UK games industry

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry, welcomed the debate in the House of Commons yesterday on Games Tax Relief, but insisted the Government is wrong to reject introducing the Games Tax Relief proposed by the last Government. MPs from across the political divide expressed support for Games Tax Relief.

Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, commented:

“The opposition Treasury team, led by David Hanson MP, was right to seek an amendment to the Finance Bill to introduce Games Tax Relief yesterday. I am delighted this matter remains on the political agenda and that Members of Parliament from across the political divide supported Games Tax Relief in the debate, including Tom Watson MP, Jim McGovern MP, Stewart Hosie MP and Mark Field MP.  “The Government’s continued defiance in the face of overwhelming evidence is incongruous. The games industry has the potential to create the private sector jobs the Government wants to encourage with the introduction of Games Tax Relief creating or saving 3,550 jobs and increasing and protecting £415 million in new and saved tax receipts.

“Whilst the amendment was not passed yesterday, the argument for Games Tax Relief remains strong and we are committed to pressing the Government for its introduction at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Ends

Notes to Editor:

1)    The Hansard transcript of the introduction of the amendment and debate can be accessed from the following link: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm101108/debtext/101108-0001.htm#10110810000002

About TIGA:

TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. TIGA was awarded ‘Trade Association of the Year’ and the ‘Member Recruitment Award’ at the Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards 2010. TIGA has also been named as a finalist in the 2010 Chartered Management Institute (CMI) National Management and Leadership Awards in the category of ‘The Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award (SME)’. 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.

For further information, please contact Eva Field, TIGA PR Manager on: 07814 039 983, or email eva@tiga.org.