Blizzard boosts European office with 500 new jobs
World of Warcraft maker swells Irish support centre with over 600 staff
Blizzard's European support centre in Cork, Ireland has seen its original staff of 100 people increase to a workforce of over 600, with further development in training and technology still planned.
The centre opened in 2007 and expected to create 100 new jobs only by 2010. The more rapid expansion has seen Blizzard sign a second agreement with IDA (Industrial Development Agency) Ireland to implement a series of new support tools, technologies and training routines.
“The Cork centre has played an integral role in providing support to our European players, and with the help of IDA Ireland, it has greatly exceeded our initial expectations," said Blizzard CEO Paul Sams.
"This new agreement with IDA Ireland will help us maintain a dedicated workforce there that corresponds to the ongoing European service requirements for World of WarCraft as well as our upcoming games," he added.
A total of 25 different European languages are used in spoken and written communication at the centre, which operates 365 days a year. Blizzard's primary offices in Europe are in France.