London, U.K. — Games and interactive entertainment trade body, Ukie, calls for new system to benefit all parts of the industry. Ukie has used its response to the Government’s video games production tax credit consultation to outline how the new scheme would best work for all parts of the UK’s games industry.

The main points made in Ukie’s response are:

• Government is urged to make sure that the new scheme supports all parts of the industry – encouraging growth from small independent studios, existing bigger studios and attracting inward investment from multi-national companies.
• Recommending that the rate of relief should be set at 30% for all UK games development.
• There is no need for a minimum budget threshold for games to qualify for relief.
• Call for assurances that the new business models and ways of making games which stretches beyond “release” are recognised in the new tax system – which means that games businesses can claim for production costs incurred for DLC or as games continue to be developed and iterated.
• The games industry should have a specialist team dealing with Tax Returns and Cultural Test applications.
• There should be a voluntary contribution allowed for companies to invest in talent development and skills.

Ukie has spent the last two months consulting with games businesses throughout the UK – reaching a total of 221 individual companies (including 85 non-Ukie members) – from multinational publishers to one-person indie studios and everything in between. Ukie has also met with TIGA during this process to share thoughts and feedback to make sure that a consistent voice is presented to government on this crucial issue.

Ukie CEO, Dr Jo Twist said. “This scheme is a real opportunity to grow all parts of the UK games industry – from small, to medium, to big businesses – and will help people make even more distinctive and innovative games.”

“Having a system that recognises the new innovative business models and production processes in our industry, allowing developers to claim for DLC and continued development, post going-live to the public – gives the UK a real advantage over other countries.”

“Introducing a rate of 30% for all games businesses, regardless of their size, is the best possible way to ensure that the scheme gives the UK the level playing field that it needs to become a global games powerhouse.”

“We also want to urge government to effectively measure the true size of the games industry. As the recent report from Creative Scotland highlighted, it is crucial that we have accurate data so that we can judge the success of this scheme and other government policies.”

Ukie Deputy Chair, Ian Livingstone said: “The combined effect of tax breaks and a highly-skilled talent pool will mean that the UK will undoubtedly regain its rightful place as a world leader in video games development.”

“The Ukie team has done a great job in reaching out beyond its membership to speak to 221 games businesses of all sizes up and down the country to ensure that our industry response to this consultation truly represents a consensus of opinion for the entire UK. I’m also delighted to see Ukie and TIGA operating a joined-up industry approach to this very important issue.”

The full response can be found here.

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Mind Candy, the family entertainment brand behind the global children’s phenomenon Moshi Monsters, and Activision Publishing, a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard have announced the upcoming release of Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park, the second title in the Moshi Monsters video game series.

MoshiMonsters.com is an online world of adoptable pet monsters for kids aged 6-12. Players can customize and nurture their very own Monster as well as play mini-games, solve puzzles, share artwork and communicate in a safe environment. With more than 60 million registered users worldwide, the site has proved to be a hit and has expanded into a physical products line including best-selling toys, books, trading cards, the Moshi Monsters Magazine and a new music album. According to-market research firm, The NPD Group, Moshi Monsters was the No. 1 toy license-in the UK for the month of April.

Activision is a key partner in helping Mind Candy bring the beloved pet monsters to the handheld gaming platform. The debut title, Moshling Zoo, released in 2011, found success around the world and is one of only seven-3rd-Party games to ever top the UK charts, and is the only one to hold the No. 1 spot in Nintendo DS charts for an impressive five months.

“We look forward to working with Activision to build continued success for the Moshi Monsters brand and to bring new gaming experiences for our millions of fans to enjoy,” said Moshi Monsters creator and Mind Candy CEO, Michael Acton Smith.

Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park, developed by Black Lantern Studios, invites players to restore the legendary Moshi theme park to its former glory. Players progressively unlock six zones by successfully building attractions and rescuing the scattered Moshlings (adorable, itty bitty pets for your pet monster). Users of the Nintendo 3DS can also interact with other Nintendo 3DS players via the StreetPass feature and play cool games to bring the Moshlings to life in a whole new dimension. Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park marks the first time fans can interact with beloved characters via 3D technology and introduces players to a brand new, exclusive Moshling that can transfer across platforms to the online world.

“We look forward to bringing Moshi fans a brand-new gaming experience with fun, colorful gameplay; rich story and increased interactivity,” said David Oxford, Executive Vice President, Activision.

Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park will connect fans across the online and handheld platforms through exclusive codes and promotions, designed to increase engagement in new and exciting ways. Fans will uncover secret codes online at MoshiMonsters.com, which will unlock special areas and content on the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS.

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