Cork presses play on new esports centre
Ireland’s first dedicated esports complex has been opened here in Cork, marking a huge milestone for the nation’s video gaming industry.
The centre, which will serve as a hub for professional esports competitors, aspiring gamers, developers, gaming researchers, students, and innovators, represents a €1 million investment in state of the art gaming infrastructure.
The esports centre has created ten new jobs on Leeside, with further positions available in gaming, media, and digital technology expected as the centre continues to expand.
Taking the wheel at the official opening of the National Esports Centre on the South Mall, Cork city, was an Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
He said: “The National Esports Centre is a first for Ireland and marks a major milestone for the gaming sector in this country. This innovative hub will offer unparalleled facilities in gaming, media, and digital technology, and I’m delighted it will place Cork on the global stage of gaming.”
With its best-in-class facilities, including the WYLDE professional esports academy, digital media and gaming camps for students, as well as partnerships with education and research organisations, the National Esports Centre’s goal is to drive forward the gaming sector in Ireland.
Steve Daly, Ireland Esports Chair and WYLDE CEO, highlighted the impact of the opening, describing it as a game-changer for Ireland, both nationally and internationally.
“This facility will drive the esports industry and ecosystem in Ireland forward through innovation, education, and community engagement, all within a world-class facility here in Cork,” he said.
“Our focus on dynamic teaching environments, collaborative learning and innovation, sustainable career pathways, and a responsible culture will ensure that the National Esports Centre stands at the forefront of esports development both in Ireland and globally,” added Mr Daly.
Ireland-based studio, VOID Interactive, the developers behind the popular game Ready or Not, have partnered with the National Esports Centre.
“As an Irish-based gaming studio, we are thrilled to partner with the National Esports Centre to focus on their endeavour in building and developing a world-class hub for professional gamers,” said Philip Nathan, CFO of VOID Interactive.
“We are focused on building a lasting partnership that further strengthens the gaming footprint in Ireland, providing a haven for groundbreaking ideas to flourish,” he added.
Located in the heart of Cork city, the new centre is home to a range of state-of-the-art facilities, including the WYLDE Academy powered by Virgin Media, a dedicated Sim Racing Lounge in collaboration with Williams Esports, and a tournament zone equipped for national and international esports competition. With top tier AV and broadcast technology, the National Esports Centre is also primed for corporate events, training sessions, and digital content creation. Its modern, tech-driven learning environments support delivery of the Digital Skills and Esports College, offering accredited education programmes developed to equip students with essential industry skills.