The SNP Government has reaffirmed its support for the computer games industry in Dundee and across Scotland.
MSP for Dundee City West Joe FitzPatrick is confident that the games industry has a bright future but he said, during First Minister’s Question time today at Holyrood, that for the sector to achieve its full potential, greater powers for the Scottish Parliament must be in place, including control of the tax levers.
Speaking in Parliament, he said: “In Dundee and across Scotland the SNP Government have supported the creative and digital industries.
“I am currently in the process of establishing a Cross Party Group focussed on the Computer Games Industry in Scotland to maintain this support.
“The Scottish Government has already showed clear leadership on this issue in the face of Westminster neglect, with £3.35 million direct support provided to the games sector as part of an overall £6.75 million given by the Scottish Government and its agencies in the last year.
“Over the last few weeks I have been in contact with TIGA to discuss this interesting proposal for a Creative Content Fund to provide direct funding to games developers that can then be recouped from the profits made by successful developers and reinvested yet again to allow even more small businesses to flourish.
“TIGA’s Games Tax Relief proposal estimates that while it would initially cost around £200 million in loss as tax receipts, they would ultimately generate almost £400m in extra tax receipts for the Treasury as these businesses grow.
“If the Scottish Government was given control over these vital tax powers then we would be able to get crucial support to these small businesses, enabling them to create jobs and fuel the economic recovery.
“TIGA and the industry recognise this but the UK Government is at odds with the best interests of the games industry’s needs in Scotland.
“The First Minister has promised a meeting between the SNP Government and TIGA to discuss the Creative Content Fund and the best way to move forward.”
