There's a new cultural test to go with the UK game tax breaks

Video game tax breaks have finally been approved for UK developers -- along with a brand new cultural test that you'll need to satisfy to claim state aid. Nearly a year after tax breaks were meant to be established for video game companies in the UK, the European Commission gave the initiative the go-ahead last week, stating that the relief is "in line with EU state aid rules." Now the new cultural test that UK devs will need to pass to claim relief has been posted online, and it's changed considerably from the original guidelines that were put forth back in 2012. The main points are that your game needs to satisfy 16 of a possible 31 points to pass. Points are awarded for setting your game's world in the UK, for example, or having UK residents on your development team. The full list of points can be found over on the Film Forever website. Interested parties can only apply for interim certification once all the legislation procedures are complete -- for now, you're able to apply using a draft application, and you'll receive a "letter of comfort" if you are approved.