May 3, 2018
Tennessee Visual Content Modernization Act makes video games eligible for the state’s tax incentives
WASHINGTON – May 3, 2018 – The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which represents the US video game industry, today commended state government leaders in Tennessee for their vision and commitment to attracting creative tech jobs to their state through the Tennessee Visual Content Modernization Act. The act, signed this week by Gov. Bill Haslam, expands Tennessee’s tax incentive program for film and television to include computer-generated imagery and interactive digital media, as well as stand-alone, post-production musical scoring and editing.
“Adding video games to Tennessee’s tax incentive program positions Tennessee, as a world-renowned center for music, to become an even greater hub of artistry and storytelling and attract and retain high-paying, creative jobs,” said Erik Huey, senior vice president of government affairs at ESA. “The US video game industry generated a record $36 billion in revenue in 2017 and employs more than 220,000 people nationwide. We commend Gov. Bill Haslam for signing the Tennessee Visual Content Modernization Act and Rep. David Hawk and Sen. Mark Norris for sponsoring the legislation. Their leadership, and that of the staff at the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, will usher in a new period of economic and artistic growth for the Volunteer State.”
For more information on the geographic diversity and economic contributions of the US video game industry, visit www.areweinyourstate.org.
About ESA
ESA offers a wide range of services to interactive entertainment software companies, including conducting business and consumer research; providing legal and policy analysis and advocacy on First Amendment, intellectual property, and technology/e-commerce issues; managing a global content protection program; owning and operating E3; and representing video game industry interests in federal and state government relations. For more information, visit ESA’s website or follow ESA on Twitter @theESA or @ESAGovAffairs.
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