The trade association representing the U.K. video-game industry is citing the B.C. government’s new tax credit for game development as an example of what’s needed in that country.

In a press release today (February 5), TIGA said all U.K. political parties need to “show imagination and decisiveness” regarding the video-game industry.

TIGA noted that the B.C. Interactive Digital Media tax credit, announced on February 3, will cover 17.5 percent of qualifying labour costs.

Pending approval by the B.C. legislature, the tax credit will take effect on September 1.

In the release, Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA, states:

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 realise their full potential.

Jason Kingsley, chair of TIGA and CEO and creative director of Rebellion, adds in the release:

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

On February 4, Howard Donaldson, chair of the B.C. Interactive Task Force and vice president of studio operations for Disney Interactive Studios, called the tax credit “an important first step in creating a next-generation digital media hub and retaining our province’s preeminent position on the world video game stage”.

The press release from the B.C. Interactive Task Force noted that, in fall 2008, the 60 video-game studios in B.C. employed more than 4,000 people.

That local-employment figure has “fallen dramatically” since then, the release said.

Quebec and Ontario offer higher labour tax credits—37.5 percent and 35 percent, respectively—than B.C.

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