On Monday Texas Governor (and presumed future presidential candidate) Rick Perry spoke at a press conference at EA’s BioWare Austin campus. The Governor, along with top executives of Electronic Arts confirmed that the company plans to expand operations in Austin - and in the process - adding 300 future jobs in the area. EA plans to expand its EA Sports division in the region and will hire 150 full-time positions, along with an additional 150 "contract workers."
During the official announcement Monday, Gov. Rick Perry said that Texas is "the perfect place" for video game development to thrive.
"'If it’s in the game, it’s in the game,' and right now Texas is where the game is being played," Perry told the press in attendance. "Much like the video gaming industry, our state is built on the foundation of competition."
The Governor said "simple principles" characterize Texas’ business climate, referring to the state's various tax breaks and incentives for businesses.
"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," Perry said. "It isn’t rocket science."
"Texas is ready to compete for a bigger piece of that pie," Perry added. "Our goal is to be the number one game developer in the nation. Texas in general, and Austin in particular, has a young, hip, engaged and hungry population that understands the gaming community and wants to be a part of it."
Because of EA’s coming expansion, the company will likely seek incentives from the Texas Film Commission and the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program.
EA Games president Frank Gibeau also spoke at the event, praising the state of Texas for its pro-business environment.
"Perry has created a very pro-business environment," Gibeau said. "It helps us to look to Austin as a long-term opportunity."
Source: Daily Texan
