City Of Savannah Announces Free Rent For Game Developers

Game companies can snag a space in Georgia rent-free, thanks to a new initiative from Georgia's Creative Coast Alliance and the Savannah Economic Development Authority. Devs can use the space, inside of the organizations' Game Development and Digital Media Center, for up to one year. The initiative's aimed at enticing new studios to set up shop Savannah, highlighting its lower cost of living and doing business relative to major cities. In their announcement, the organizations also touted its strong local university community, in particular the Savannah College of Art and Design and a new campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology -- which mean that many local grads may be seeking jobs related to game development. Notably. Georgia also offers 30 percent tax credits to game developers via its newly-expanded Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act. "Savannah has what game development companies need in talent, tech and quality of life," says veteran designer Brenda Brathwaite, chair of SCAD's Interactive Design and Game Development Department. "In today's economy, when so many developers are laid off and looking for that silver lining, the Savannah offer is incredibly welcome and offers developers a chance to start a studio on more stable footing."