Derry computer games studio launches

Dark Water Studios, a start-up independent games developer, launched this week in Derry.

Dark Water are already working on an unnamed PC multi-player game
which is partly funded by Northern Ireland’s Department of
Enterprise. The company also says it is in the early stages of
prototyping a next generation console and PC title.

The venture is headed by Mike Brown, with technology manager Paul
Houbart and lead animator Rory Fellowes — together they bring over 50
years of experience to Dark Water. Currently employing ten people their
aim is to expand to 25 by the end of the year.

The company is understood to be an unofficial spin-off from Instinct Technology, a Derry-based games middleware firm previously called Torc Interactive. 

“Our aim is to bring together the cream of available game-creation
talent; by drawing from Northern Ireland’s existing talent pool by
using the quality of life offered by this unique location to attract
the cream of overseas talent and by making good use of the
opportunities for outsourcing and remote working which modern
technology allows” commented Brown.