The organisers of Games Fleadh, an all-island games design and development competition, yesterday called for a scheme of tax relief for investments similar to that afforded to Irish made film and television productions to be extended to the domestic game design and development sector.



The organisers say the provision of tax relief to Irish games designers and developers would "encourage more entrepreneurship and consolidate the strong growth" recorded in the sector as evidenced by job announcements from EA, Black Shamrock and ZeniMax, as well as relocation from Silicon Valley to Galway of Romero Games.



Some of the biggest names in the gaming industry will gather at the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) campus in Thurles today to participate in Games Fleadh 2016. This year, a new innovation sees the inclusion of startup session which will provide insight from recently formed Irish startups in the game design and development sector.



The event is supported by Microsoft Ireland, EA Games, Ubisoft and the Irish Computer Society.



Event organiser, Dr. Liam Noonan says, "We do need to level the playing field and encourage investment in this creative innovative space, this industry is no different to the movie or TV sector as it is creative, dynamic and risk taking is involved.

He added, "Investment tax relief schemes in the game design and development sector are needed to encourage more entrepreneurship and the creation of Irish jobs."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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