Justin today hosted a Parliamentary event that aimed to showcase some of the UK's most talented developers and studios in the video games industry. Organised by TIGA who represent the games industry, the event was a chance for MPs to see the enormous contribution the industry makes to the UK economy.
The industry is worth billions to the UK economy and sales can reach nearly £3 billion a year. Some of the most successful titles have budgets to match Hollywood blockbusters, and can take hundreds of millions of pounds in sales in their launch week.
Britain has the biggest developer base in Europe and nearly half of the world's top 100 developer studios are based here. This industry is key to our economy and provides significant opportunities for growth in the future. That is why the Government has given the industry the same creative tax break as the film industry enjoys, in recognition both of the UK's leading role, but also of the potential that this industry has.
The event showcased 14 different developer studios from across the country, from Cornwall to Aberdeen. These studios are producing content for consoles, PC as well as apps for phones and tablets.
Speaking at the event, Justin praised the work of TIGA and set out just why the industry is so important to the UK.
Justin said "The Government recognises the enormous potential that the UK games industry has. That is why we have given that tax break to ensure that we remain the best place to come and develop and that we can continue to attract the very best developers in the world. Technology will play a big part in the future of the UK economy and the video games industry is a part of this. We are recognised worldwide for it and long may this continue.
"I am particularly supportive, not just because I enjoy video games, but because the industry provides so much opportunity for young people to start their own business. If you have the talent, then you can start in your bedroom, developing apps and selling them online. This a fantastic way for business savvy young developers to get their foot in the door and take that first step towards one day running their own studio."
