InXile Entertainment - Big Plans in New Orleans

Gamasutra reports that InXile is opening a new studio in New Orleans. This might look odd as New Orleans isn't known for being big in in the are of game development area, but the many incentives offered by Louisiana are apparently something to take into account as well. InXile is planning a studio that gorws to a size of 50 people over the next 5 years.

New Orleans is an especially intriguing choice because it's not in a region generally recognized as being a hotbed of game development -- something Louisiana hopes to change by offering incentives to inXile and other high-tech companies (including Chicago-based High Voltage, which also expanded to New Orleans this year.)

"With each new digital media investment, New Orleans is becoming a brighter beacon in the tech sector," stated Jindal in a press release announcing the deal. "Our strong business climate and highly skilled workforce are attracting innovative companies like inXile to our state, along with the great new jobs they’re creating."

Fargo told a Nola.com reporter that inXile had no plans to expand to Louisiana -- until state officials came out to visit him earlier this year and pitch him on Louisiana's tax incentive program for high-tech industry.