TIGA, the trade association for developers and digital publishers, said today that the news that Blitz was entering administration was a bitter blow for the games industry in Leamington Spa and for the UK. TIGA urged the Government to help foster start-ups in Leamington Spa and work with the European Commission to accelerate the introduction of Games Tax Relief. At least one new games company will be established in the aftermath of Blitz’s liquidation.
Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, said:
“The liquidation of Blitz Studios is a bitter blow for the games industry in Leamington Spa and for the UK generally. Blitz is an iconic British games studio. Philip and Andrew Oliver, the CEO and CTO respectively at Blitz, have made an enormous contribution to the UK video games industry, having been involved in the sector since its beginnings in the 1980s.
“TIGA salutes Blitz’s achievements and we hope that everyone at Blitz will be successful in finding new work as quickly as possible. TIGA will endeavour to support any new start-ups that emerge from the closure of Blitz. At the same time, it is vital that the Government takes steps to support the growth of new studios by the provision of business incubators and by working with the EU Commission to introduce Games Tax Relief as speedily as possible. Games Tax Relief will reduce the cost of games development and improve access to finance, as well as supporting the development of culturally British video games.”
About TIGA:
Notes to editors:
About TIGA
TIGA is the trade association representing the video 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. Since 2010, TIGA has won 16 business awards.
TIGA focuses on three sets of activities: political representation, profile raising 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: 07875 939 643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org
Drew Field, TIGA Communications Director on: 07720 643 344, or email: drew.field@tiga.org