89 games certified for tax breaks since January 2015

The British Film Institute has released updated figures for video games tax breaks, which shows that 89 titles have received some form of certification since the start of the year.

Interim certification has been given to 49 games since January, representing a UK spend of £260m and a budget of £314m, according to the BFI.

Meanwhile, 40 games have received final certification for video games tax relief, with a spend of £30m and a budget of £32m.

Over the past year – from July 2015 to June 2015 – 72 games have received interim certification under the cultural test.

“These figures show a real difference the video games tax relief is making to the UK’s games and interactive entertainment ecosystem,” said Jo Twist, CEO of trade body UKIE. “It’s clear the scheme is gaining momentum, with more games with diverse budgets getting certified.

“More development in the UK grows the ecosystem and means more people can make a living doing what they love, developing world class, distinctly British games. It also opens up more channels of funding for companies which is critical. 

“We worked hard with the sector to secure the scheme, which we believe is the most innovative and inclusive in the world, and we will continue to ensure all games companies across the UK can take full advantage of it. We will also keep working to promote the UK as the best place in the world to make and sell games.”