Pre-Budget campaign

Tiga said today that the UK Government should back the video games sector in the forthcoming Pre-Budget Report. Tiga said that the recent announcement by Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development and Trade that money would be made available to encourage developers to create jobs in the region demonstrated that governments can take positive steps to support business even in the midst of an economic downturn.

Richard Wilson, CEO of Tiga, said:

“The credit crunch, turmoil in the financial markets and declining economic activity constrain a government’s fiscal room for manoeuvre; but constraint is not the same as paralysis. Just as the Ontario administration is supporting its games developers in the midst of difficult economic conditions, so the UK government should back its video games industry.

“UK video games developers have a skilled workforce; experienced management teams; and an effective approach to outsourcing. UK games businesses offer high quality games, produced on time and at great value. The 14% decline in the value of sterling against the dollar over the last 10 months has enhanced the inherent value and competitiveness of UK games developers.

“The UK government can build on these competitive advantages in the Pre-Budget Report by announcing a consultation on the merits of a tax credit for games production and eventual reductions in corporation tax. Consultation on these measures would give a powerful signal of support to the UK games industry. Implementation of these ideas in the March 2009 Budget would provide a potent fillip to the UK games development industry.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. Tiga is the national trade association that represents games developers in the UK and in Europe. We have 157 members, the majority of whom are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have outsourcing companies, technology businesses and university departments that are members.

2. Tiga’s vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that Tiga members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial opportunities.

3. For further information about Tiga, please contact: Dr Richard Wilson, Tiga CEO on: 0845 0941095; Mob: 07875 939643; or: Email: richard.wilson@tiga.org.