TIGA said today that if the UK Coalition Government wants the UK to be a ‘digital superpower’ then it must develop policies that enable digital industries like the video games sector to fulfil their potential. In the case of the video games industry, this means looking again at the case for Games Tax Relief, retaining and improving R&D tax credits, supporting prototype funding and increasing the supply of highly skilled graduates. TIGA made the comments following a speech by Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, in which he warned against ‘putting all of our eggs in a financial basket’ and instead focus on investing in the creative industries.

Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, said:

“The Secretary of State said today that the UK was ‘probably the second best country in the world in the creation of digital content’ and that he wants the UK to be a ‘digital superpower’ by 2015.

“He is right to be ambitious. The UK creative industries have great potential. However, we cannot will the end without the means. Many other countries have high hopes for the economic potential of their own creative industries and are investing significant sums in them. The UK cannot be a digital superpower on the cheap.

“As far as the UK video games sector is concerned, while we have a proud heritage of game development, our industry is at a disadvantage vis-a-vis many of our overseas competitors who benefit from tax breaks for games production. Our industry lacks this support. The UK Coalition Government should look again at the case for Games Tax Relief, it must maintain and enhance R&D tax credits, support prototype development and increase the supply of highly skilled graduates.”