EA Sports opens Austin studio

Electronic Arts is opening a brand new studio in Austin, Texas that will look after EA Sports games.

In doing so, the publisher will create 300 jobs – half of which will be permanent positions and the rest contracted. It is currently hiring software engineers, game designers, artists, programmers and senior technical staff.

The studio joins EA Sports’ existing offices in Tiburon, Florida and Burnaby, British Columbia. It was announced at a press conference with Texas governor Rick Perry, EA Games President Frank Gibeau and EA Sports CEO Daryl Holt.

"We’re really excited about it," said Gibeau. "Austin is a terrific place for us to do business. The talent is world-class and Perry and the Texas legislature have created a very business-friendly environment for us.

“We are continually searching for the best talent in the industry and the best locations for our operations. Governor Perry’s leadership in passing the Texas Moving Image Production Incentive has created an economic environment that is very supportive of game development. Texas is a great place to make games – that’s why EA is expanding here.”

Texas ranked second in the US in terms of the number of computer and video game staff in 2009, with more than 13,600 individuals employed by the industry. 

The Texas Moving Image Production Incentive helps businesses move from higher-costing locations to Texas.

Texas governor Perry added: “On behalf of the State of Texas, I’d like to congratulate EA on expanding its presence in Austin, and welcome the quality jobs that will be created here as a result.

“Much like the video gaming industry, our state is built on the foundation of competition; thanks to our low taxes, reasonable and predictable regulatory climate, fair legal system and skilled workforce, we continue to attract companies from around the nation."

EA is hosting an event in Austin on July 25th to attract potential employees. This takes place at the Westin at The Domain from 6pm to 9pm.