TIGA: Serious Games Can Improve Learning, Motivation

UK game developer trade body TIGA is leveraging the ongoing Game-Based Learning 2010 conference in London to speak out on what it sees as the potential for serious games to educate and motivate youth. TIGA, which regularly campaigns for higher recognition of the game industry by the UK government, aiming to receive tax breaks and other support for game developers, also highlighted the cultural and economic importance of the UK game sector at the event. "The UK video games sector is not just important economically and culturally," says TIGA CEO Richard Wilson. "The industry, especially through the use of serious video games, has the potential to enhance learning and training." TIGA's latest statements come on the heels of a promise from both the UK's incumbent Labour party and opposing Conservative party to introduce tax breaks for game developers . "Serious games have the potential to benefit from Games Tax Relief," says Wilson. "TIGA will work to ensure that serious games businesses have an opportunity to apply for Games Tax Relief." The Game-Based Learning Conference, taking place March 29 and 30, and the serious games industry in general also received a vote of confidence from Conservative Shadow Arts Minister Ed Vaizey, who has been a longer-term supporter of game development tax breaks. Vaizey highlighted the versatility of games for applications other than leisure. "Video games technology will be mainstream in all our lives very soon - at school, training for a job, learning new skills," he said. "It's another reason to support this vital industry." Don Foster, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Don Foster agreed, commenting: "Learning-based video games are particularly good at overcoming the fear of failure that prevents many children and adults from engaging in education," he said.