Ireland has all the ingredients to be a global gaming hub: world-class tech infrastructure, EU market access, competitive corporation tax rates, and a growing pool of creative talent.

With studios like Romero Games bringing legendary industry expertise to Galway and Havok's physics engine powering countless AAA titles from Dublin, the foundation clearly exists. But is it enough for the video game industry?

The Irish gaming sector stands at a crossroads. While government initiatives like the Digital Games Tax Credit show promising commitment, deeper structural challenges threaten to undermine Ireland's potential as a gaming destination.

Gaming Industry Realities: Pay, Culture & Work Conditions

Recent industry surveys paint a concerning picture of Ireland gaming salaries and working conditions. Game developers across the country report significantly lower pay compared to their counterparts in traditional tech roles, with over 65% of respondents having dealt with low pay concerns in the sector.

The data reveals troubling patterns: unpaid overtime remains relatively commonplace, with developers working 50-60 hour weeks without additional compensation. Insecure contract work has become the norm rather than the exception, leaving talented creators without the job security their skills should command. This creates a particularly challenging environment when considering the cost of living for game developers in Ireland.

Housing Crisis Ireland – A Barrier for Game Developers

Perhaps no single factor poses a greater threat to attracting game developers to Ireland than the ongoing housing crisis. Game developers, already earning less than their tech counterparts, find themselves spending 35-50% of their salaries on rent alone (above recommended guidelines of 30%).

The housing crisis Ireland tech workers face becomes even more pronounced in the gaming sector. While software engineers at major tech companies might afford premium Dublin accommodation, game developers often find themselves priced out of convenient locations, facing lengthy commutes that further impact work-life balance.

For studios attempting to attract international talent, housing scarcity presents an almost insurmountable barrier. EU developers considering relocation to Ireland encounter rental markets where competition is fierce and availability is limited. The cost of living for game developers in Ireland becomes a significant deterrent when talented creators can find more affordable living situations in other European gaming hubs like Berlin, Amsterdam, or Prague.

Digital Games Tax Credit – What It Means for Developers

The introduction of the Digital Games Tax Credit in 2022 represents the government's most significant commitment to supporting the sector. Offering up to 32% relief on qualifying development costs, the DGTC provides meaningful financial support for eligible projects.

However, the credit's structure reveals some practical limitations. Cash flow problems persist since relief only applies after development begins, meaning studios must fund development cycles before seeing benefits. Companies can claim on an interim certificate on an annual basis, however these are subject to being clawed back if the game is abandoned or does not meet the criteria upon completion.

Games are considered completed upon release to the public; this is unfortunate for larger development companies who may release additional downloadable content after the game is completed. This was the case for Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3, which was unable to claim for the extensive post-launch content.

Despite these drawbacks of the Digital Games Tax Credit, it's important to recognise this as a positive step. The credit aligns Ireland with other EU gaming industry tax credits, ensuring the country remains competitive in attracting development projects, even if there are still some kinks to work out. For established studios with robust financial backing, the DGTC offers genuine value in offsetting development costs.

Networking & International Presence: Missing on the Global Stage

Walk through Gamescom's exhibition halls, and you’ll likely not notice the Irish presence, since it’s hard to notice something that isn’t there. While countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands showcase impressive national pavilions highlighting their gaming industries, Ireland’s Gamescom presence remains fragmented or entirely absent.

This represents a missed opportunity for Ireland’s gaming industry visibility. International trade shows serve as crucial networking hubs where publishers meet developers, investors discover opportunities, and partnerships form. Without coordinated representation, Irish developers struggle to compete for attention in crowded exhibition spaces.

Other EU countries recognise gaming's economic potential, investing in coordinated international marketing efforts. Ireland gaming networking events domestically show promise, but translating this energy to global stages remains challenging without institutional support.

Ireland as a Tech Hub for Gaming

Despite these challenges, Ireland's fundamentals remain strong for gaming development. The Irish gaming infrastructure benefits from established data centre presence, and proximity to a global tech hub with major cloud service providers.

Irish Corporation Tax policy offers competitive advantages, with the 12.5% rate attracting international studios considering European operations. EU membership provides seamless access to the world's largest gaming market, eliminating trade barriers that complicate operations for non-EU competitors.

The indie game development Ireland scene demonstrates particular promise. Passionate local creators are producing innovative titles that punch above their weight internationally. Studios like Romero Games, founded by industry legends, showcase Ireland's potential to attract top-tier talent when conditions align properly.

The EU talent pool for gaming continues expanding, with Irish universities producing graduates skilled in game development, computer science, and digital arts. This educational foundation provides sustainable talent pipeline growth if the industry can retain these graduates domestically.

Fortunately, Ireland’s charities for supporting the creative sectors, including Screen Ireland, Imirt and Galway’s Ardán, offer opportunities for budding talent to grow and excel in Ireland; recently, 24 new Irish Games Talent Incubator Participants were announced, building the next generation of storytellers in Ireland.

The Future of Gaming Industry in Ireland

So, is Ireland good for game developers? The answer remains nuanced. The DGTC represents meaningful progress, demonstrating government recognition of gaming's economic potential. Infrastructure and tax advantages provide solid foundations for growth.

However, critical barriers persist. Until we address salary disparities, housing affordability, and international visibility, the sector will struggle to reach its potential. The future of gaming industry in Ireland depends on coordinated policy responses that extend beyond tax credits.

We're at a pivotal moment. Ireland has the technical capabilities and creative talent to become a significant gaming hub. Whether it does enough to support this vision will determine if the country becomes a gaming destination or remains a cautionary tale of missed opportunities.

If you're navigating Ireland's gaming landscape and want to maximise available supports like the Digital Games Tax Credit, we're here to help. Our expertise in gaming industry incentives can help your studio access every available advantage. Get in touch to explore how proper planning can improve your project's financial position in Ireland's evolving gaming ecosystem.