Tiga wants government backing for games
Monday, 06 Oct 2008 15:16
Richard Wilson is calling on the government to back British games developers
Tiga, the association responsible for promoting the UK games industry, has advocated increased support for it in the chancellor's pre-Budget report.
Richard Wilson, the chief executive of Tiga, has said that the government should follow the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade in Ontario's example and encourage developers to create jobs.
"The credit crunch, turmoil in the financial markets and declining economic activity constrain a government’s fiscal room for manoeuvre; but constraint is not the same as paralysis," Wilson said.
"Just as the Ontario administration is supporting its games developers in the midst of difficult economic conditions, so the UK government should back its video games industry.
"UK video games developers have a skilled workforce; experienced management teams; and an effective approach to outsourcing.
"UK games businesses offer high quality games, produced on time and at great value. The 14 per cent decline in the value of sterling against the dollar over the last ten months has enhanced the inherent value and competitiveness of UK games developers.
"The UK government can build on these competitive advantages in the pre-Budget report by announcing a consultation on the merits of a tax credit for games production and eventual reductions in corporation tax," Wilson added.
"Consultation on these measures would give a powerful signal of support to the UK games industry. Implementation of these ideas in the March 2009 Budget would provide a potent fillip to the UK games development industry."