UK Government Rules Out Tax Incentives

Speaking as part of the week long London Games Festival weekend, British Minister of State for Culture, Media and Sport Margaret Hodge has praised the UK games industry but ruled out any imminent possibility of tax incentives. As reported by trade paper MCV, Hodge suggested that the games industry was “top of the league when it comes to our creative industries, bigger than film or music. You have important social and economic challenges with no easy answers, but the Government now recognizes the importance of your business.” “To deal with other negative MPs, I suggest you set up an all-party group. Find some MPs who understand your business. Get them on board and working for you within Westminster. And to ensure a sensible discussion about social responsibilities, I would also encourage you to get closer to the children’s charities,” she added. “But as for criticism from the media, well don’t be so surprised. You’re a competitor of theirs, aren’t you?” quipped Hodge in a Q&A session after her main address. Despite her positive remarks, Hodge indicated that tax incentives are unlikely, and that new legislation against mature rated games could still be brought in if self-regulation was found not to be working. She did however indicate that the games industry was increasingly better understood, and even admired, by the UK government.