Politics & Government

UPDATE: Decatur Snares CCP Games' U.S. Headquarters

Gov. Nathan Deal announced the Iceland-based gaming developer will move its U.S. headquarters in Gwinnett to Decatur, bringing up to 300 jobs to the local area by 2013

CCP Games chose City of Decatur for its new U.S. headquarters.

Gov. Nathan Deal unveiled that the Reykjavik, Iceland-based digital entertainment developer plans to relocate its U.S. headquarters from Gwinnett County to the local area and create 150 new jobs over the next several years.

"Decatur offers the perfect blend of big city accessibility with a hometown feel that we were looking for," said Mike Tinney, president of CCP North America. "Georgia's financial climate combined with Decatur's social climate provide the ideal conditions for continued growth."

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The company will take up 40,000 square feet at 250 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. The move is expected to bring a total of 300 to the area by 2013.

It's the biggest commercial office deal for City of Decatur since the 1990s, said Lynne Menne, assistant city manager, adding that most of the job growth has been small businesses growing and expanding.

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"CCP will be among our largest private employers in City of Decatur," Menne said. "It's a different direction for our office market and the future, too."

CCP Games is an industry leader in the gaming sector.  The company is the creator of EVE Online, a science fiction-based online game developed in 2003.  Two additional projects, World of Darkness and DUST 514, are currently in development.

"CCP Games had a list of qualities they wanted in a new business location and we met all of them," said Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd.  "They wanted a strong sense of safety, easy access to MARTA and a high quality of life that would be attractive to new employees.  A business environment that supports creative businesses and had a wide variety of pubs and restaurants within easy walking distance of their office were also high on their list."

Through this expansion, CCP North America will support the needs of its growing company and gaming products. 

"DeKalb is home to a dynamic young workforce, educated at institutions like Emory University and the Art Institute of Atlanta," said DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis.  "CCP's decision to locate in DeKalb will create highly paid jobs for both young graduates and more experienced workers in the fast growing gaming industry."


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