Disney: Tax credit ‘strengthens BC games scene’

British Columbia’s new Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit program legislation will strengthen the Vancouver province’s games industry, suggests Disney exec Howard Donaldson.

Donaldson, who serves as chair of the BC Interactive Task Force, as well as VP of studio operations for Disney Interactive Studios, made his statement in response to the news that last Thursday B.C. Legislature passed British Columbia’s Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit program.

"B.C’s leading position as an interactive development hub has definitely been strengthened by the new tax credit," insisted Donaldson.

"This new legislation gives us the opportunity to grow our industry for the long-term and generate significant new investment in B.C. as the video game, film and animation industries converge."

While B.C, which plays host to several large studios including Disney, EA and Activision, has long proven popular with game developers, in recent years the area has seen a sharp decline in employment in the sector.

Meanwhile Montreal’s games industry has enjoyed continued growth as Quebec’s governing bodies provide generous state aid.

B.C’s new legislature, it is hoped, could see a significant return to form for the province.