Treasury minister visits Blitz Games Studios

Treasury Minister Stephen Timms has visited UK stronghold Blitz Games Studios as part of the Labour party’s ongoing charm offensive on the game sector.

Joined by Labour candidate James Plaskitt, Timms met with Blitz Games’ founding brothers Philip and Andrew Oliver to discuss the industry’s strengths and how it can be aided.

Timms said he enjoyed visiting a “fantastically creative and innovative company first hand.”

He added: “Blitz played a key role in making the case for the tax break announced by the Chancellor in the Budget and I look forward to seeing the growth of the British games industry in future years.”

Chancellor Darling told Develop earlier today that the game industry is a “creative force” that deserves, and needs, support in Westminster.

Both Andrew and Philip Oliver helped lead the charge in the UK’s campaign for game development tax breaks, but both believe there is still more campaigning to do.

Philip Oliver said it was crucial to “build a relationship with these key political players and helping them understand the deeper issues faced by our industry.”