Tiga, the UK's game developer trade body, has welcomed a call from the Government to provide evidence for a culturally based tax break for the UK development sector.

The letter, released by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, invites Tiga to provide evidence to demonstrate how the issues currently facing UK game developers can be resolved by the formation of a tax break incentive with a specifically cultural focus. The letter also recognises the work Tiga has done to bring the Government's attention to the issues that face the UK games industry.

Richard Wilson, Tiga CEO said: "We are delighted that the Government is moving quickly on this issue. A tax break on cultural grounds will produce real benefits for the UK video games industry. It will provide additional resources for qualifying game developers and potentially lead to the development of new and original games.

"If the UK development community were granted a tax break on cultural grounds [similar to the French system], this would financially benefit developers and help them to compete more effectively and on a level playing field with our international competitors."