Moray firm adds jobs amid boost from locked-down gamers

An Elgin-based online games developer is creating 11 jobs as it expands its business.

Andrew Mulholland of Hunted Cow Studios. Picture: Credit Alison White/HIE

Hunted Cow Studios, which has seen demand for its games jump as the lockdown forces more people to stay at home, is searching for new talent to join its existing team of 24 people.

A five-figure grant was secured from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) last year to aid the expansion and the firm, which was founded in 2003 by Andrew Mulholland and Glenn Murphy, now expects to increase its annual turnover by 80 per cent.

Since its inception, the company has launched several multi-player online games, which can support hundreds of simultaneous players in one place. It has welcomed more than five million players across various games such as Fallen Sword, Eldevin and Operation New Earth on PC, Mac and mobile devices.

The funding from HIE has enabled the company to invest in advanced IT equipment and staff training, which will support its plans to develop and build-up new games.

Director Mulholland said: “We were delighted to secure the funding from HIE to help us expand our business and we look forward to welcoming new staff to our team. While the current situation is challenging for everyone, we are in a strong position and are pressing ahead with our growth plans.”

Angie Smith, account manager at HIE’s Moray area team, said: “Hunted Cow is a valuable employer in Elgin and contributes to the area’s creative industries economy.

“The latest development will take the company to the next stage in its growth plan, creating more valuable jobs in Elgin and increasing its economic impact. We are very pleased to provide support and will continue to work with the company as it grows.”

HIE has previously provided funding for the firm’s new premises, support for placements and consultancy work.

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