A Cork software publisher has beaten its employment forecast, creating 500 more jobs than originally expected.
In 2007, Blizzard Entertainment had predicted it would create 100 new jobs by the end of 2010 at its European Centre in Cork. To date, it employs 600 people, with further development in training and technology planned for centre. The company's games include the popular
World of Warcraft.
Blizzard Entertainment has recently signed a second agreement with IDA Ireland to help the centre focus on the creation of best practice in the global customer support market and service innovation. Under the agreement, the centre will implement new support tools, technologies and training routines to enhance productivity.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen welcomed the news, saying the development showed a continuing commitment to the future of the company's presence in Ireland.
"Given Blizzard Entertainment's market-leading position and global brand recognition, this investment is a significant endorsement of Ireland as an emerging European innovation leader in multi-lingual, technical and customer support activities for client-focused international companies," he said.