Luciana Berger, the MP for Liverpool Wavertree and All Party Parliamentary Computer and Video Games Vice-Chair, commented:
“The computer and video games industry is a growing source of high-skilled jobs, while the creation of new devices and the use of games for other uses, such as education, are set to expand the industry even more. Here in Liverpool, we are already seeing a change in the industry with the close of Bizarre Activision, but many former staff are now setting up new enterprises and innovations.
“This country can’t afford to have a Budget that doesn’t focus on supporting growth in the economy. The government needs to back winners and with £1.53bn in sales last year, the industry is doing very well. These jobs are here, now, and we shouldn’t risk the economic recovery by refusing to support this successful industry.””
Tom Watson, the MP for West Bromwich East and All Party Parliamentary Computer and Video Games Group Co-Chair, commented:
“A targeted tax relief to help the video games sector to grow and create hundreds of highly skilled jobs in the UK should be a part of the Government’s growth strategy.
“The Coalition Government has an opportunity in the Budget to implement Games Tax Relief to the benefit of developers across the West Midlands and the country. I urge them to take it.””
Chris White, the MP for Warwick and Lemington and All Party Parliamentary Computer and Video Games Group Member, commented:
“Creative industries such as video games will play a significant part in the future of the UK economy, particularly if we are to see export led growth. In my constituency, we are home to a variety of video games developers who bring with them highly skilled jobs and investment into our local economy.
“The UK is already a world leader in the industry, but if we are to retain this position the Government needs to provide as much to the industry as possible. I hope that the Chancellor looks at this report carefully and works with the sector to achieve the best possible outcome for the West Midlands and the wider UK economy.””
Jim McGovern MP, the Labour MP for Dundee West and All Party Parliamentary Computer and Video Games Treasurer, commented:
“The report published today by TIGA makes clear what we have been saying to the government for some time now. The computer games industry needs government support to be able to compete internationally. Whether it is introducing tax relief or reforming the research and development tax credits, there is much the government can do to help.””
“This report further adds to calls we have been making to this Conservative-led government to stop dithering in its support for the computer games industry and to start taking action. When crucial jobs and investment are at stake in my constituency and across the country we cannot afford for the government to continue turning a blind eye to this issue.””
Stewart Hosie MP, the SNP MP for Dundee East and All Party Parliamentary Computer and Video Games Vice-Chair, commented:
“We urge George Osborne to introduce tax relief for research and development for the computer games sector in the Budget to allow it to emulate the success of the subsidies given to the British Film industry.
“The global market for computer games is increasing but the development of games in Scotland and the UK is not keeping pace with our competitors.
“We need to put the Scottish industry on a level playing field with competitor countries around the world including the United States of America, Canada and South Korea, who all offer major tax breaks at either national or regional level for game production or other substantial government financial support.
“All research conducted by TIGA and other bodies shows that the measure would pay for itself in increased revenue to the exchequer when the sector expands. Now is the time for such investment.
“We also support the introduction of Games Tax Relief and other TIGA initiatives to offer incentives to support a Scottish Games cluster.””
The Rt Hon David Hanson, Shadow Treasury Minister and MP for Delyn, commented:
“When in Government we recognised the value of the video games industry and proposed a targeted tax relief to help the sector to grow and create hundreds of highly skilled jobs here in the UK. When in power, instead of focusing on jobs and growth, the Conservative-led Government made the short-sighted decision to scrap this help – despite supporting such a tax relief in opposition. Labour will be looking in detail at the ways in which we can better support the video games industry going forward through our policy review.””
The Rt Hon Stephen Timms, the MP for East Ham, Former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and All Party Parliamentary Computer and Video Games Group Member, commented:
“In Government we recognised the growth potential of the video games industry and proposed a targeted tax relief to help the sector to grow and create hundreds of highly skilled jobs in the UK.
“The Coalition Government made the short-sighted decision to scrap this help – despite supporting such a tax relief in opposition. It has an opportunity in the Budget to reverse this decision which will benefit developers across the country. I urge them to take it.””
Tom Blenkinsop, the MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland and All Party Parliamentary Computer and Video Games Member, commented:
“Our games industry in the UK and particularly here in the North East is a vital and vibrant sector which creates both jobs and wealth. That is why I am in full support of TIGA’s campaign to ensure that the games industry is part of the Government’s strategy for growth. At Teesside University there are some excellent programmes to equip young people with the skills to contribute to this sector and I think it is absolutely crucial that the Government does all it can to help the games industry continue to grow.””