Activision Blizzard has become the newest member of UK games industry trade association TIGA.
The US publisher is the owner of two UK-based development studios, Liverpool-based Blur developer Bizarre Creations and Leamington Spa-based DJ Hero creator FreeStyleGames.
In an announcement confirming its TIGA membership Activision said it was a major supporter of the trade body's campaign to secure tax breaks for UK game development studios.
“The UK has one of the most talented and creative workforces anywhere in the industry,” said George Rose, Activision Blizzard’s executive VP and chief public policy officer. “The introduction of Games Tax Relief in the UK will be a game changer. It will make the UK a significantly more attractive place to invest in games development. Games Tax Relief will lead to increased investment, more job creation and power economic growth.
“However, if Games Tax Relief is not introduced then the UK will remain at a real disadvantage in comparison to other territories as a location for inward investment. Without Games Tax Relief the UK games industry will not fulfil its potential.”
As part of its Emergency Budget last week the UK coalition government said it won’t be able to introduce tax breaks for the domestic games industry. It later said the decision would save the country £190 million.
TIGA CEO Richard Wilson said of the association’s newest member: “The support of Activision Blizzard is a huge boost for TIGA and for our campaign to secure Games Tax Relief. Brian Ward, Activision Publishing's senior vice president, worldwide studios, and I have already met with MPs in the UK to press home the case for Games Tax Relief. Our message is simple: back Games Tax Relief and benefit from more investment and more jobs in a high technology, export oriented industry, or risk investment drifting away to other, more forward thinking countries.”