Reality Panic

A recent interview I did with Mathew Kumar on tax breaks and game industry economic development was posted to Gamasutra, and got some good comment traction. A related article by Nicholas Lovell was posted as well, questioning the true value of tax breaks.

As I clarified in my own comment to my interview, I’m not opposed to tax breaks. They are a valuable tool. I’m opposed to thinking that providing a tax break is the only way to build/grow the game industry in your country/region. For example, listen to the language that Singapore uses with regards to building an ecosystem, creating original content, supporting education/talent, having players involved in all aspects of the value chain, etc.

In the UK, they just can’t stop complaining about Canada being a threat and fighting for a “level playing field”. I’d say their number one threat right now is their attitude! Instead of fighting for something they will never get and complaining about it, they need to look at the bright spots and clone those. Who is succeeding; who is persevering; who is growing; who is being innovative? How and why are they able to do this, despite not having a “level playing field” with tax breaks. Figure that out, then emulate. It’s more about amplifying the positive than getting stuck in the negative.

For example, I’m a big fan of incubation - in all its various forms. At the end of June, Joystick Labs was announced. Based in North Carolina, they are currently taking applications for their game-focused incubator program (deadline is August 13th). I was so pleased/impressed to see this initiative happening that I agreed to serve as an advisor/mentor.

That said, the UK has one of the best incubation programs around: Dare to be Digital. Instead of wasting energy complaining about some figurative “playing field”, get behind that and drive it even farther. Similarly, instead of complaining about UK culture minister Ed Vaizey’s non-committal language on tax breaks, folks should be jumping all over the fact that he announced a £5m investment fund.

There is no reason why the UK cannot return to its game industry powerhouse status. They don’t even need tax breaks or government support (though, sure, would be nice) to do it. They mainly just need a new, more positive mindset.

Wow, I’m shaking from eating too much meat!

Went to dinner with local indies Ken Schachter (Trapdoor) and Vander Caballero (Blue Lizard) to talk shop. Ken suggested Le Milsa, a Brazilian churrascaria style restaurant. Of course, we took the “rodizio” option… Too. Much. Meat.

There was even a carnival style samba dancer that come out to get the crowd revved up. Ironically, when I was in Rio last year, I meant to hit a churrascaria, but never got the chance..

Vander and Ken and lots of meat!

Ken and Vander attacked by the samba dancer!

I recently signed the ECA’s “Freedom of Speech, Freedom to Game” petition. And, somehow, it’s making me feel even better about clearing out all the crime from Crackdown 2’s Pacific City ;)

Ok, more seriously, freedom of speech and creative expression for game developers was always one of the big topics I dealt with while at the IGDA. Now my work is much more business/strategy focused, and I don’t really get to wrestle with stuff like censorship anymore. Though, I will often bring it up in terms of governments who are keen to support/grow their local game industry, need to be thinking about the overall “atmosphere” for games and removing as much “friction” as possible. In fact, a critical success factor is embracing games as art and culture.

Anyway, takes all of 20 seconds to sign the petition. Do it!