Generous tax breaks for Scotland’s computer games industry, brought forward by the UK Government, have been rubber stamped by the European Commission.
It was confirmed today that the move, which came following campaigning by Scottish Conservatives, has received formal approval.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser believes that the tax break could help the games industry expand from its major hubs in Dundee and Edinburgh and into cities like Perth and Stirling.
The UK video games industry is the largest in Europe, employing about 9,000 people and contributing about £1bn to the economy each year.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“I am delighted that the European Commission has given the go ahead for tax breaks for Scotland’s computer games industry. Scotland is a world player in the computer games industry and today’s announcement will help fuel further success.
“Hopefully this financial incentive will allow the games industry to take root in other Scottish cities. The industry supports hundreds of highly skilled jobs, bringing together artists and engineers, graphic designers, mathematicians, physicists and musicians.
“Perth and Stirling are perfectly placed to take advantage of Scotland’s reputation as a world leader in computer gams development. However, the Scottish Government must enable this to happen by providing the best possible transport and digital infrastructure to both cities.”