Texas Film Commission makes it easier for game devs to get rebates

Texas is now more welcoming to video game makers as a result of new economic initiatives enacted by the state's film commission to encourage game development.

The Texas Film Commission recently announced a reduction in the threshold to qualify for top-tier status from $5 million to $3.5 million of spending within the state, and an increase in the top-tier base percentage rate — the tax rebate a production receives — for films, scripted television shows and video games from 15 percent to 20 percent. The changes went into effect Sept. 1, when Texas' new fiscal year began.

The Entertainment Software Association, the premier trade body representing the game industry, commended Texas on the aforementioned changes to its incentive package.

"We applaud Commissioner Page and the Texas Film Commission for their leadership and vision in expanding these important incentives," said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA, in a press release. "This forward thinking paves the way for exciting new innovations in the entertainment industry."

Texas is home to a number of well-known studios, including Gearbox Software and id Software in the Dallas area and Twisted Pixel Games in Austin.