Game Developers Association of Australia hails new $1.9bn tax relief scheme
Australia will grow again to become one of the world’s most important game development nations, a local association has predicted after a generous game tax breaks package was introduced to the region.
Tony Reed, CEO of the Game Developers Association of Australia, believes Australia can be a leading game development nation within five years.
The claim comes after the Australian Government's proposed research and development tax credits plan was approved in Parliament.
That breakthrough scheme sets aside $1.9 billion for digital creative companies across the country.
"No matter how big or small a studio is, this is the kind of thing that will encourage development,” Reed said in an interview with Gamespot.
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He said the tax break policy is designed “with our own independence, creativity, and innovation in mind”.
“Our goal at the GDAA is to prepare Australia to become one of the top three territories in the world for game development within the next five years.
“I think this can be achieved,” he added.
“The industry is doing really great right now and we seem to have gone back to our roots in generating amazing content."
Investment in Australia’s development sector comes years after a investment drought across the country.
Yay .... another place the UK Games industry can loose our talent to.
@ Chris I wouldnt hold my breath in the next 5-10 years mate. Thigns arent peachy in Australia contrary to what is reported above.
So the IGDA / GDAA have been pushing for the Aus gov't to invest in and encourage the digital entertainment industry for well over 8 years now. Whilst being thankful that the finally something is being done about it, I call SHAME ON THE AUS govt for waiting until their booming games industry was decimated this and last year before finally acting.
Seriously this makes me mad that the gov't is so short sighted and has to wait for disaster to react. Doesn't anyone else feel mad?
I would not be worried about losing any talent to Australia there's so many studio closures. Infact any company seriously looking at opening a new studio should consider the out of work talent pool sitting there waiting.
Thumbs up GDAA, and FINALLY thumbs up Aust Gov but please have more foresight in the future and listen to the GDAA!
