Industry to get tax breaks
Today the Coalition government has announced that in the future UK video games developers will receive a much needed tax break, so that they can remain competitive within the global marketplace.
The announcement follows the news that the government plans on reworking the way that information technology is delivered in schools.
Speaking in the Commons today, Chancellor George Osborne laid out his budget, which in turn revealed that the games industry would receive tax breaks similar to those currently enjoyed by the UK film industry.
The tax credit will be available to those actively participating in the production of digital and creative media in the UK. News of the announcement has been warmly received.
The CEO of the UK's industry trade body (UKIE), Dr Jo Twist, said: "This is fantastic news. The UK's games and wider interactive entertainment industry needs two things: a competitive tax regime and kids being taught the right skills in schools. Together this starts to make up a really good environment for all UK games and interactive entertainment businesses, from start-ups and innovative connected formats, to major studios."
"UKIE will now be offering practical help to games businesses of all sizes to understand how to make the most of tax breaks and other funding that is available to them. We shall also be working hard to promote the UK to the rest of the world. We believe it is the top place to create all types of games and interactive entertainment formats - from apps, to innovative connected formats, through to big, blockbuster 'AAA' titles."
UKIE Deputy Chair Ian Livingstone added: "Today's announcement sends a very positive message to the world for the UK to claim it is the best place to develop games and digital content. The UK is arguably the most creative nation in the world, including its world-class games designers."
"The government's recent announcement on computer science being taught in schools, coupled with today's introduction of a competitive tax regime regarding production, helps UK studios to compete internationally on a level playing field. The incentives are now there to encourage inward investment, job creation and for the UK games industry to reclaim its position as a world leader in games production."
UKIE aren't the only people delighted by news of the policy shift made by the Government. Dr Richard Wilson, the CEO of TIGA (the trade association representing the UK games industry) said: "This is a brilliant decision by the Government and terrific news for the UK video games industry. It is also a decisive victory won by TIGA through audacity, determination and endurance."
"Like a boxer knocked down by his opponent, we refused to accept defeat and kept getting back in the ring. This victory will benefit not just the UK games development and digital publishing sector but also the wider UK economy."
He later added: "Tax breaks for games production will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of video game development. It will also help to rebalance the UK economy away from an over-reliance on financial services towards a high skill, R&D intensive and export focused industry."
Jason Kingsley, TIGA Chairman and CEO and co-founder of Rebellion, was amongst the many industry chiefs celebrating the news: "Congratulations must go to the Chancellor, the Government and its officials in making this long hoped-for decision. It will save jobs and companies, promote growth, build financial confidence and bring in much needed export income from around the world."
"It is exciting that they have made such a positive move and we look forward to working with them on the details of implementation. This is also a huge success for TIGA, for its members both old and new, and for the wider video games industry that TIGA represents."
<bild></bild>