A video games software developer is to create around 50 high-skilled jobs in Dublin's Digital Hub with the support of IDA Ireland.

DC Studios, a Canadian developer of video games for consoles, PCs and mobile phones, is to set up a development studio in the hub, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin announced yesterday.

The Minister said DC Studios would be a valued addition to the growing cluster of digital media activities in the State.

The investment in the Republic is the first by an overseas company in the console software development sector. Most of the 50 jobs will be for experienced graduates, including software programmers, artists, designers and producers.

Many of DC Studios's customers are based in Europe and Mark Greenshields, the company's chief executive, said the Republic was the ideal base to service growing demand for the company's products.

DC Studios's main business involves developing content for console games publishers such as Konami, Ubisoft and Hip Interactive. It also develops its own content and is currently working on a new football game scheduled for release later this year.

The Dublin facility will be a full development centre for video games from conception to production.