Canadian Video Game Industry Welcomes BC Tax Credit Announcement

TORONTO , Feb. 3 /CNW/ - The Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) congratulates the Government of British Columbia today on its plans to extend production tax credits to the video game industry in the province. BC is a leading hub for the development of entertainment software for game consoles, handheld devices, computers and wireless devices, and in a difficult economic climate, these measures can provide meaningful incentives that will help to solidify Canada's standing as the third largest producer of video games in the world.

"Providing an additional incentive for the growth of the video game industry in BC is a boost not only for the video game industry, but for BC's economy as well," said Danielle LaBossière Parr, ESAC's Executive Director. "The BC Interactive Digital Media tax credit for video game development could stimulate job creation and economic development while helping to keep highly skilled and high paying jobs in Canada ."

BC is known internationally as a leader in the video game industry, producing some of the world's best selling blockbuster titles. This announcement will help to ensure that BC remains competitive as a player in the fastest-growing entertainment industry globally and that the province's video game industry will continue to attract investment in the future.

"We thank the government of BC for their support of this important, cutting-edge industry," added LaBossière Parr.

The ESAC is the voice of the dynamic and growing video and computer game industry in Canada . Association members include the nation's leading interactive entertainment software developers, publishers and distributors, which collectively accounted for more than 90 per cent of the $2 billion in retail sales of entertainment software and hardware in Canada in 2009, and billions more in export sales worldwide.

For further information: visit www.theesa.ca or contact: Julien Lavoie, Entertainment Software Association of Canada, [phone] ext. 248, [email protected]