TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry, today said that HM Treasury and politicians in all of the UK’s political parties needed to show imagination and decisiveness in their approach to the UK games industry. TIGA made the comments in response to the news that British Columbia is set to introduce a 15 to 17.5 per cent tax credit in relation to labor costs to help the local video game industry.

Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, said:

“Once again policy makers in Canada have demonstrated imagination and decisiveness: imagination because they understand that video game development is an industry of the future that needs a friendly fiscal regime if it is to prosper in an intensely competitive world; and decisiveness because they are taking action, rather than just talking. UK politicians need to demonstrate similar imagination and decisiveness if the UK video games industry and other creative sectors are to realize their full potential.”

Jason Kingsley, Chairman of TIGA and CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion, said:

“We urge the Government to pay attention to developments elsewhere in the world. We urge the Government to introduce TIGA’s Games Tax Relief.”