Press Release: State aid: Commission opens investigation into a French tax credit scheme for video game creation

The European Commission has decided to open an in-depth investigation under the EC Treaty rules on state aid into a proposal to grant a tax credit for video game creation in France. According to the French authorities, the measure is compatible with the Community rules as its aim is to promote culture. The in-depth investigation will enable the Commission to determine whether the measure supports only products with a cultural content and whether or not it leads to undue distortion of competition in the common market. The opening of a procedure will give interested parties an opportunity to submit their comments on the proposed measure. It in no way prejudges the outcome of the investigation.