Is the Rise of the Gaming Industry in Ireland a Great Model for Ghana to Follow?

When trying to think of ways to boost the economy in Ghana and ensure the country is sustainable in the digital future, it’s a great idea to look at countries that have been successful in the technological age. Ireland is a prime example of a nation that has embraced the world of gaming with open arms, and it’s now one of the greatest hubs for the industry in Europe.

By analyzing what’s worked in Ireland, the Ghanaian government could seek to implement similar strategies here. Africa is said to be the next frontier of the online world, so it’s crucial that Ghana is well-placed to benefit from that.

How Did Ireland Establish Itself as a Global Gaming Hub?

Over the past decade, Ireland has become a global hub for the gaming industry, attracting some of the greatest names in the business. There are various reasons why this has come to fruition.

One of the key factors driving the growth of the gaming industry in Ireland is the availability of skilled talent. The country has a highly educated workforce, and many people earning degrees now are focusing on important areas for the future. The government has invested heavily in developing a strong IT sector, which has helped to create a pool of talented developers and designers.



There’s no doubt that Ireland also has a favorable business environment. The country has a low corporate tax rate, which has attracted some of the biggest names in the gaming industry. These include brands like Activision Blizzard, EA, and Riot Games. The Irish government has established a range of incentives to encourage the growth of the sector, including tax credits for research and development.

One of the most notable success stories in the Irish gaming industry is the emergence of the independent scene. Over the past decade, several independent game studios have emerged. Many of these were established elsewhere but then set up offices in Ireland. For instance, there’s Larian Studios and Pewter Games in Dublin, and Romero Games in Galway.

The emergence of these independent studios has been supported by a range of initiatives, including the establishment of a dedicated game development course at the Dublin Institute of Technology. There have also been moves to welcome the industry in key cities such as Dublin and Cork. These hubs provide a range of support to independent developers, including access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. As they grow, it improves the overall ecosystem and makes it even easier for businesses to find all the tools and connections they need to flourish.

In addition to producing highly innovative games, the Irish gaming industry is contributing to the wider global gaming community. A few Irish companies have developed cutting-edge technologies that are being used by some of the biggest names in the industry. For example, Havok, an Irish software company, has developed a physics engine that is used in a wide range of games. These include Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty, and Halo.

What Can Ghana Learn From this Successful Model in Ireland?

There are a lot of lessons for Ghana to learn from the rise of the gaming industry in Ireland, and it’s certainly a model that could pay dividends later down the line. One thing that’s notable is that the country hasn’t simply focused on one key area of the industry. Instead, it has spread across console, mobile, and casino gaming to ensure that it has representation in each.



All these sectors of gaming are likely to be booming in Ghana over the next few decades, with online casinos already rising in stature over here. When you look at the bustling gambling market in Ireland, it’s easy to see why this is a key sector to foster. Many of the new casino sites in the country are offering high value welcome offers, such as 260 percent deposit matches. They even accompany these with free spins. This highlights how much competition there is in the sector, and how it’s a prime market for developers to thrive in.

One of the key factors that has driven the growth of the gaming industry in Ireland is the availability of skilled talent. Ghana, like Ireland, has a young and highly educated population, with a large proportion of its workforce holding qualifications. However, the country still faces challenges in retaining these workers, with many professionals leaving the country in search of opportunities abroad. The government could invest in the local game development talent pool and create incentives for skilled workers to stay in the country.

Ghana could consider adopting similar policies to Ireland with regards to creating a favorable business environment with low taxes and incentives. It may then be easier to attract foreign investment and create a more supportive business environment for local game development companies. The government could introduce schemes and support programs for local game developers to encourage growth and innovation within the industry.

It would be great if Ghana could do something that mirrors the rise of Ireland’s vibrant independent game development scene as well. Ireland has a range of its own studios that have grown up there, but it has also made itself an appealing prospect for studios from abroad to set up offices there. Ghana could analyze the ways this has worked and seek to replicate them. For example, it could start with key universities in the country offering targeted game development courses with a view to creating start-up companies at the end of them. If Ghana can mirror just a few of the things that have worked for Ireland, the game development scene could boom.

It may take a few years, but if the Ghanaian government sets the wheels in motion to nurture the gaming industry, it could be as successful as Ireland’s in the future. Once big studios set up offices here, it will have a snowball effect and generate a thriving ecosystem in which smaller companies have a chance of success.