Australian developers call for same treatment as film industry

The Games Developers' Association of Australia is demanding the same rebate as that which recently granted to the country's film industry, accusing the Government of "serious neglect".

"The videogames industry in Australia is experiencing a serious fiscal inequity and imbalance compared to the film and special effects industry sector," the GDAA said in a statement.

"The Government is guilty of serious neglect of one of the fastest growing industries in the creative and entertainment sector."

The Australian Government has announced a 40 per cent rebate for film companies and now the GDAA is demanding the same treatment for developers.

They highlighted the economic contribution of the games industry, quoting domestic sales of AUD 400 (USD 343 million) and export growth of over AUD 100m (USD 85 million). According to the GDAA the Australian games industry employs 8500 people - 5000 in retail, 2000 in development and 1500 in publishing and distribution.

"With the production rebate extended to the game development industry we envisage that, skills shortages not withstanding, the number of people employed in game development in Australia could triple to 6000 within three years," the GDAA said.

"It is not unrealistic to think that by the end of 2010 we could have 18,000 people directly employed in the videogame industry."

The GDAA pointed to initiatives by the Canadian Government which have boosted numbers there - stating that 10,000 jobs in videogame development have been created in Canada over the last four years due to "the right financial incentives".