BioWare opens new Galway customer service centre, creates 200 jobs

EA and BioWare have announced the opening of its brand new customer service centre in Galway, Ireland ahead of Star Wars: The Old Republic's now-confirmed December launch.

The centre, which will focus on BioWare's MMO efforts, has created 200 new jobs for the city of Galway, doubling its numbers to 400 people.

"MMO launches are complex, and we are determined to set a new standard for a high quality, stable, smooth launch for our fans. Our new BioWare facility and team in Galway is critical to ensuring we deliver on that goal," said BioWare boss Ray Muzyka.

Fellow co-founder Greg Zeschuk added the introduction of the customer services centre "wouldn't have been possible without the strong support from the Irish government."

Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny highlighted "the digital game industry as a particular priority area for growth" in Ireland, adding "the presence here of EA, one of the world's leading interactive games companies, will help enhance our status as a centre for the digital media sector."

Muzyka and Zeschuk finally announced at Eurogamer Expo on Saturday that Star Wars: The Old Republic would launch on December 20 in the US and December 22 in Europe, just mere days before Christmas.