Tax break for computer games industry welcomed

Kim BriscoePlans to offer tax breaks to the UK computer games industry has been welcomed by a Norwich university.Kim Briscoe

Plans to offer tax breaks to the UK computer games industry has been welcomed by a Norwich university.

Marie-Claire Isaaman, leader of the games art and design course at the Norwich University College of the Arts (NUCA), was among influential members of the industry who lobbied the chancellor of the exchequer, Alistair Darling, to support the sector through tax relief, which he unveiled as part of his budget this week.

TIGA, the organisation representing the industry, said Games Tax Relief would increase employment, investment and innovation in the UK video games sector.

The games art and design course at NUCA is a member of TIGA and has been fully behind the campaign for tax relief.

Ms Isaaman said: 'I am delighted that the government has listened and will be offering tax breaks to the sector; this will support the growing graduate talent developing in this country through specialist courses like NUCA's and help prevent a 'game talent' drain to other nations that offer aggressive tax breaks and therefore more attractive jobs for graduates.

'Further it is an affirmation that the games sector is accepted as a valuable contributor to the UK's creative industries and cultural landscape.

'Graduates can be more confident that opportunities for employment will continue and possibly increase as a result of the government's positive decision.'

Computer games now out-sell music and video in the UK and TIGA says the industry contributed �1bn to the UK economy in 2009.