212 games get UK games tax relief in 2017

212 games were certified for video games tax relief in the UK in 2017 according to figures released from the BFI.

This is a jump from the 189 that were certified in 2016, and a big increase on the 116 certified in 2015. UK spend, and the total budget connected to games certified for tax relief were both higher than 2015 and 2016, too. The scheme appears to be a success, as the government has extended its tax relief initiative to 2023.

Speaking to GI.Biz, TIGA CEO Richard Wilson said: "Today’s statistics show that video games tax relief is helping to drive growth in our high skilled, export focused sector. Yet with Brexit contributing to the UK’s economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever for the UK to reinforce its most successful industries, including the video games sector.

"We must retain video games tax relief and explore the potential for making it even more effective to support our games industry."

UKIE CEO Jo Twist added: "It’s excellent to see an increasing number of games receiving both final and interim certification, demonstrating the continuing demand for the video games tax relief. Similarly, the increase in UK / EEA spend highlights the relief’s important role in driving investment in the UK games industry."