DAQA, a leading provider of player-centric test programs and technology-driven quality solutions for the video game industry, has announced the opening of a quality assurance center at The Beach at the 51ɫ. The center will serve as DAQA’s network operations hub, play test lab, and primary site for quality assurance operations, focusing on secure console and live testing for a roster of over 25 clients.
“The decision by DAQA to establish their quality assurance center in New Orleans is the culmination of multiple long-term efforts: the recent development of The Beach at UNO as a home to companies like DAQA; GNO, Inc.’s hosting of DAQA at Game Fête conference; and, the ongoing cultivation of the tech and creative community in greater New Orleans, which has been ongoing over two decades,” said Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “DAQA is well-positioned to thrive at UNO, while helping to elevate New Orleans’ profile in the global gaming industry.”
Initially, DAQA’s New Orleans center will create between 15 and 20 direct jobs, including roles in software development, senior testers, and game QA, with a commitment to hiring local talent from across Southeast Louisiana. As client demand grows, the company anticipates steady hiring to meet the needs of its expanding operations and a continued focus on fostering local talent and grooming future leaders from within.
“We are excited to open our first studio location and have chosen New Orleans to be our network operations center and play test lab,” said Devin Seto, managing partner at DAQA. “Evolving from a purely remote business, the new studio allows us to increase our product and service offerings. We are continuing to build our high-performance team, leveraging the incredible talent and passion for games quality that can be found throughout the greater New Orleans area. The location is integral to our mission of helping studios meet their game quality and player research needs, furthering our mission to be the Concierge of Quality for the games industry. We are grateful to GNO, the City of New Orleans, and Louisiana Economic Development for their hard work and support. We could not have done it without them.”
The video game industry in greater New Orleans has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by a robust talent pool, business-friendly policies, and a supportive creative community. As the sector continues to thrive, DAQA is positioned to play an integral role in this ecosystem by bringing its expertise in game quality and player research to New Orleans.
“New Orleans Business Alliance is excited that DAQA is investing in New Orleans and our incredibly skilled technology talent” said Louis David, New Orleans Business Alliance CEO. “DAQA’s new location at The Beach will continue to demonstrate that jobs in the high-growth, high-wage technology industry are growing in all parts of New Orleans.”
The company first learned about the growth opportunities in New Orleans after attending one of GNO, Inc.’s annual Game Fête familiarization tour. This new location not only supports DAQA’s growth but also strengthens the local economy by creating specialized job opportunities, fostering professional development, and advancing New Orleans’ position as an emerging hub in the global gaming industry.
The Beach at UNO, the only research park in greater New Orleans, includes 600,000 square feet of office, laboratory and conference facilities across six individual buildings on a 30-acre site. The park houses nearly 50 tenants, including the U.S. Navy; Eurofins (the world’s largest food testing company); a cluster of nonprofits and government entities focused on water and environmental sciences; various nonprofits focused on justice, resilience and STEM education; and engineering, technology, and advanced manufacturing companies. The Beach at UNO represents more than just a physical space—it embodies a sandbox ethos, fostering connections between the 51ɫ and industry.
