Georgia tax break
US state's incentive for games developers doesn't go unnoticed by UK trade body Tiga.
May 19th 2008
Georgia’s introduction of games development tax breaks confirms once again that the competitive environment is slanted against UK developers and that the UK Government needs to respond, Tiga said today.
Richard Wilson, CEO of Tiga, said:
“Georgia’s introduction of games development tax breaks illustrates once again that other state and national governments are competing to create the most hospitable environment for games production. If the UK Government wants to see a thriving video games industry in this country, then it must create a more favourable taxation system, keep the regulatory burden on business relatively light and work to increase the supply of suitably qualified graduates.
“The UK games development sector continues to be a world beating industry, but we cannot afford to ignore the heavily subsidised competition. The playing field continues to be tipped against UK games developers. Our position as a leading player in the development of video games is at stake.”
End
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 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. Georgia’s 2008 Entertainment Industry Investment Act allows qualified productions to benefit from a 20 per cent tax credit - with a further 10 per cent available should the product feature an animated Georgia promotional logo, according to The Weekly Online. Georgia introduced similar incentives in 2005 by means of the Entertainment Industry Investment Act. This legislation helped to ensure that the state’s revenues from film, television and game companies tripled in 2006 compared to 2004.
3. For further information, please contact: Dr Richard Wilson, Tiga CEO on: 0845 0941095; Mob: 07875 939643; or: Email: richard.wilson@tiga.org.