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Halfway Through the MERITS Tech Pre-Accelerator: Strengthening Our Vision for Irish Game Development
By AMacU- 23/10/2025
A Journey Fueled by Creativity and Community
We’re now officially halfway through the MERITS Tech Pre-Accelerator, and what an incredible journey it’s been so far.
Supported by the Local Enterprise Office Kildare, the 10-week programme brings together some of Ireland’s most promising startups — each driven by innovation, creativity, and the courage to build something meaningful.
For Mac Uaid Enterprises Ltd., the experience has been transformative. It’s not just about refining business strategy or learning the mechanics of investment readiness — it’s about shaping a creative vision that merges technology and storytelling.
Our mission has always been clear:
to celebrate Ireland’s culture, language, and heritage through immersive, narrative-driven experiences that connect with players around the world.
“We’re not just building a game — we’re building a bridge between Ireland’s past and its creative future.”
Learning, Validating, and Growing Through MERITS supported by LEO (Local Enterprise Office)
The first half of the programme has been focused on customer discovery, business model validation, and defining our value proposition as an indie studio.
Through mentor-led sessions, peer discussions, and hands-on workshops, we’ve gained invaluable clarity on what makes Emerald Blood: Songs of the Ancients – Ailbhe’s Journey stand out in the global gaming landscape.
We’ve been challenged to ask hard questions:
Who are our players?
What emotional journey are we guiding them on?
How do we scale our creative vision sustainably as a startup studio?
The insights we’ve gained have helped us refine how we position both our studio and our flagship project — aligning our creative ambitions with a solid foundation for long-term growth.
“Every mentor session and peer discussion helps us strengthen our vision — to build games that celebrate Ireland’s culture, language, and creativity.”
Shaping the Future of Emerald Blood: Songs of the Ancients
At the heart of this accelerator journey lies Emerald Blood: Songs of the Ancients – Ailbhe’s Journey, Our open-world RPG inspired by Irish folklore, mythology, and the beauty of Ireland’s landscapes.
Set in 10th-century Leinster, the game tells the story of Ailbhe, a young woman who discovers her ancestral connection to the land through myth, language, and more to be revealed soon.
Participation in the MERITS programme has helped us validate our direction, confirm our target audience, and further shape how storytelling, art, and design come together to create something truly immersive.
By blending cinematic storytelling, Unreal Engine 5 technology, and traditional Irish music, we’re crafting a world that feels both ancient and alive.
Our goal is simple: to give players around the world a taste of Ireland’s stories, told with authenticity and respect for their origins.
Representing Irish Innovation in Gaming and Creative Technology
Alex Mac Uaid & Alison McQuade representing Mac Uaid Enterprises at the MERITS Tech Pre-Accelerator 2025, supported by Local Enterprise Office Kildare.
Being part of the MERITS community is more than an opportunity — it’s a statement.
We’re proud to represent Irish creativity and innovation in the global gaming space, standing alongside other startups shaping Ireland’s future in technology and storytelling.
Through the guidance of MERITS and LEO Kildare, we’ve been able to bridge the gap between creativity and strategy — transforming what was once an idea into a structured, investor-ready concept.
This blend of artistry and entrepreneurship embodies who we are as a studio: rooted in culture, driven by imagination, and ready to take Irish stories to the world.
“We’re proud to represent Irish creativity and innovation in gaming — and this accelerator is helping us bring that vision to life.”
Looking Ahead to Demo Day and Beyond
As we move into the second half of the programme, our focus turns toward Demo Day in November, where we’ll present our journey and vision to mentors, peers, and potential investors.
The weeks ahead will be dedicated to sharpening our pitch, refining our presentation of Emerald Blood, and preparing for the next phase of development — from prototype to playable experience.
We’re also deepening our understanding of Ireland’s role in the global creative technology scene, connecting with potential partners, and exploring opportunities for funding and collaboration in 2025.
The MERITS Tech Pre-Accelerator has not only shaped our strategy but also reminded us of why we started: to create something that honours our culture and contributes to Ireland’s creative legacy.
Join Us on the Journey
Our journey through MERITS is a milestone — but it’s only the beginning.
As Emerald Blood: Songs of the Ancients – Ailbhe’s Journey continues to take shape, we’ll share updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and creative spotlights through our blog and social channels.
Join us as we build worlds inspired by Ireland’s myths, landscapes, and spirit of innovation.
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Irish Legends. Global Games.
Irish Legends. Global Games
Mac Uaid Enterprises Limited is an indie game studio based in Dublin, Ireland. We craft immersive worlds inspired by Irish legends, bringing them to players across the globe.
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