TIGA, the trade association representing the UK videogamesindustry, has responded to claims by iconic games designer Hideo Kojima that
auteurs have very little future in the videogame industry.
The organisation says games tax relief combined with a
growing trend for self-publishing allows developers to take greater risks. The
cost of taking a game to market is lower than ever before and, TIGA says, there
is more room for experimentation. Kojima, who is behind the best-selling Metal Gear Solid
series, told the Annual Games Lecture 2012 today that he considered himself to
be an auteur.
He takes complete control over every aspect of his game but he
says it is becoming more unusual. TIGA says the rise of small teams combined with an easing of
costs that games tax relief will bring, means developers will be able to push
their creativity. It allows individuals to develop something unique.
Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA said:
“Auteurs still have a place in the games industry. The
rise of smartphone gaming and the lower costs associated with that, combined
with the growth in self publishing means that individuals have greater freedom
to develop creative and innovative games than was previously the case.
“TIGA
has called on the Treasury to avoid introducing a minimum spend threshold for
the forthcoming Games Tax Relief. This is because TIGA wants smaller studios
and start ups to benefit from this vital tax measure and thereby promote
creativity and innovation in the sector.”
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’
accredited 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: 07875 939 643, or
email richard.wilson@tiga.org.