TIGA, the trade association that representing the video games industry, today announced that the organisation and its members remain intent on persuading the Coalition Government to introduce Video Games Tax Relief or a similar fiscal measure. Notably, Blitz Games Studios, Crytek, DR Studios, Exient, Kuju, Rebellion and Ubisoft Reflections, working with the rest of TIGA’s 160 members, declared their support for TIGA’s ongoing campaign to introduce Video Games Tax Relief in the UK.
Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA said:
“TIGA represents over 160 businesses and organisations in the UK working either directly in the video games industry or supporting the industry with training and services. Since the coalition Government abandoned plans to introduce Games Tax Relief in the June Budget our members have been extremely vocal in their outrage and dissatisfaction. TIGA is committed to getting Games Tax Relief introduced in the UK and we are delighted that our members remain united and defiant on this issue.””
Jason Kingsley, TIGA Chairman and CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion, said:
“It’s not just about keeping existing jobs, it’s about new jobs. The UK can only compete against our international competitors if we’ve got the Government on our side. This means that the Coalition Government must look again at the case for Games Tax Relief.””
Gareth Edmondson, CEO of Ubisoft Reflections, said:
“Games Tax Relief represents a strategic investment both in the know-how and technology that originally put the UK games industry on the map and in the numerous jobs that it provides. This is a growing industry; it’s an industry for tomorrow as well as today. But it needs a favourable environment and full support to continue to be a viable player in the global market.””
Philip Oliver CEO of Blitz Games Studios, said:
“The UK has always ‘punched above its weight’ in the global video games industry, and as the industry grows it is rapidly establishing itself as the leading entertainment format for the 21st Century. We need our government to recognise and support our UK industry in the face of mounting foreign supported competition so we can grow, create more jobs and more wealth for the country.””
Clive Robert, CEO of DR Studios, said:
“We rely on our workforce to provide the cutting edge innovation that helps us survive. Without Video Games Tax Relief jobs will move abroad. I wholeheartedly support TIGA’s campaign, and hope that the Government will recognise the needs of small businesses like ours.””
Dave Hawkins, CEO of Exient, said:
“Tax relief revitalised the UK film sector, and it would revitalise the UK video games sector as well. The UK is slipping far down in the world league table of games developers, and Games Tax Relief is key to boosting us back to the top.””
Nigel Robbins, CEO of Kuju Entertainment Ltd, said:
“The announcement of Games Tax Relief in the last Labour Budget gave us the confidence to invest in the UK. Now that confidence has been shattered and we call on the Coalition Government to urgent rethink its strategy.””
Karl Hilton, Managing Director of Crytek UK, said:
“Crytek wholeheartedly supports TIGA’s campaign to introduce Games Tax Relief. It’s critical to the long-term success of the UK’s game industry as we face an increasingly competitive international marketplace both for skilled people and inward investment.””