With an impressive technology infrastructure in place, the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office, is leading the way in the thriving and powerful video game development industry in Georgia. Emerging media industries such as game development, animation and interactive entertainment are booming all across the state.

The new Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act provides digital entertainment producers, including video game companies based outside of the state, tax credits on products developed here. Qualifying game developers or publishers are eligible to receive a 20% base tax credit on all qualified expenditures within Georgia, such as labor, materials, and services, as well as an additional 10 percent tax credit if the client is willing to place a Georgia promotional logo within the video game product.

An additional incentive provides for a Sales and Use Tax Exemption of up to 8% on all qualified expenses.

Here are some recent facts about Georgia's growing videogame industry (updated 8/09):

• Over $79 million dollars was invested in FY '07-'08 ('08-'09 figures coming soon)
• The economic impact on the above investment was $142 million dollars   
• Over 1600 employees in the state
• Over 60 video game developers and development companies in the state
• Over 2,000 students taking video game development courses or full-blown 4-year curriculums in the state; SCAD is now offering a Master’s degree program.
• Several international game development companies have recently located in Georgia, including Metaboli from France and CCP Games from Iceland.
• Georgia is the top video game development state in the Southeast.
   

Georgia is well-positioned to support the growing industry:

• Young population (average age consistent with gaming professionals).
• Critical mass of graduates in computer design, engineering and animation through Georgia Tech and Savannah College of Art and Design.
• A top place for innovation, start-up activity and technology employment.
• High-tech research being conducted in the state’s world-class universities creating new companies, jobs and talent needed to grow the industry.
• A strong transportation and telecommunications infrastructure has made Georgia a prime location for reaching the global marketplace.

Georgia is excelling in the industry, having recently received accolades in a variety of trade publications. Our knowledgeable and dedicated staff at the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office is ready, willing and able to assist you immediately. We look forward to working with you.

Recent industry news

7/1/10 Atlanta Business Chronicle: Georgia Tech, Qualcomm form game studio

contact

For more infomation:

 Mr. Asante Bradford
Digital Entertainment Liaison
Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office
75 Fifth Street, NW, Suite 1200
Atlanta, GA 30308
(p) 404.962.4056
(f) 404.962.4053
abradford@georgia.org

Or contact us at the Georgia, Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office.