Thems the breaks

Immediate release

June 23rd 2008

Tiga said today that Wisconsin’s introduction of games development tax breaks highlights the need for both UK games developers and the UK Government to raise their game in competing for business.

Richard Wilson, CEO of Tiga, said:

“Just as developers compete to win contracts and create the best games so governments compete to attract businesses to their jurisdictions. Wisconsin’s introduction of 25 per cent tax credits for film, TV and qualifying games studios demonstrates yet again the intensity of competition between governments to attract games and other media businesses to their territories. Many games developers in the UK will question why the UK Government will not give similar support to the industry here.

“The UK games development industry continues to be a leader of the pack, but we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. Games developers in the UK must continue to improve their creativity and productivity in order to enhance their competitive edge.

“The Government must play its part too. The UK video game developers support 10,000 highly skilled jobs, generate revenue for the Treasury and make a positive contribution to our balance of payments. If the Government wants to perpetuate this success story then it must establish a more favourable tax environment, increase the supply of skilled graduates without sacrificing quality and keep the regulatory costs on business relatively low. Otherwise, investment and expansion in the games industry will flow to those countries whose governments provide a more favourable climate for games businesses.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. Tiga is the national trade association that represents games developers in the UK and in Europe. We have 155 members, the majority of whom are games developers, but we also have outsourcing companies and technology businesses as members who provide services to games developers. Tiga’s vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business.

2. Wisconsin has announced that it is providing 25 percent tax credits for film, TV, and qualifying game studios. The incentive includes a 25 percent rebate on qualified production related expenditures, as well as a 15 percent credit for infrastructure development. Local schools in Wisconsin have also begun to introduce more animation and game development degree elements, including an upcoming motion capture studio at Milwaukee Area Technical College. For further details on Wisconsin’s tax break for game development, see http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=19076

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