectors in Ireland today. There are now more than 1,400 people employed in games-development and related industries in Ireland as well as new opportunities opening in mobile and social gaming. As a result this figure is projected to grow.

The rise of smart phones where platforms like the iPhone, Android and Ovi spell opportunity; Ireland could find itself very well placed. A new survey conducted by Survey Monkey on the computer-games industry revealed that in Ireland a staggering 1,277 people are employed on a full-time permanent basis, with a further 170 contractors and 22 freelancer workers making the total number employed in the gaming sector 1400 people. This represents a growth of more than 400pc since 2002.

Two thirds of companies who located their headquarters in Ireland were asked why they were located here. Availability of skilled labour was the most significant reason for almost half of respondents, this was followed closely by an ability to attract talent, even if it wasn't available locally, ie, access to Europe. Four companies cited grants and financial incentives, and one identified links to universities.

The IDA Ireland have worked hard in bringing in overseas multinationals, like Gala Networks and Big Fish Games, and have that said more companies would consider moving to Ireland, attracted by the talent and skills of Irish people and the attractiveness of Ireland as a place to live.

Funding however is one of the most important issues. France and Canada have extended their film-support programmes to include gaming firms. One of the problems facing the industry in Ireland right now is that there hasn’t been a lot of support financially for local firms unlike France who recent introduced a tax credit system for this sector. This survey indentifies the huge growth potential for the gaming sector which could help fuel our economic recovery.