British industry body TIGA has published its 2024 10-Point Manifesto, a set of ideas to help the video games industry reach its full potential and drive economic growth in the UK.
TIGA's proposed initiatives include new tax credits, game accelerators, investment funds and skills programs that could create 2,660 game development jobs by 2028.
According to TIGA, the UK video games industry currently employs more than 25,000 workers across more than 1,800 studios and 200 service businesses, despite 95% of studios being exporters. , contributing nearly £3.7bn to GDP.
TIGA also asserted that although 2024 has been a challenging year so far, the proposed agenda offers an opportunity for growth, pending approval from the UK Government and Parliament.
TIGA's 10 manifesto proposals
- Create an independent games tax credit to encourage UK independent game production and strengthen VGEC
- Launching the National Games Accelerator (NGA) to help more startups scale up
- Maintaining levels of support for UK gaming talent and finance CIC
- Introducing the Video Game Investment Fund (VGIF) to stimulate growth in this sector
- Set up an industrial secondment program (ISP)
- We support BTEC and develop T-levels for the gaming industry.
- Encouraging training through the Skills Investment Fund.
- Reform the apprenticeship levy for flexible training spending.
- Introducing a competitive visa system for skilled workers.
- Promote competition in the game engine and platform market.
Jason Kingsley CBE, CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion and Chairman of TIGA, said: “In an age where technology and creativity are converging, the video games industry stands as a beacon of innovation and economic vitality.”
“The next administration and Congress have a unique opportunity to take this dynamic industry to even greater heights,” added Kingsley. “By fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation, we can ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global games development.”
The UK government's move from Video Games Tax Reduction (VGTR) to Video Games Expenditure Credit (VGEC) will also impact UK-based game development studios. In response to the government's statement, TIGA has also compiled a briefing document outlining the impact this transition will have on the gaming industry.
