July 6, 2009 State Rep. hopes to extend tax credits to video game makers Play video

(NECN: Katie Daly) - Film tax breaks that some say have help lure Hollywood blockbusters to the state may soon be offered to the video game industry.

State Representative John Binienda of Worcester says that despite a tough economy the video game industry is booming. He believes his proposed bill, which extends motion picture tax credits to video game makers, will help the industry grow even more.

But some are concerned about the cost of tax incentives especially after lawmakers approved a sales tax hike. Critics also add that a new report by the Department of Revenue indicates that the state only gets back 16 cents on every dollar that's exempted under the motion picture tax credit.

Dan Conti is a Holy Cross graduate. He develops video games at a studio in Massachusetts. He says it's smart to invest in the video game industry because their products are in high demand and shows no signs of slowing down.

Conti considers himself lucky to land a job in Massachusetts. He says most people in his field usually have to move to California or Texas where video game studios are more plentiful. But that is something that representative Bienenda expects to change.

Binienda's bill is set to come up for a public hearing on Wednesday at the State House.