As layoffs sweep the booming video game industry, a new bill aims to support and grow Wisconsin’s gaming companies with a tax credit for wages and other eligible expenses.
The bill, authored by Republicans Sen. Patrick Testin of Stevens Point, Rep. Clint Moses of Menomonie and Sen. Jesse L. James of Altoona, received public hearings in both houses this week. It has yet to receive Democratic support, and additional hearings have not been scheduled.
Nationally, the video game industry is worth more than $282 billion, surpassing the film and television industries, and it’s projected to grow by nearly 8.8% per year for the next three years, according to an analysis by data platform Statista. Wisconsin is already home to a growing number of video game studios, including Raven Software, PUBG Corporation, Lost Boys Interactive and Filament Games.
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