GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Ignition Entertainment Ltd., a UTV Software Communications Ltd. enterprise, revealed details about its new studio and software development facility in Gainesville, FL.
By locating its studio in the heart of Gainesville's energetic downtown district, Ignition Florida is able to take advantage of the world-renowned engineering and intellectual resources of the University of Florida. The Council for Economic Outreach (CEO) initially recruited Ignition by forging partnerships with Alachua County, the City of Gainesville and Enterprise Florida.
“CEO is excited to be working on the Ignition Entertainment project. From a pure target industry approach, Ignition aligns almost perfectly with the intellectual capital found in Alachua County. In addition, we are pleased that another clean, high-tech industry can now call Gainesville/Alachua County home,” said Brent Christensen, President and Chief Economic Development Officer for the Gainesville Council for Economic Outreach.
Ignition Florida is preparing to create development for multiple next-generation platforms. The new studio has open positions across the spectrum of game production, and is currently in a rapid expansion phase. FloridaWorks and Ignition have secured a close partnership in both the initial hiring and expansion stages of workforce development.
“When we started talking about locating Ignition's new game development studio in Gainesville, first on our minds were the city's cultural energy, skilled workforce, and effective cost of operation. Everyone at the studio is looking forward to creating fantastic games here as we grow to incorporate more world-class talent. It's a dream come true to do this work from an area we know and love,” said Jeremy Stieglitz, Studio Director of Ignition Florida.
Ignition is paving the way for Gainesville’s (downtown) Innovation Zone, an area classified by CEO and the City of Gainesville as conducive to high-tech development.
"The City of Gainesville has been working diligently to expand economic opportunities associated with the Innovative Economy. Ignition Entertainment's announcement that they will be locating their principal design and development studios in Gainesville's downtown and within the City's Innovation Zone is confirmation that efforts to diversify the local economy are moving forward. The capital investment and job creation associated with Ignition Entertainment's decision will have a positive effect on the City of Gainesville and the City welcomes Ignition Entertainment into the corporate and community fold,” said Erik A. Bredfeldt, City of Gainesville Planning and Development Services Director.
In addition, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the project. “Ignition Entertainment’s decision to locate its principal software development studio in Alachua County will make a substantial positive impact on the local economy. The company’s creation of 70 high income jobs will promote the local recruitment and retention of intellectual capital in our region, add to our tax base, and advance the thriving business environment in downtown Gainesville. Alachua County is committed to creating sustainable economic prosperity in our community and is honored to have Ignition Entertainment as a catalyst, “said Randall H. Reid, Alachua County Manager
Ignition Entertainment Limited, a UTV Software Communications Ltd Enterprise , is software Developer & Publisher of handheld and console games. Created by a core team of industry veterans with the purpose of building upon their successful track record within the international Game Industry, Ignition's intent is to bring a fresh new approach to both the development & distribution of original gaming product.
Incorporated in April 2002 from a select group of smaller studios & publishers, Ignition continues its expansion. Considerable Intellectual Property Rights and a healthy back catalogue of established game titles & franchises provide the launch platform for many new ideas & concepts.
At the center of this is Digi-Guys, Ignition's wholly owned subsidiary with its roots in Videogames & High End CGI , as well as Post-Production & VFX for movies. Based in its own high-end facility inside the world famous Ealing Studios (London, UK), the studio's remit is to push far beyond the confines of conventional next-gen' thinking and produce unique, innovative and platform leading Videogames & Digital content across all media, utilizing a broad spectrum of Game & Movie CG experience.
With its European HQ in Waltham Abbey (UK) and offices in Tokyo, Japan & Los Angeles, USA, plans are being drawn for the release of a number of innovative titles across all major Game Platforms during 2008/9.
UTV Software Communications Ltd. Headquartered in India owns a 70% stake in Ignition.
UTV Software Communications Ltd. is India's foremost Media & Entertainment Company with leadership position in four Verticals that includes Motion Pictures, Broadcasting, TV Content and Interactive (i.e. Animation and Gaming). Listed on the Mumbai Stock Exchange & the Motion Pictures business is listed on the AIM, London Stock Exchange. It has subsidiaries with offices across India, the UK and the USA. More information on the group is available at: www.utvnet.com