International computer games firm Electronic Arts said today it plans to open a European customer service and operations centre in Galway, creating about 200 jobs.
The centre, which will support EA's Bioware studio, will be operational by 2011. EA already has European game teams in the UK, Sweden, Germany, Romania and Spain.
The Bioware studio is responsible for developing titles such as Mass Effect, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Dragon Age: Origins.
"The new Irish location for Bioware will help us get closer to our fans in Europe," said senior vice president of EA Dr Ray Muzyka.
"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."
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said the centre was an important addition to Ireland's thriving games industry.
The investment is being supported by IDA Ireland.
"EA joins a vibrant digital media sector and is a key endorsement of the skills and expertise available in Ireland for this sector," said IDA Ireland's chief executive Barry O'Leary.
The company joins games firms such as Activision Blizzard and Big Fish games which already have operations here.
The announcement of the new jobs is one of a string of new investments IDA Ireland said were in the pipeline. Last week, telecoms company Telefonica said it would create 100 jobs at its Dublin office as it moves to create a pan-European human resources function.
US internet security company Webroot will create 50 jobs over the next two years with the decision to locate its international headquarters in Ireland.
Business software provider SAP is also beginning a recruitment campaign to fill 75 positions at its Irish operations, bringing its total number of employees here to about 1,000 people.
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