British Columbia to get new game tax credits

British Columbia's games industry is set to benefit from a new tax credit program proposed this month in response to a drop-off in local employment and production.

Industry group the BC Interactive Task Force has been lobbying since last year for the program, which stands to reward the film, TV, animation and videogame industries in the province.

"The BC videogame industry sees the announcement as an important first step in creating a next-generation digital media hub and retaining our province's preeminent position on the world videogame stage," said Howard Donaldson, chair of the Interactive Task Force and VP of studio operations at Disney Interactive Studios. "We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the BC government as we finalise the details and implementation of this important new program."

At its peak in autumn 2008, there were more than 60 games studios in BC employing more than 4000 people and contributing more than half a billion dollars annually to the province's GDP, according to the group.

However, over the last 18 months local employment has fallen dramatically, and a solution has been sought between the industry and the BC government.

"British Columbia is home to many of the world's most popular videogames and home to many of the most talented, passionate game developers on the planet," added Donaldson. "With this announcement, we're hopeful we can continue to nurture and grow this cornerstone industry."