Londonderry games software firm takes space invaders to the next level

DogFighter, a fast paced, arcade aerial combat game will be initially released via the PC digital distribution network 'Steam' which currently has over 25 million user accounts and a estimated market share of over 75 per cent.

Based in the city's Galliagh area Dark Water Studios currently employs 15 people and is a perfect example of the kind of synergy that can be produced when creativity and entrepreneurial spirit combine.

Northern Ireland's first indigenous, high-end game development house - with the release of 'DogFighter,' Dark Water is setting new standards for the region as Aaron Donaghey of Dark Water Studios explained.

"DogFighter will be the biggest game ever to come out of Northern Ireland.

"DogFighter is an exciting aerial combat game with arena style game-play values.

"Players will battle in single and multiplayer game modes using modified biplanes sporting a vast array of weaponry.

"DogFighter features a unique, custom flight model developed entirely in-house.

"Combining stylistic movement with a control method that is simple, the game offers complete control over each beautifully rendered aircraft.

"With more than 20 different weapons, three multiplayer modes, six single player modes, seven unique craft and 5 unique environments, DogFighter offers more gun-toting aerial tomfoolery than you can get in other games.

"Players can look forward to additional content including new maps, craft and weapons in the coming months," he said.

DarkWater, encouraged by pre release feedback and previews has high expectations that the game will be a strong commercial success on Steam and an Xbox 360 version of DogFighter is already well into development and will hopefully be released later this year.

One of the most forward thinking companies in Ireland, never mind Londonderry, DarkWater believe that success in the UK City of Culture contest would bring massive benefits to businesses in the city.

"Despite about 50 per cent of Dark Water studios being from Northern Ireland, we have had to source skilled gaming professionals from other countries.

"Northern Ireland has always had a good local talent pool, but unfortunately in most cases education can take you no further than 'entry level' jobs, and for every few entry level jobs, we also need experienced people to look after and mentor them.

"Many Northern Irish people, such as Dave Perry, one of the world's biggest names in game development, have had to relocate to foreign countries to get work.

"This means all too often the local talent base slips through the country's fingers.

"We need to attract these people back to the country, as well as skilled people from other countries to mentor the upcoming generation.

"So when we are hiring a new member of staff, not only are we selling Dark Water Studios to them, but we are also selling Londonderry as a place to live.

"In many cases this can be as important as the company's profile when attracting potential staff.

"When you are trying to attract the best people to the company, you are also trying to attract them to the city.

"If the city were to be named UK City of Culture 2013 it would do wonders for its image, the profile and positive image of the city.

"It would give us all a fantastic lift," explained Aaron.

The company has been funded to date from local early stage VC funds, Viridian Growth Fund and Nitech Growth Fund, business angels, InvestNI and NI Screen.

For more information on dogfighter email [email protected] or calling 02871355940 or visit, www.dogfighter-game.com or www.dark-water-studios.com