UK games industry still needs more finance help, says trade boss

By August 21, 2015 TIGA News

Taken from and featured on http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/34018865/uk-games-industry-still-needs-more-finance-help-says-trade-boss

More needs to be done for UK gaming to be “on par” with the film industry.

Tiga, the trade body representing the games industry, has been campaigning for the industry to get the same benefits as the film business.

Earlier the government announced extended tax help for the British film industry.

It’s to encourage more movie shoots on home soil.

“The film industry still benefits over and above the gaming industry,” says Tiga boss Richard Wilson.
Film production companies are able to claim tax relief of 25% payable towards the cost of production, like the gaming industry.

Richard does agree progress has been made in making sure that gaming is a worthwhile recognised industry in the UK.

“In 2014 the European Commission gave the green light and the tax break was introduced,” he tells Newsbeat.
“What it essentially means is the cost of making video games in the UK is reduced. It means we can compete on a much more level playing field against our oversees competitors.

“We have a good tax relief. It’s not the most generous in the world but it is a good relief and it’s already having a positive impact on the industry.”

According to Richard, it means there are more opportunities for young people to gain employment in the gaming industry.

But he used lottery funding as an example of how he thinks the gaming industry is being left behind.
The National Lottery gives money to film productions each year. Wilson wants the same to happen to the gaming industry.

“We’ve seen signs of games companies setting up and expanding in the UK and we know games companies that were previously considering shifting production oversees have changed their minds and have stayed in the UK.”

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