In 2023, the United Kingdom saw a 10% rise in claims for video game tax relief

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The HM Revenue and Customs announced a 10% rise in video game tax relief for the fiscal year 2022-23. A total of 525 claims were reported, as per the UK government's Creative Industries Statistics, resulting in £282 million being dispensed.

This growth is linked to an increase in significant claims surpassing £2 million. The Video Games Tax Relief (VGTR) appeared less affected by the COVID-19 pandemic compared to other creative industry incentives. Around 50% of the claims were for £50,000 or less, though a substantial 87% of the total relief came from claims above £500,000.

Last year, HMRC had inaccurately reported a decline in VGTR claims in the UK. The organization has since adjusted the figures for 2021-22, raising the reported amount by 36% from £189 million to £257 million.

Games Investor Consulting noted this revision marks HMRC's largest to date, as their recalibration process is typically standard but not on this scale. Initially, the agency stated there had been a 6% annual decline in tax relief claims.