Wisconsin offers 25 percent tax break for game devs

by Jason Dobson { Jun 18th 2008 at 11:44AM }

Here's a little known fact about Wisconsin: Did you know that it's unlawful to run a bar in the state unless you have at least six fish hanging on the wall? And if this didn't sell you on the virtues of the Badger State, frankly get off our lawn. Unless, of course, you're a game developer with an interest in settling down in Wisconsin, as the state has announced that it now offers devs a 25 percent tax rebate just for calling it home.

The move, which also includes businesses in the film and television industries, echoes similar initiatives by states such as Georgia and others to lure game developers across their borders. Wisconsin is already home to a handful of notable studios, including Marvel Ultimate Alliance dev Raven Software and Prey's Human Head, though it will be interesting to see if this sizable tax break, along with an additional 15 percent credit for "infrastructure development," will be enough to convince devs to put down roots in America's Dairyland.

Tags: rebate, tax, wisconsin

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

nmezib @ Jun 18th 2008 11:48AM

Cool, it's great to see governments realizing the potential impact the games industry will have on the economy. Hopefully this is a continuing trend that'll make us some o' dat Internet munnay!

Negativecool @ Jun 18th 2008 11:54AM

Being from Wisconsin, currently living in the Milwaukee area, I have to say that this is big news.

Not just for the implications this has on game developement here, but because Wisonsin taxes fucking blow, and ANY tax break for ANYthing is big news.

Xoviet chiK @ Jun 18th 2008 12:04PM

As long as it leads to more realistic rendering of our Bovine friends in video games, only good can come from this.

Wisconsin has a really nice Urban:Rural layout, would be a nice place to do business (albeit, do it far away from Publishers and Trade Shows). Also, Port Washington is loverly!

PojoMofo @ Jun 18th 2008 12:04PM

is this really going to be enough to convince any developer to move to Wisconsin?? Wisconsin is a great place to live, but not exactly a technology hotbed

glitched @ Jun 18th 2008 1:15PM

I disagree, many tech companies make their home in wisconsin, espeicially the madison area.

dotdotdot @ Jun 18th 2008 12:09PM

guess what happens when Obama raises taxes on the oil companies? The oil companies pass on the tax increases to the consumers. Billiant plan....Obama. Carter did it, and now Obama's gonna do it.
I'm sure this will stir up the coals here on joynuts.

Saria the Cat @ Jun 18th 2008 12:15PM

Wow, thank you for that highly relevant, highly intelligent comment.

Xoviet chiK @ Jun 18th 2008 12:16PM

What does our next president have to do with this?

Negativecool @ Jun 18th 2008 12:20PM

^^^....WTF?!
Ok, first of all, Obama has absolutely SHIT to do with this topic, so congratulations on being illiterate.
Secondly, Obama is the one that opposed raising taxes on the oil companies because he was smart enough to call it a quick fix that would do nothing to solve the problem. Hillary was the "brilliant" one that tried (failed) to gain votes by supporting something that would (try to) lower gas prices.

Congratulations, you and Hillary are both idiots.

dyre @ Jun 18th 2008 1:20PM

I wonder if this has any to do with Google opening up an Office here in Madison.

aristokrat @ Jun 18th 2008 12:22PM

Is that really true about the bar and fish? I can only hope so...

kojo87 @ Jun 18th 2008 9:58PM

if it is its not very strictly enforced. the bar i work at has no fish at all! i better tell my boss before we get shutdown! quick does anyone have any dead fish they want to give me??

Mnkypaws @ Jun 18th 2008 12:29PM

The source is listed 'via press release'. Where is this press release?

Zac @ Jun 18th 2008 1:08PM

Where is the press release link, Stiq?

Kamui @ Jun 18th 2008 1:16PM

That would be cool to see some more gaming companies out here, i'm sick of working at a factory lol.

1234 @ Jun 18th 2008 1:29PM

So,I say that many many laws are just bad,irelevant,factles and bad.
Sometimes I dont even need to try proving it.It just happens.

kojo87 @ Jun 18th 2008 2:02PM

its also unlawful to serve margarine in place of real butter unless the customer asks for it. i think its a quarter million dollar fine but im not sure.

yeah i live in Wisconsin

Bright Motive @ Jun 18th 2008 4:40PM

Being from right outside of Madison (DeForest) I'm very happy to see this happen. And anyone who thinks Wisconsin would be a bad place for business doesn't exactly know the Madison area. It is one of the most progressive cities in the United States and consistently voted one of top cities in the US. Plus, where else can you see cows when you stand atop the captiol? :p (kidding, top floor is restricted)

Chuckles @ Jun 18th 2008 4:42PM

"On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Grand old badger state!
We, thy loyal sons and daughters,
Hail thee good and great.
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Champion of the right,
"Forward!", our motto -
God will give thee might!"

God I love my state. You just can't beat beer, brats, cheese and entertainment tax breaks.