Games Industry Gets Tax Breaks

The Chancellor, as part of his Budget 2010 speech today, has issued a lifeline to UK developers by offering tax breaks.  The surprise announcement was met with good cheer from the 9,000 or so that work in and around the industry, with Tiga Chief Executive Richard Wilson saying it was an “inspired decision”.

Wilson predicted it would allow over £450 million to be invested in new games over the next five years.  “We have a history of great engineers, inventors, programmers and games designers. It is brilliant to see the government recognise the importance of the games industry,” said Rebellion’s Jason Kingsley, the creative director responsible for Aliens vs. Predator.

“This move recognises the economic and cultural contribution made by the games industry which is set to be the driving force of media in the 21st century,” said Rupert Clark, an analyst from consulting firm Deloitte.  “The UK has an international reputation for creating some of the very best games,” he added.

Thanks, Xipro, via BBC.