Nearly 90 jobs are being axed with the closure of a gaming facility in Cork. Big Fish Games announced that it has entered a  30-day consultation period with employees.

Chief executive Paul Thelen said the cuts are part of changes in the company globally.

“As the founder of this company it is painful for me to say goodbye to colleagues who have become our trusted partners and, in so many ways, close friends,” he said.

“Letting people go is not an easy decision, and we would not be making it if it weren’t absolutely necessary to secure the best possible future for us at Big Fish Games.

“There is never an easy or good way to do this but we made every effort to be respectful and to do right by those who are departing wherever possible to minimise the impact this will have on their lives.”

Founded in 2002, Big Fish Games became the leading online marketplace for premium casual games.

Mr Thelen said the pace of change in the industry required investment in the areas where there is growth and to position the company for the future.

“We had to make some very hard choices about these business areas that are not growing or profitable,” he added.

Elsewhere staff 49 full-time employees in Seattle are being let go.– (PA)

* This article was amended on August 22nd, 2012 to correct a factual error