IRELAND IS becoming a location of choice for high-quality computer games development, with graduates virtually guaranteed jobs, leading national and international industry experts told a seminar yesterday.

At the LIT Tipperary Games Fleadh 2012, a showcase for students interested in the sector, industry leaders predicted the sector will generate up to 1,000 new jobs a year over the next two years.

The two-day event was also used as a recruitment opportunity for companies seeking to fill posts and identify new talent.

Last night the first ever “Oscars” for games design in Ireland were presented at the fleadh.

Limerick-based company Open Emotion Studios, who are currently designing a mobile game featuring Limerick hip hop act the Rubber Bandits, took three of the 12 awards, including the overall Best Game Award, while Dublin-based Pufferfish Games and Bat Cat Games claimed two Oscars each.