Canadian Game Developer Speaks On Benefits Of Tax Breaks
For immediate release
MEDIA RELEASE
MELBOURNE - Wednesday 14 November, 2007 -
On the eve of the Official Opening of GDAA's Game Connect: Asia Pacific 2007 Conference and Expo, Mr Warren Currell from Sherpa Games will speak on the Canadian tax rebate experience and the benefits that have accrued to the industry.
Warren Currell will speak on: 'Government Support and Funding for Interactive Entertainment in Canada'
Mr Currell will highlight that the reasons for support are twofold:
1.To promote the creation of original property and the development of cultural products
2.To promote Employment / job creation
Greg Bondar, CEO of the GDAA said that "with 300+ companies involved in the video game industry in Canada some 56% are now developing proprietary technology due to the funding initiatives of the Canadian government."
"We are delighted to have Warren Currell speak on this topic at the Investment Summit session at Thursday's pre-Conference sessions. This presentation will highlight the benefits and economic value to the economy that a tax rebate can provide. I am urging all government bureaucrats to be at this session and take note" added Bondar.
-ends-
Game Connect: Asia Pacific 2007 Further Details:
15-17 November, 2007 Greg Bondar
Melbourne, Australia CEO GDAA
Melbourne Convention Centre Ph: +6139866 6322
Email: gcap2007@icms.com.au Mobile: 0411 854 115
Web: www.gameconnectap.com
About the Game Developers Association of Australia:
The Game Developers' Association of Australia (GDAA) was established in December 1999. Today, the association comprises corporate members from game development companies and educational institutions, associate corporate members (in service sectors that support the industry), individuals and students.
The main purpose of the GDAA is to increase the profile of the Australian electronic games industry both domestically and internationally in order to:
Promote the growth of the game industry in Australia Represent the interests of GDAA members Attract capital and publishers from offshore and increase local investment Retain and attract the talent that exists in the local industry Promote a sense of community within the industry Stats and facts about the games industry: The Australian games industry is worth an estimated $110 million per year Australians spend over A$2 million per day on interactive computer games Total sales in 2006 for the industry was $1 billion1 Annual compound growth of the industry is 12.3%2 12.5m games were sold in 20063 6.1m video game consoles have been sold since 20004 3.6m Australian households have a video game console 4.8million Australian households have an internet enabled PC which is capable of playing games5 The average age of gamers is 28 years 60%of gamers are male and 40% female 35% of gamers are parents and 8% are seniors Families are an integral part of playing games 8,500 Australians are directly employed in the video game industry in 2007 By 2010, the GDAA estimate that 18,000 people will be directly employed in the video game industry in Australia.