Campaign begins for larger Ontario games tax credit

Canadian province Ontario is the latest to look at tax breaks as a way of growing its local games industry, IT business reports.

A new report commissioned by the local government, Ontario 2012: Stimulating Growth in Ontario’s Digital Game Industry, suggests that the authorities should implement a new tax credit system which would aid growth of the market.

Ontario is already host to a number of studios, including Digital Extremes and Silicon Knights.

Earlier this year, the region enhanced its tax credits for developers in the region to around 20 to 25 per cent, dependant on the project. But the report writers think the amount could be higher.

Study co-author Joel Finlayson commented: "Gaming is a particularly attractive area because it brings together artistic skills with technical ability. And there are already a number of developers working in Ontario in this large and rapidly growing industry."