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European Commission extends French games tax break until end of 2017

UK should mirror model says EGDF

European Commission extends French games tax break until end of 2017
Having been instated for a trial period back in 2007, the European Commission has agreed to extend French tax breaks for the games industry until the end of 2017.

The original decision proposed by the French Government had been hailed as a landmark move for the industry by the European Games Developer Federation (EGDF).

Chairman Guillaume de Fondaumiere has now claimed its extension proves the model should serve as an example for a similar initiative set in motion in the UK.

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"I welcome this important resolution for our industry," said de Fondaumiere of the move.

"It will allow France to pursue a scheme that has proven very successful, in particular to relocate creative forces that had left the country.

"But more importantly for Europe as a whole, I hope that this extended window will now encourage other countries such as the United Kingdom to quickly put in place similar measures."

The EGDF believes the measure cements games position as a "form of cultural expression", equal in important to both films and books.

Green light

The move comes after the UK Government announced a tax break for the games industry in its most recent budget, with estimates suggesting it could generate £50 million for the industry over a two year period.

For its part, UK trade association TIGA said games' continued strong standing in France only serves to highlight that games are "economically important, can be educational, and can be cultural products."

"This is a critical victory not just for the French games development sector but also for the UK games development and digital publishing industry," said TIGA CEO Richard Wilson.

"TIGA successfully convinced the UK Government to introduce a tax break for games production in the March 2012 Budget. Today’s announcement by the European Commission gives the UK the green light to introduce this vital tax measure as soon as possible.

"This is a triumph for the French, the UK and the wider European games development sectors achieved by SNJV, TIGA and the EDGF trade associations, and I applaud the Commission's decision."

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.