ELSPA Calls for Greater UK Govt. Support of Games Industry

In the wake of strong performance by the games industry in the UK, the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association is soliciting greater support on the part of the country's government. Software sales in the first quarter were up 14.5 percent year over year to 17.89 million units, while market value rose a more considerable 32 percent to GBP 418.4 million ($828.1 million), according to ChartTrack data. Though praising the growth, ELSPA director general Paul Jackson claimed the UK games industry faces dangerous prospects. "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," he said. "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." An ELSPA press release compared the UK government's support of the games industry to that of other countries, noting the tax breaks offered to industry firms in France and Canada. The organization also noted that the UK provides such incentives to the film industry.