TIGA, the trade association representing the UKgames industry, said today that Square Enix’s decision to open a new studio in
Montreal and expand its Eidos Montreal base demonstrated the positive impact of
tax breaks for games development in Canada, and that the UK was losing out on
jobs and investment because of the lack of a well-targeted tax break for video
games production.
Square Enix will be creating jobs for 150 people in
Montreal. As a result, this will make Square Enix the third biggest games
company in Montreal in terms of staff numbers. Ubisoft Montreal hires about
2,000 workers, while Electronic Arts houses around 800.
Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said:
“Square Enix’s decision confirms once again that Canada’s tax breaks are
attracting investment and generating jobs. The UK needs a well-targeted tax
break for games production to encourage investment and job creation in the UK
video games industry. The Government has an opportunity to look again at the
case for a well-targeted tax break in the Autumn Statement and in the March
Budget 2012.”
Gareth Edmondson, CEO of Thumbstar Games and
Vice-Chairman of TIGA, said:
“This decision by Square Enix is a blow for the UK and European games
development sector. The UK and Europe generally have excellent creative game
development teams. Unfortunately, the UK and other European states (with the
exception of France) lack a tax break for games production. We need a well-targeted tax break to enable
the UK to compete on a level playing field.”
Ends
Notes to Editor:
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. In 2010 TIGA won two business awards including ‘Trade Association
of the Year’ from the Trade Association Forum.
In 2011, TIGA won six business
awards including ‘Trade Association of the Year’ from the Trade Association
Forum and ‘Outstanding Organisation’ from the Chartered Management
Institute. Richard Wilson won the
‘Leadership Award’ from the Trade Association Forum and the ‘Outstanding
Leader’ award from the Chartered Management Institute. TIGA is an Investors in
People organisation.
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 Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on 07875939643: or
email richard.wilson@tiga.org