The British government will establish a "video games committee," reports MCVUK.
The concept for the new group came out of a meeting last week between representatives of UK game publishers' group ELSPA and Siôn Simon (left), the government's new Minister for Creative Industries. The committee will have representatives from a number of British Cabinet offices, including the Departments of Culture, Media and Sport, Business Innovation and Skills, Health, the Home Office and Children, Schools and Families.
ELSPA head Michael Rawlinson told MCVUK that he was encouraged by the decision to create a video game-specific government committee:
The news was indeed upbeat. The Minister assured us that the Government is confident of being able to introduce pro-PEGI legislation before the next election.
We also covered the other hot topic of the moment: tax breaks for the industry. Siôn Simon confirmed that the Treasury is now open in principle to the idea of tax breaks for the country’s video games industry.
But endlessly calling for tax breaks is not enough. What is obvious is that hard evidence has so far been very lacking so the Minister has now asked ELSPA to help further the debate by furnishing that evidence. This, of course, we are happy to do.
Comments
SOCIALISTS!
What in the christ are you talking about?
It was my lame attempt at satire, given the comments field activity in recent weeks.
The Leftist Government (Gordon Brown) in Britain just had a huge loss not seen since Neville Chamberlain’s leftist Government lost power. So there should be a Government change very soon thank god. Until then the Leftists in Brittan will worry about video games and appeasing the Muslim Pakis and putting footies on dogs and allowing Islamic Courts in the country.
Paki is a racial slur.
The conservative diatribes are growing wearisome.
But the insanity underlying them continues to bewilder and amuse.
Growing?
Hunting the shadows of the troubled dreams.
Point taken.
You do realise in their current form that New Labour are on the right hand side of the political compass right?
Of course he doesn't. To these folks, if it's not to the right of Pat Buchanan, it has to be communist. Most of these folks worry that Joe McCarthy was too liberal.
I just hope "pro-PEGI legislation" doesn't mean they'll regulate or ban certain games based on the PEGI system.
I heard that Jack Thompson plans to speak before them and quote Natalie Portman. "My people are dying! We don't have time to discuss this in a committee!".
"What is obvious is that hard evidence has so far been very lacking so the Minister has now asked ELSPA to help further the debate by furnishing that evidence."
Evidence of what? What does this refer to? The article doesn't specify.
Awaits comments from US gamers regarding the BBFC banning a game every week (although the BBFC was much more liberal than the ESRB), and potentially some Obama bashing.
I'm sure DrKefka will be able to work in that Obama bashing for you. He's a nice guy like that.
Oh come on, not a commitee formed by 60 years olds who never played any video game in their life.