Bill > H3084

This bill aims to extend tax credit provisions currently available to the motion picture industry to include video game production companies in Massachusetts. The bill provides a detailed definition of "video games" as interactive software produced for electronic media, accessible via internet or mobile networks, and playable on devices like computers, game systems, and mobile phones. The definition specifically excludes gambling-related software and requires games to include text, sound, images, or 3D geometry. Examples of qualifying video games include massive multiplayer online games, casual games, console games, virtual worlds, computer games, and mobile games. The bill adds language to several sections of Massachusetts tax law to explicitly include video game production companies in existing tax credit provisions, ensuring they can benefit from similar economic development incentives as the motion picture industry. Importantly, the bill includes a restriction that prevents companies more than 25% owned or controlled by entities in default on Commonwealth loans from qualifying for these tax credits, which helps protect state financial interests while promoting growth in the video game development sector.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3084