Game Development in Ireland

Irish Game Industry Status…

We discussed this topic at the recent Nexus Games Conference in Dublin, Ireland.

A significant topic of conversation was scalability and how indie game developers can build scalable enterprises. This discussion was particularly relevant given the unique challenges and opportunities within the Irish market.

Another major issue discussed was funding for Irish indie developers. It was clear that there isn’t a straightforward path to funding in Ireland.

Various options like the New Frontiers program by TU Dublin, Enterprise Ireland’s HPSU, and local enterprise office funding were mentioned, but the lack of a centralized source of information remains a challenge.

Networking was another key topic. The conference provided a platform for indie developers, publishers, and funding representatives to share information and support each other.  Interestingly, most attendees did not see each other as competitors but rather as part of a community aiming to build a hub of expertise in Ireland. We see Ireland competing on a global stage against competitors from other countries.

The discussion touched on incorporating Irish culture into games. While there is a unique Irish identity, the challenge lies in making it marketable worldwide. Some suggested integrating Irish elements subtly, such as characters or modern cultural references, rather than focusing solely on traditional folklore.

The importance of having a legal entity for accepting investments was highlighted. An entity can handle contracts, hire people, and manage finances, which is crucial for growth.

Additionally, the business side of game development, including tax obligations and operational management, was emphasized as an area where indie developers need more training and support.

The concept of sustainability was also discussed. Sustainable businesses are those that can maintain themselves over time without constant external investment. The conversation explored different business models, from small, sustainable studios to large-scale enterprises. Are AAA studios sustainable – we argued that only some are. It is easy, as has been seen in the last few years for studios to collapse overnight leaving 60-70 people unemployed.

Finally, the idea of a centralized promotion agency for Irish games was proposed. This agency could represent Irish developers at international events, similar to how Enterprise Ireland promotes other industries. This would help young indie developers gain visibility and reduce marketing cost

Summary

• Event: Nexus Business Conference organized by Gamer Fest at Saint Mary’s Church.
• Attendance: Around 300 industry leaders from the Irish gaming community.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Scalability:
  • A significant topic of conversation was how indie game developers can build scalable enterprises. This discussion was particularly relevant given the unique challenges and opportunities within the Irish market.
• Funding:
  • A major issue discussed was funding for Irish indie developers. It was clear that there isn’t a straightforward path to funding in Ireland. Various options like the New Frontiers program by TU Dublin, Enterprise Ireland’s HPSU, and local enterprise office funding were mentioned, but the lack of a centralized source of information remains a challenge.
• Networking:
  • The conference provided a platform for indie developers, publishers, and funding representatives to share information and support each other. Interestingly, most attendees did not see each other as competitors but rather as part of a community aiming to build a hub of expertise in Ireland.
• Irish Culture:
  • The discussion also touched on incorporating Irish culture into games. While there is a unique Irish identity, the challenge lies in making it marketable worldwide. Some suggested integrating Irish elements subtly, such as characters or modern cultural references, rather than focusing solely on traditional folklore.
• Legal Entity:
  • The importance of having a legal entity for accepting investments was highlighted. This entity can handle contracts, hire people, and manage finances, which is crucial for growth. Additionally, the business side of game development, including tax obligations and operational management, was emphasized as an area where indie developers need more training and support.
• Sustainability:
  • The concept of sustainability was also discussed. Sustainable businesses are those that can maintain themselves over time without constant external investment. The conversation explored different business models, from small, sustainable studios to large-scale enterprises.
• Promotion:
  • Finally, the idea of a centralized promotion agency for Irish games was proposed. This agency could represent Irish developers at international events, similar to how Enterprise Ireland promotes other industries. This would help young indie developers gain visibility and reduce marketing costs.