Ubisoft CEO argues Games Tax Relief would bring more games development jobs to the UK
TIGA, the trade association representing the UK games industry, today reiterated its warning to Government that its refusal to introduce Games Tax Relief is costing the country the creation of thousands of highly skilled jobs. This warning was in light of comments made by Yves Guillemot, CEO of Ubisoft, that changes in the Government tax breaks policy would lead to them investing in more jobs in the UK. Ubisoft employ 6,000 developers, but only a very small percentage in the UK at present.
Dr. Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, commented:
“Games Tax Relief would support a highly skilled, low carbon, export orientated industry. As Yves Guillemot has stated, it would bring many more jobs to the UK in an industry which is predicted to grow substantially internationally over the coming years. Games Tax Relief is also revenue positive for the Treasury. If you were looking for the perfect idea for a growth strategy, Games Tax relief fits the bill.
“Three international publishers – Activision Blizzard, THQ and Ubisoft – have now confirmed that they would be investing more money and creating more jobs in the UK games industry if we had Games Tax Relief. The Coalition Government’s stated aim is that the UK should be open for business. The introduction of Games Tax Relief would make this rhetoric a reality.””
Yves Guillemot was being interviewed by MCV magazine. The relevant question and answer is recorded as follows:
With over 6,000 developers you have the second biggest creative resource in the industry, but a very small percentage of it is in the UK. Would that change if there was a change in government policy in regards to tax breaks?
It would actually, yes. The UK has a strong creative history in the games market and we need to make sure we make games there. But the cost of doing business there doesn’t help and doesn’t compete with the possibilities in North America and the rest of the world. The creative people are there, so if the cost would come down…
I think it’s a short term view not to invest in the video games business, because this industry is at the forefront of a revolution that will affect all industries in the future.
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Notes to editors:
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. TIGA was awarded ‘Trade Association of the Year’ and the ‘Member Recruitment Award’ at the Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards 2010. TIGA has also been named as a finalist in the 2010 Chartered Management Institute (CMI) National Management and Leadership Awards in the category of ‘The Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award (SME)’. 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; or contact David Hodges on 02070911653