Speaking at today's Develop video gaming conference in Brighton, TIGA chief executive Dr Richard Wilson said the organisation wanted to see:

• The introduction of Games Tax Relief or a similar tax relief as soon as possible


• The retention and expansion of the SME R&D tax credit scheme


• A reduction in tuition fees for students studying mathematics and computer science degrees

Dr Wilson said: "TIGA has consistently drawn attention to the increasingly uneven global playing field, with some governments providing huge fiscal incentives and tax breaks to encourage gaming companies to relocate.
"TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business. We can only achieve this with a favourable tax environment that encourages investment into the games industry and supports development businesses.
"TIGA's priority is to continue to campaign for Games Tax Relief or a similar tax relief. Games Tax Relief would create a level playing field with our overseas competitors, generate investment and increase skilled employment.
"TIGA also supports the retention and expansion of the Small Firms R&D tax credit scheme. This scheme is essential for the development of new IP and technology that will allow the UK to remain a leading creative force.
"In education the Government should address the skill shortage that the games industry faces through the provision of lower tuition fees for computer science and mathematics degree courses and investment in higher education. There is also a need for greater collaboration between the video games industry and educators via industrial secondments and knowledge transfer. A career in the video games industry should be promoted in schools to encourage the study of mathematics and science."
TIGA also recommended that the Government work more closely with trade organisations such as TIGA when devising policy that affects the video games industry.
Last week TIGA and fellow trade body ELSPA agreed to form a joint steering committee to discuss tax breaks.
Dr Wilson said: "We hope to work closely with the coalition Government and all parliamentarians on these policies and will continue to work hard to promote the agenda of the UK video games industry."