GTA IV success proves that government must act, says Tiga

UK games development trade association Tiga has said the massive success of Grand Theft Auto IV underlines ‘the vitality and creativity of the UK games development sector’ – which it adds is further proof that the Government should offer tax credits to developers.

Citing Chart-Track’s estimated UK first day sales of GTA IV at 609,000 units and critical praise, from Eurogamer to The New York Times, Tiga CEO Richard Wilson said in a statement:

“GTA IV is a creative and commercial success, driving video games deeper into popular culture. It is an adult game for an adult audience. As the average age of gamers increases the demand for mature games of this kind is likely to rise too.

“GTA IV’s world-wide success is indicative of the strength of the UK games development sector. Our games industry is the largest in Europe and we are the fourth largest developer of games in the world. The UK games industry is also characterised by strong regional clusters. Scotland has a particularly creative set of games businesses. GTA IV’s triumph is a success for Scotland in particular.

“Tiga would like to offer its congratulations to Rockstar North and all of the people who worked so hard to make GTA IV the great success that it is.

“From a wider policy perspective, if we are to improve on the games industry’s record of success, then the Government must create a more favourable tax regime for games developers and tackle the underlying skills shortages facing the games development industry. This approach will enhance the UK’s capacity for creating more video game block-busters.”

Tiga has repeatedly called on the Government to help create a better economic climate for UK games developers by offering subsidies or tax credits like those available in places like Canada.