i did some checks, and i didn't see this elsewhere
So it would seem that the British government has teamed up with TIGA, to create an APPG. Now, TIGA is a trade body which represents the business and commercial interests of game developers in the UK, and europe.
"So what does this mean for the industry in Britain?" I hear you cry. Fear not, I have at least some of the answers here:
First of let's define what an APPG ( all party parliamentary group) is - In layman's terms it is a group of parliament members who talk about a given subject of interest ( here, it is obviously video game development). these meetings are informal in nature (compared to normal parliamentary discussions) and have no direct impact on legislature. However, due to the neutrality of these groups, and the fact that outside parties, such as TIGA, can participate they are created in order to aid the issues. These findings can then be suggested to parliament as a whole, who can then choose to legislate. "All Party Groups can be a highly effective vehicle to raise and discuss issues amongst interested Parliamentarians,"
What does this mean for our beloved industry? Well, it should have a positive effect. The government has finally realised that the video game industry is a cash cow to nurture, feed and then milk. that may sound like a bad idea, but it will be a win-win situation for government and the industry.
Basically it will be used to help draw in more developers into Britain, through various means, including tax cuts. therefore more developers in Britain, paying less money. Industry - cheaper to produce games in Britain, Government - less tax per company, more companies so more overall.
It can also help to introduce other measures, including a better link between the academic world and the industry world. this could help more people to be employed after taking their degrees relevant to the games industry.
I have heard a few negative comments being made about this APPG though. maybe I should dispel some myths about it:
1) the government are going to be sticking their noses into my favourite hobby! -
No, firstly it isn't the government proper, an APPG is a separate entity to the parliament as a whole, plus the involvement of TIGA should keep all developments positive, that and the fact that APPG are generally for creating positive changes anyway.
2) These people don't care about gaming.
wrong, APPG's are made up of the people who actually care about the issue to be discussed
3) all they are after is money !
Yes, that could very well be true. however, they are after something to benefit everyone. if they were just after money this could be discussed in the Commons, as opposed to making a APPG for it. it will not lead to an increase in tax either, not to developers nor consumers.
4 (I honestly saw this somewhere) Will this mean that politicians can claim expenses on the gaming industry as well now?
When will people shut up about this. you can't bring it into every political discussion. and they are changing those laws on expenses. MP's have been claiming expenses for years, and no one gave a shit, plus if it were any of us we would have done the same. (that doesn't justify it though, just that humans are greedy) So no, MP's can't claim expenses on games or whatever you think they will now be able to claim expenses on.
I know this is a lot of text, but thanks for reading, if you did.
point for discussion, how dod you think this will affect the industry, in UK, and as a result elsewhere?
edit - oops this might have been for the gaming forum. if a mod sees fit to do so, please move it.
So it would seem that the British government has teamed up with TIGA, to create an APPG. Now, TIGA is a trade body which represents the business and commercial interests of game developers in the UK, and europe.
"So what does this mean for the industry in Britain?" I hear you cry. Fear not, I have at least some of the answers here:
First of let's define what an APPG ( all party parliamentary group) is - In layman's terms it is a group of parliament members who talk about a given subject of interest ( here, it is obviously video game development). these meetings are informal in nature (compared to normal parliamentary discussions) and have no direct impact on legislature. However, due to the neutrality of these groups, and the fact that outside parties, such as TIGA, can participate they are created in order to aid the issues. These findings can then be suggested to parliament as a whole, who can then choose to legislate. "All Party Groups can be a highly effective vehicle to raise and discuss issues amongst interested Parliamentarians,"
What does this mean for our beloved industry? Well, it should have a positive effect. The government has finally realised that the video game industry is a cash cow to nurture, feed and then milk. that may sound like a bad idea, but it will be a win-win situation for government and the industry.
Basically it will be used to help draw in more developers into Britain, through various means, including tax cuts. therefore more developers in Britain, paying less money. Industry - cheaper to produce games in Britain, Government - less tax per company, more companies so more overall.
It can also help to introduce other measures, including a better link between the academic world and the industry world. this could help more people to be employed after taking their degrees relevant to the games industry.
I have heard a few negative comments being made about this APPG though. maybe I should dispel some myths about it:
1) the government are going to be sticking their noses into my favourite hobby! -
No, firstly it isn't the government proper, an APPG is a separate entity to the parliament as a whole, plus the involvement of TIGA should keep all developments positive, that and the fact that APPG are generally for creating positive changes anyway.
2) These people don't care about gaming.
wrong, APPG's are made up of the people who actually care about the issue to be discussed
3) all they are after is money !
Yes, that could very well be true. however, they are after something to benefit everyone. if they were just after money this could be discussed in the Commons, as opposed to making a APPG for it. it will not lead to an increase in tax either, not to developers nor consumers.
4 (I honestly saw this somewhere) Will this mean that politicians can claim expenses on the gaming industry as well now?
When will people shut up about this. you can't bring it into every political discussion. and they are changing those laws on expenses. MP's have been claiming expenses for years, and no one gave a shit, plus if it were any of us we would have done the same. (that doesn't justify it though, just that humans are greedy) So no, MP's can't claim expenses on games or whatever you think they will now be able to claim expenses on.
I know this is a lot of text, but thanks for reading, if you did.
point for discussion, how dod you think this will affect the industry, in UK, and as a result elsewhere?
edit - oops this might have been for the gaming forum. if a mod sees fit to do so, please move it.
I'm all for the government treating games like a cash-cow if it means more funding and jobs in the industry. More companies like Media Molecule and Rebellion will always be welcome 
