Tag: industry

How technology is reshaping the sports industry in Ireland

The way Irish people experience sports has changed dramatically over the past decade. What used to be a simple affair of showing up at the stadium or turning on the telly has evolved into something far more complex and, frankly, more interesting. Technology has seeped into every corner of the sports world, and Ireland is no exception to this global shift that’s transforming how we play, watch, and engage with athletics.

From grassroots GAA clubs using performance tracking apps to Premier League fans streaming matches on their phones during lunch breaks, the digital transformation is everywhere you look. It’s not just about watching anymore. It’s about engaging, analysing, and participating in ways that weren’t possible even five years ago. The technology has fundamentally altered the relationship between fans and the sports they love.

Data analytics changing how teams compete

Professional sports teams in Ireland have embraced data analytics with open arms. The days of relying purely on a manager’s gut feeling are fading fast. Today, decisions about player selection, tactical approaches, and even transfer targets are increasingly driven by numbers and algorithms that process thousands of data points.

Rugby teams like Leinster Rugby have invested heavily in performance analysis departments. Every training session is recorded, every match dissected frame by frame by analysts looking for patterns and opportunities. Players wear GPS trackers that monitor their movements, heart rates, and fatigue levels throughout matches and training. Coaches receive detailed reports that help them tailor training programmes to individual needs and identify potential injury risks before they become serious problems.

This data-driven approach has filtered down to amateur levels too. Club managers now have access to affordable tools that would have seemed like science fiction a generation ago. The democratisation of sports technology means that a Sunday league team can analyse their performance with similar methods to professional outfits, albeit on a smaller scale and budget.

The streaming revolution

Traditional broadcasting is facing serious competition from digital alternatives. Irish sports fans increasingly prefer the flexibility of streaming services over conventional TV packages that lock them into fixed schedules. Being able to watch a match on your tablet while commuting or catching up on highlights during a coffee break has changed consumption patterns significantly across all demographics.

The GAA’s decision to stream more matches online opened up access for the diaspora scattered across the globe. An emigrant in Sydney can now watch their home county play championship football in real time, something that was impossible just a decade ago. That connectivity matters, both emotionally for fans abroad and commercially for the organisation. It keeps people engaged with Irish sports regardless of where life has taken them.

Fan engagement in the digital age

Sports consumption has become increasingly interactive in recent years. Fans don’t just watch passively; they comment on social media in real time, participate in fantasy leagues that require careful analysis, check live statistics on their phones, and follow sports betting markets in Ireland to see how odds shift during matches. The second screen experience, where viewers engage with their phones while watching on television, has become completely standard practice for most fans.

Clubs have adapted by building their digital presence substantially. Social media accounts, dedicated mobile apps, and regular online content keep fans connected between matchdays. The relationship between supporters and their teams now extends far beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch. It’s a continuous conversation that technology has made possible and that fans have come to expect.

Wearable technology and athlete performance

The gadgets athletes wear have become increasingly sophisticated over the years. Heart rate monitors, sleep trackers, and recovery apps give both professional and amateur athletes insights into their bodies that previously required expensive laboratory testing. Irish athletes competing at international levels rely heavily on this technology to optimise their preparation and recovery.

Even recreational runners training for the Dublin Marathon use GPS watches and training apps that provide personalised coaching advice. The technology adapts to your performance over time, suggests workout adjustments based on your progress, and tracks improvement over weeks and months. What was once available only to elite athletes is now accessible to anyone with a smartphone and the motivation to use it.

The integration of technology into Irish sports will only deepen in coming years. Virtual reality experiences that put fans pitchside from their living rooms, artificial intelligence that predicts match outcomes with increasing accuracy, and ever more sophisticated performance tracking are all on the near horizon. The challenge for sports organisations will be embracing these innovations while preserving what makes live sport special in the first place: the unpredictability, the atmosphere, and the shared human experience of supporting a team through good times and bad.

Three-Quarters of Adults Want AI & Coding Taught in Schools

A new national survey commissioned by STEM South West, the not-for-profit organisation promoting STEM education and careers, shows there is strong public support for preparing the next generation with the skills needed to succeed in a changing world.

Three-quarters of adults believe coding and AI literacy should be taught in schools, with junior secondary (12-15 years) seen as the ideal stage. Young adults strongly favour early AI education, while older adults and lower-income groups are more likely to prefer optional learning.

These results come on the back of the STEM South West Awards 2025, held last night at Cork County Hall, which celebrated excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) (See Winners list below). The awards recognise individuals and organisations whose achievements drive innovation, education, and community engagement in the STEM sector across the South West region, which collectively employs over 75,000 people in STEM-related industries.

Mary Good, Managing Director of Advanced Medical Services and Chair of STEM South West, commented,
“This latest research shows that AI is at the forefront of our times, and there is strong demand for adoption in school. There’s a recognition that young people must be equipped with the skills to thrive in this new digital landscape. Tonight’s awards showcase the people and organisations who are already leading the way in preparing our next generation for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Ms. Good added,

“This evening is all about celebration and recognition. It is also a time for us to reflect on what we have achieved in the past year and embrace the many opportunities of the future, while recognising the rapidly evolving global landscape and its challenges. Our AI & Future skills survey throws a focus on the opportunity for growth in education across Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths as we prepare and adapt to changing demands in the workplace.”

Reflecting on both the survey findings and the achievements recognised at the STEM South West Awards, Mary Good added:

“These results show that the adoption and education of our students with AI skills is critical. It’s a call to action for educators, policymakers, and industry to work together to future-proof Ireland’s workforce.”

Key insights from the STEM South West AI & Future Skills survey:

  • Support for AI education cuts across demographics, with 75% of adults overall backing the introduction of coding and AI literacy in schools, even among groups most worried about changing job descriptions as a result of AI progression.
  • Younger adults show a pragmatic outlook, with 79% of 18-24-year-olds concerned about job security with advances in AI, yet a strong majority supporting the teaching of coding and AI skills in schools, particularly at junior secondary level (12-15 years).

STEM South West Awards 2025 Winners

STEM in Industry: Company of the Year
The award celebrates organisations creating a proactive, inclusive, and supportive environment for STEM, both internally and through outreach initiatives:

  • Small/Startup (up to 50 Employees): CompuCal Calibration Solutions
  • Small to Medium (50 – 249 Employees): MACOM
  • Large (250+ Employees): Analog Devices

STEM in Education: Educational Initiative of the Year
Recognises educational institutes, departments, and classroom-led initiatives that foster inclusive STEM learning:

  • Primary Level: Firies National School, Killarney
  • Secondary Level: Coláiste Muire Crosshaven
  • Third Level: STEM Teacher Internship Programme

STEM in the Community:

  • Best Expo Exhibitor (Large): Johnson & Johnson
  • Best Expo Exhibitor (Small): Reliance
  • Inspirational STEM Volunteer of the Year: Shane Ruddle, Gilead
  • STEM Initiative of the Year Award: Scoil Mhuire Junior School, Cork

STEM Person of the Year: Michael Loftus, MTU

Patrick Doyle, South West Regional Manager, IDA and member of the judging panel, said:
“Congratulations to STEM South West and all of the finalists and winners for their commitment of time, expertise, and resources in support of STEM skills development and education. Their efforts will provide opportunity for the next generation and future-proof the talent pipeline to sustain the long-term success of STEM industries across the South West region.”

Toast announces 120 new Dublin jobs

Toast, the cloud-based restaurant technology platform, announces plans to create 120 new roles in Dublin thanks to a multi-year R&D investment project. This new project is supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland.

The investment will drive platform innovation with a strategic focus on AI and represents the next phase of Toast’s expansion in Ireland. The investment, which will create 120 new roles at Toast’s Dublin headquarters, will allow the company to advance its work in AI innovation to embed intelligent agents across the platform, enhance AI-powered productivity for its R&D teams, and unlock global scalability for its customers worldwide.

Toast’s technology is developed to seamlessly connect every aspect of Irish hospitality businesses, from kitchen to customer. Toast is the restaurant technology partner of choice for many of Ireland’s leading hospitality businesses, including Bewley’s, Kicky’s, OAKBERRY, and the Eclective Hospitality Group.

The new, multi-year R&D program will accelerate Toast’s AI-forward vision for the hospitality industry, with the company’s Dublin team leading the charge on critical aspects of this innovation.

At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to reimagining how technology empowers the hospitality sector. Toast is focused on embedding intelligent, autonomous AI experiences across its platform to help businesses work smarter, serve guests better, and make faster, data-driven decisions

To support this transformation, the company is modernising its global platform architecture – investing in modular, scalable systems built for new regions, verticals, and customer segments. These enhancements aim to strengthen Toast’s cloud foundations for AI readiness, resilience, and rapid global expansion.
Internally, Toast is also harnessing AI to change how it builds, deploying advanced AI-powered productivity tools to accelerate product development and increase engineering velocity.
Together, these efforts mark a major step forward in Toast’s mission to create an intelligent, scalable platform that powers the future of hospitality worldwide.

Toast first established an engineering presence in Dublin in 2017 and has since grown to include teams across all key business functions. The company is recognised as a Certified Great Place to Work in Ireland.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said: ‘’Toast’s decision to expand its R&D operations in Dublin and create 120 new high quality roles is a clear vote of confidence in Ireland’s position as a global hub for innovation and technology. This investment, with a strong focus on AI, aligns with our national ambition to lead in digital transformation. I thank Toast for their continued commitment to Ireland and wish the team the best for the future.’’

“From our early feasibility work to this new investment, IDA Ireland has been instrumental in helping Toast scale and innovate in Ireland,” said Dave Fleming, Global Head of Engineering  & Ireland Site Leader. “This programme represents a step-change in the scope and ambition of our Irish operation, as our Dublin team will spearhead end-to-end platforms for our global customers, leveraging AI to shape the next generation of technology for the hospitality sector.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: “This decision by Toast to develop their R&D offering with a focus on AI in Dublin is a testament to Ireland’s reputation as a global leader in technology and innovation. The creation of 120 new jobs in Dublin will help strengthen Ireland’s capability for AI development, which is a key focus in IDA Ireland’s strategy for 2025-2029. I would like to wish Toast every success with this R&D project.”

Researchers Use AI to Create Optimized Engine Components That Outperform Human Designs

The gerotor tooth profile is crucial for determining hydraulic system performance in automotive engineering. In a new development, researchers from Pusan National University have leveraged conditional generative adversarial networks for machine learning-driven gerotor profile synthesis and optimization. The novel approach has remarkably produced designs that outperform human efforts and lead to 32% more efficient hydraulic pumps, potentially revolutionizing the automotive industry.

Gerotor pumps for oil circulation and lubrication are crucial components in automotive and hydraulic systems. They possess a compact design, excellent flow rate per rotation, and high suction capability. The gerotor tooth profile plays a significant role in determining the overall performance of hydraulic systems for engine lubrication and automatic transmission. Unfortunately, conventional design methods leverage predefined mathematical curves and iterative adjustments, which compromises their optimization flexibility.

In an innovative breakthrough, a team of researchers from the School of Mechanical Engineering at Pusan National University, led by Professor Chul Kim, has proposed a new design methodology. Their findings were made available online on 10 October 2025 and have been published in Volume 162, Part D of the journal Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence on 24 December 2025.

The key point of this study is the use of AI, specifically, a conditional generative adversarial network, as a design tool. Instead of relying on the traditional approach of using predefined mathematical curves, the researchers trained an AI to automatically generate new gerotor profiles. The AI learned from a dataset linking specific, high-performance profile geometries to their actual performance data. This innovation allowed it to understand why certain shapes perform better than others, and then generate new, highly-optimized geometries that substantially outperform traditional designs.

The team demonstrated that their novel AI-generated design exhibits substantial performance gains in simulation validation via computational fluid dynamics. Compared to a traditional ovoid profile, the proposed design achieved a 74.7% reduction in flow irregularity. This means the pump’s output is significantly more stable and consistent. It also shows a 32.3% increase in average flow rate, which indicates better volumetric efficiency, as well as a 53.6% reduction in outlet pressure fluctuation, which directly contributes to quieter operation and reduced vibration.

The most direct real-life applications of the present work are in the automotive industry. The reduction in pressure fluctuation and flow irregularity is highly beneficial here. It can lead to transmission systems that operate more quietly and could potentially improve component reliability by reducing vibration and unstable hydraulic stress. Furthermore, the 32.3% increase in average flow rate allows for more efficient oil circulation throughout the engine. This contributes to better lubrication and cooling of engine components, which is critical for engine durability.

Prof. Kim remarks: “The same principles demonstrated in our study are applicable to various hydraulic pumps used in industrial machinery, where efficiency, low noise, and reliability are important factors, making our technology highly lucrative for real-life adoption.”

In the next 5 to 10 years, methods like this could become a standard tool for engineers. It represents a move toward “inverse design,” where an engineer can specify the desired performance targets, such as “minimize pressure fluctuation,” and the AI assists in generating an optimal geometry to meet those targets. Moreover, this approach can speed up the research and development cycle for complex mechanical components. It allows for the exploration of a much wider design space than is possible through traditional manual iteration.

“Crucially, for the public, the adoption of more optimal components can mean the machines we use daily become quieter and more reliable. In the automotive sector, this translates to vehicles with more efficient and durable hydraulic systems like transmissions and oil pumps,” concludes Prof. Kim.

Reference

Title of original paper: Machine learning-driven gerotor profile synthesis and optimization using Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks

Journal: Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

DOI: 10.1016/j.engappai.2025.112604

Image credit: Chul Kim from Pusan National University

Ryanair and CarTrawler announce strategic partnership

Today, CarTrawler, the leading B2B technology provider of car rental and mobility solutions to the global travel industry, announces a new car rental partnership with Ryanair, Europe’s No. 1 airline.

Ryanair operates one of the most extensive short-haul networks in the world, carrying 207 million passengers per year. Its relentless focus on low fares and high efficiency has made it the most commercially important airline in European aviation.

Ryanair customers can enjoy exclusive rates, top-tier car rental options, market-leading customer service and a fully integrated booking experience through Ryanair’s website and on the myRyanair App.

Ryanair CEO, Eddie Wilson, said: “We’re pleased to announce our new partnership with CarTrawler. CarTrawler delivers great value with an outstanding range of car rental options at competitive prices, fully integrated into the Ryanair booking journey. Ryanair passengers already enjoy the lowest fares in Europe and this new product will offer them the best value with our price match guarantee.”

Powered by CarTrawler’s Connect Platform, the company’s proprietary cloud-based technology, the service makes it easier for travellers to secure the right car at the right price as part of their overall journey, an experience that keeps car hire aligned with the airline’s low-fare promise and supports its broader commercial strategy.

Peter O’Donovan, Chief Executive at CarTrawler, commented: “Ryanair’s decision to partner with CarTrawler is a powerful endorsement of our industry-leading Connect Platform, which delivers unparalleled results for our airline partners. We’re delighted to be reuniting with Ryanair to build a long-term, mutually successful partnership and to provide their customers with world-class car rental offers and exceptional value.”

Unlike many travel technology providers that divide their focus between consumer and business channels, CarTrawler operates solely as a B2B partner, focused on enabling its customers to succeed. Every innovation and investment in its platform is designed to strengthen partner brands and drive measurable commercial growth.

Building on this foundation, CarTrawler is evolving the platform into a wider ecosystem, integrating Insurtech and new ancillary products designed to boost partner revenues and traveller loyalty. This multi-year agreement enhances Ryanair’s ancillary offering and reinforces both companies’ commitment to delivering outstanding value and choice for millions of Ryanair passengers every year.

Launch a Fitness Career with Accredited Training Programs

Do you have a strong passion for health and fitness? The fitness industry is expanding faster than ever before. More people are looking for guidance from personal trainers to help them live healthier and more active lives.

For anyone who dreams of turning this passion into a career, enrolling in an accredited training program is the first important step. These programs not only teach you the science behind exercise but also give you the professional skills needed to help others reach their goals. Let’s dive deeper into this topic.

Why Accredited Training Matters

An accredited training program ensures that you receive quality education and hands-on experience. Accreditation means the program has been reviewed and approved by recognized industry organizations. This gives your certification real value and makes it easier for clients to trust your expertise.

Accredited programs teach important subjects like anatomy, exercise science, and nutrition. You’ll also learn how to assess clients’ needs, design safe workout plans, and motivate people to stay on track. Many programs are led by experienced trainers who bring real-world knowledge to the classroom.

Another major advantage of choosing an accredited course is the network you build. You’ll meet fellow students, instructors, and professionals who can help you as you start your career. Some institutions even provide job placement support, helping you find work in gyms, wellness centers, or as an independent coach.

Choosing the Best Program for You

Choosing the right program is key. Start by confirming that the program is recognized by a reputable accrediting body. This ensures your certification will be accepted by employers and clients.

Reputable sites like https://www.americansportandfitness.com offer a variety of accredited options to explore. Think about your goals and interests. Do you want to focus on personal training, group classes, or sports performance?

Some programs also offer specialized areas such as strength training, nutrition, or rehabilitation. Pick a course that matches your passion and the kind of clients you want to serve.

It’s also important to consider how the program fits into your lifestyle. Many accredited programs now offer flexible schedules, including online learning or weekend sessions. This flexibility makes it easier for people balancing work, school, or family to complete their certification. 

Your Future in the Fitness Industry

A career in fitness offers both purpose and flexibility. You can choose to work one-on-one with clients, lead group classes, or even start your own business. No matter which path you take, your accredited certification gives you the confidence and credibility to succeed.

The fitness world continues to grow, and the demand for qualified professionals has never been higher. By investing in your education now, you’re preparing yourself for a rewarding and stable career. You’ll have the opportunity to inspire others, improve lives, and turn your passion into a lasting profession.

Start Your Journey Today

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a certified trainer, there’s no better time to begin. Accredited training programs give you the knowledge, experience, and support needed to start strong. With dedication and the right education, you can build a successful career helping others reach their fitness goals.

Your journey toward becoming a trusted fitness professional and making a real difference starts now. Explore more! Our blog has everything you need to know!

 

Choosing the Right IT Partner for Your Business: 5 Essentials Everyone Should Know

If you’re looking to make the investment of partnering with an IT provider, this can be a big step forward for your business, but only if you choose the right one. The wrong one will leave you feeling frustrated, and before you know it, you’ll be wanting to switch. 

Making the right call is very important, but how do you go about doing this confidently, and knowing what to ask? This quick guide will outline five essential areas to consider. 

1. Look for an understanding of your unique industry and sector

There are plenty of generic managed IT support providers out there. However, finding one that understands the specific pressures faced in your sector makes a significant difference in the impact the partner can have. The benefits include far quicker response times, as the partner will likely have come across and have specialisms in the unique equipment and software you use. As well as gaining expert insight into new technologies and solutions, designed to solve challenges that industries in your area often face. 

And just because they claim to work with people in your industry, it doesn’t necessarily mean their experience is extensive, so be sure to ask for specific examples. 

2. Ask about their approach to businesses that are experiencing growth 

Your business today won’t be the same in a few years time. You need a partner who can grow with you, whether that means onboarding new staff simply and quickly, or helping you migrate to smarter cloud solutions. Ask for real examples of how they’ve helped clients to scale.

3. Check their communication style

IT is technical. And most likely your Team isn’t. A good IT partner will know how to explain their services and solutions in a way that makes sense to you. Pay attention during early conversations: Do they use technical jargon, or do they make things clear? That tells you a lot about what your day-to-day support will feel like once they become your partner. Over time this lack of clear communication will leave your Team feeling frustrated and unsupported.

4. Understand their approach to cybersecurity

If you speak to an IT provider that isn’t prioritising cybersecurity, this should instantly be a red flag. Anyone working in the IT services sector will understand the importance of having at least an essential level of security in place for businesses. If they’re not raising this in your conversations, it should be a signal that they’re a provider who isn’t going to look out for your company’s best interests. 

5. Demand transparency in service and performance

It’s easy to promise “fast support,” but what does that mean? Ask about service-level agreements, average response times, and how the provider is tracking performance. A good one will show you the numbers without hesitation, not just make big claims.

The takeaway message

Getting this decision right can have a big impact on your business, and making the decision based on the cheapest price or whose website wowed you the most isn’t going to result in you finding a long-term partner.

Finding a IT Team that understands your business’s unique needs and truly has your best interest at heart is crucial for a successful relationship. So keep these five key areas in mind when you’re next looking into managed IT services for your business 

 

Tech Industry Alliance TechFest 2025 – Tech, AI & Humanity: Shaping Our Future

Tech Industry Alliance’s flagship annual conference, TechFest 2025, brought over 400 delegates to the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork on Thursday, 15 May, for a powerful day of insight, innovation, and inspiration. With the theme “Tech & Humanity – Shaping Our Future,” the event challenged attendees to re-imagine our relationship with technology—from the rise of AI to the future of work and the next frontier: space.

Hosted by Tech Industry Alliance, the conference brought together tech and business leaders, educators, startups, and policymakers from across the South West of Ireland to explore how technology is impacting every aspect of society—and how we can ensure that progress is human-centred, ethical, and inclusive.

Tech & Humanity – Shaping Our Future

The conference opened with a captivating keynote by neuroscientist and broadcaster Dr. Hannah Critchlow, who explored “Consciousness and Our Evolving Relationship with AI”. The morning continued with a powerful panel on AI and Humanity, moderated by Jonathan McCrea, that delved into the ethical, philosophical, and societal impacts of artificial intelligence.

Later in the day, Cormac O’Sullivan of MBRYONICS delivered a visionary talk on “Building the Internet in Space”, which led into a thought-provoking discussion on Space and the Future of Humanity, highlighting the South West’s growing role in space-tech innovation.

Other key sessions examined the future of tech talent, exploring the skills and strategies needed to future-proof the workforce, and featured a showcase of evolving tech companies, with early-stage startups from the region pitching their products and sharing their journeys.

Exhibition stands, networking lounges, and interactive sessions throughout the day gave attendees opportunities to connect, learn, and collaborate.

A Region Leading the Way

Gerry Murphy, Chairperson of Tech Industry Alliance, commented on the event with a strong call to action: “TechFest 2025 has shown what happens when bright minds and bold ideas come together. The South West is not just keeping pace—we’re helping to shape the future of technology on a national and international stage. Today’s conversations will echo in tomorrow’s innovations.”

“Our deep thanks go to our sponsors and partners, whose commitment helps drive the growth and cohesion of the region’s tech ecosystem. This is about more than technology—it’s about people, purpose, and progress.”

Ireland’s games industry stands at a crucial “inflection point”

In a challenging environment for the games industry, Ireland is creating “incredible incentives and structures” to support and “elevate” Irish game developers in “the way they deserve to be uplifted”.

This was the observation of Xalavier Nelson Jr., the BAFTA-nominated and Forbes 30 under 30 Studio Head of game developer and publisher Strange Scaffold, one of the key speakers at the FÍS Games Summit 2025, which took place last weekend in Galway, Ireland.

Mr Nelson was responding to the announcement at the Summit of the Digital Games Portfolio, a major new fund designed to further develop and strengthen the Irish games industry’s rapidly growing international reputation.

The Digital Games Portfolio is a €500,000 funding scheme, launched by Screen Ireland, and which will be managed by Ardán, the Galway based organisation supporting creatives in film, TV, games, and animation, and Imirt, the national organisation for game developers and creators in Ireland. 

The DGP will fund a variety of new initiatives, the first of which will be IndieDev 2025, a cross-border prototype fund in collaboration with NI Screen to help teams of creators turn their game ideas into prototypes.

The fund will also see Dublin and Galway become ‘incubators’ to support individuals at the early stage of their careers. There will also be a pilot development fund targeting established Irish game studios, to allow them develop IP within their work spaces.

The funding comes at what Ardán CEO, Alan Duggan, called a “pivotal” moment and “an inflection point” in the Irish games industry.

“There’s a tremendous enthusiasm and vigour in the Irish games industry,” he said. “We’re swelling into a wave and that’s really running contrary to a lot of what’s happening internationally.”

Colm Larkin, CEO of Imirt, said: “At a State level, Ireland is looking at games and games developers as a culturally relevant art form and is saying, ‘Yes, we need to support this.’ This is just going to be the first step towards really growing our sector.”

The Minister for Arts, Culture, Media, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD said: “The international games industry represents a huge contestable market, one in which Ireland can excel based on our technical, design and storytelling competencies. This funding combined with the recently introduced tax credit for games are key steps along the government’s path to developing a national strategy for games.”

The future of the industry, AI, and creativity

In his address, Xalavier Nelson Jr., said the games industry “makes miraculous art” but is poor at delivering on time, within budget, and in certain instances, quality.

He noted how missing deadlines and exceeding budgets has become normalised within the industry, and said current industry models often prioritise long development cycles for single projects, leading to burnout and limiting opportunities for artists to experiment.

He called on game developers to recognise they are artists, but also encouraged them to develop a strong business sense, in order to “confront these realities”.

Industry legend Tom Hall (Commander Keen, Wolfenstein 3D, Doom), who now works in Ireland as Design Lead at the Galway based Romero Games, explored the creative process.

He encouraged game developers to embrace ‘Drift Time’, his concept of allowing the mind to wander freely in order to create. He encouraged Summit attendees to “play around with an idea” especially if it “may make you feel uncomfortable”.

Hall also advised developers to take a ‘bottom-up’ approach to game creation, in order to work out core gameplay issues and mechanics, instead of top-down design, where the story and universe are prioritised.

AI and its role in the Games Industry was addressed by Finlay MacAree, Technical Director at Xbox Game Studios. He said while AI can enhance the creative process by generating ideas, assets, or code, allowing developers to focus on higher-level design and storytelling, AI itself “will never replace art”.

“I want someone’s actual history, feelings, and emotions in the game,” he said, and warned that relying solely on AI will lead to generic outcomes. He said human creativity and input remained essential as it is informed by personal experiences and emotions, fostering innovation and originality.

As well as national and international guest speakers, the FÍS Games Summit 2025 had close to 300 people in attendance from Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and across Ireland. The Summit has doubled in size from 2024, with the addition of roundtables for developers of marginalised genders; writing and pitching; and a games room where attendees could try out new demos by Irish games companies.