UK vets praise tax relief for games sector

More UK games veterans have added their support and praise to the news that the games industry is to benefit from a tax relief system designed to encourage growth in the sector.

Yesterday the government said that it was adopting TIGA's proposals for an initiative that will allow less tax to be paid on games that are a success, provided they first pass a test based on cultural relevance.

"I’m excited to hear the government has listened to our calls for tax relief. The video games industry makes a valuable contribution to the UK economy and this government initiative can only help to support further growth," offered Ian Livingstone, life president of Eidos.

"I’m sure it will encourage investment in the UK, preserving existing jobs and creating new ones; helping to re-establish the UK to the forefront of the global industry in the creation of new video game IP."

Frontier's David Braben also paused to praise the achievement, but offered a not of caution as to whether the government's announcement would be carried through to completion.

"It is really heartening to finally see government recognising our industry, albeit on the eve of an election,” he said. “Well done to Tom Watson, Ed Vaizey and Don Foster in making this happen. Let's raise a glass and hope that it is a genuine plan to do something, rather than just another plan to 'consult'."

Blitz Games' Philip Oliver has held meetings with chancellor Alistair Darling recently, but said the success of the lobbying for tax breaks was a team effort from the UK, in particular TIGA and ELSPA.

"I am very pleased and honoured to have been part of the team that has lobbied government consistently over the last few years.

He added: "It is a wise investment that the government has made today and the whole of the UK industry applauds them for this decision."