Irish government helps fund Big Fish cloud gaming research

Big Fish Games is enhancing and expanding the cloud gaming research development program at its Cork, Ireland arm, recruiting 30 new software engineers, thanks to backing from the Irish Government. With this expansion, the online portal operator and casual game developer will be able to continue its push into the burgeoning game streaming market, which is populated by companies like OnLive, Gaikai, Playcast, OTOY, and Crytek affiliate Gface. Big Fish says that its planned service will allow users to access its casual game catalog, such as its popular Mystery Case Files series and other hidden object titles, across a variety of devices and platforms through interactive video streaming. The company currently distributes more than 3,000 games created both internally and by over 500 development partners. Big Fish sells its games on multiple platforms (PC, smartphones, tablets, online) across more than 150 countries. The Seattle-headquartered company secured this new investment through the Industrial Development Agency Ireland program, which offers foreign firms funding and grants for high-end manufacturing, global services, and research, development, and innovation.