ELSPA Reaffirms Need for Government Support for Games Industry
UK games body claims strong sales show industry deserves more support
Paul Jackson, director general of ELSPA
ELSPA has taken the fact that the British software market has had its best ever first quarter as an opportunity to once again call for more government support for the games industry.
Commenting on the figures (which SPOnG told you about last week), Paul Jackson, director general of ELSPA (the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association), said:
Expanding on Jackson's comments about the comparison between games and film, TV and movies, the announcement tells us, “The interactive entertainment industry has already financially exceeded such well-established entertainment industries as film box office, television and music and is rapidly closing in on home DVD sales.”
ELSPA recently expressed disappointment about the government's lack of support for the games industry in the budget.
Meanwhile, Dan Spence, a concerned 3D animator, has petitioned the Prime Minister for more tax breaks and other incentives to the industry. The petition came partly in response to SCi's relocation of a large portion of its development operations to Canada. You can sign it here.
So far, rather than offering incentives of its own, the UK government has opted to challenge those offered by the Canadian government via the European Commission.
Commenting on the figures (which SPOnG told you about last week), Paul Jackson, director general of ELSPA (the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association), said:
"We are thrilled to see the industry continue to grow at such a rapid rate and video game sales continuing to rise. This period has seen more innovative and family-friendly titles doing well and it is clear that consumers of all ages have been lining up to buy them. But this only paints one side of the picture, however.
“The UK continues to blaze a trail in terms of creativity yet over the last few years it is becoming apparent that some talent is being lured away by more attractive prospects overseas. As it stands, the UK is already down to fourth place from third as the world’s creative centre for games. It is time the Government recognised the massive financial contribution we make to the UK economy, especially when compared to the film, TV and music industries today. We call for a level playing field in terms of incentive and support. We would like to see a pledge from the Government that encourages investment in our development studios and talent at home.”
“The UK continues to blaze a trail in terms of creativity yet over the last few years it is becoming apparent that some talent is being lured away by more attractive prospects overseas. As it stands, the UK is already down to fourth place from third as the world’s creative centre for games. It is time the Government recognised the massive financial contribution we make to the UK economy, especially when compared to the film, TV and music industries today. We call for a level playing field in terms of incentive and support. We would like to see a pledge from the Government that encourages investment in our development studios and talent at home.”
Expanding on Jackson's comments about the comparison between games and film, TV and movies, the announcement tells us, “The interactive entertainment industry has already financially exceeded such well-established entertainment industries as film box office, television and music and is rapidly closing in on home DVD sales.”
ELSPA recently expressed disappointment about the government's lack of support for the games industry in the budget.
Meanwhile, Dan Spence, a concerned 3D animator, has petitioned the Prime Minister for more tax breaks and other incentives to the industry. The petition came partly in response to SCi's relocation of a large portion of its development operations to Canada. You can sign it here.
So far, rather than offering incentives of its own, the UK government has opted to challenge those offered by the Canadian government via the European Commission.
Companies:
ELSPA
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Comments
Joji 21 Apr 2008 14:49
1/1
Unfortunately, this will more than likely fall on fingered ears. The foggies in power will only give a damn, when most of the U.K's talent has long migrated to more inviting shores.
Now use shouting at Canada, U.K government, because you are at the root of this problem. Failure to give the games industry break in taxes will come too late, if ever.
Now use shouting at Canada, U.K government, because you are at the root of this problem. Failure to give the games industry break in taxes will come too late, if ever.