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Story by Stephany Nunneley

Fri, Feb 26, 2010 | 16:44 GMT

Gordon Brown say UK games industry is “leading the way” in Europe

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said in a podcast that the UK games industry is “leading the way” in Europe.

Brown’s feelings were aired in the cast alongside of the Global Investment Conference, which is occurring in London this week.

“We’re leading the way in creative industries,” said Brown (via Edge). “[We’re] by far the biggest producer of computer games in Europe, and we’re leading the way in digital communications in a country with only one percent of the world’s population. More than a third of all internet traffic is routed through UK servers.

“So this coming week is another chance to showcase the UK. This is not just a talking shop though. There will be new commitments of investment off the back of this conference.”

TIGA CEO Richard Wilson commended Brown’s comments, saying: “We urge him to act quickly to introduce a Games Tax Relief as outlined by TIGA2, for the UK games development industry in the coming budget.

“TIGA has made repeated representations to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and to HM Treasury, setting out the case for Games Tax Relief.

“We hope that the support of the Prime Minister will ensure a commitment by the Government to the introduction of Games Tax Relief and so guarantee that the UK video games industry remains world leading.”

Peter Molyneux himself agrees that tax relief should be given to the UK industry, as he says it’s not seen as a “creative industry” by the government the way films are.

Last December, Chancellor Alistair Darling issued a pre-budget report to the government that did not include measures providing tax breaks – despite the sector pumping more money into the economy than the region’s film industry.

More through the links.