“As a videogame company, every year we can deduct 45% of our expenses and we have the option to monetise it, receiving it as income the
following year, which is a huge help.” Amina Abdien
CEO, Quantum Box Games
Can you give us an idea of where the studio is based? Why was the location chosen and what is it like there? Luca Contato: Rising Pixel is based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The location was chosen for several reasons, including its favourable tax environment for businesses and the unique blend of local talent and potential. The Canary Islands offer an inspiring setting, with a mix of beautiful landscapes and a thriving digital entertainment sector that’s growing rapidly.
Mauricio García: The Game Kitchen originally established its headquarters in Seville. However, we’ve recently expanded by opening a second location in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It’s here that we’ve relocated one of our most ambitious projects to date: ‘All On Board!’ This innovative live platform will enable players to enjoy any board game in a virtual reality setting. Santa Cruz presents an ideal blend of pleasant weather
and a lifestyle conducive to digital creativity, allowing professionals to flourish while prioritising their well-being. In the city itself, everything is within easy reach. Coupled with reliable and free public transportation, commuting is no longer a concern. This convenience significantly enhances the overall quality of life for our team.
Amina Abdien: Quantum Box Games is located in Las Palmas, close enough to the city centre to walk, but secluded enough to have stunning sea views from the
top of the hill where our workplace is situated. We had already planned to come to the Canary Islands, and we chose Las Palmas because we were impressed by the government’s plan for our sector, which is specific to Gran Canaria. We liked it a lot, especially the training component.
Sitara Shefta: No Brakes Games is based in the south of Tenerife, in Adeje. We opened our studio in the south of the island because of the great year round climate, which is a huge benefit of living here, and also because it’s easier for people who aren’t necessarily fluent in Spanish. Because the area is also a tourist hub, you can always speak to people in your first language until you develop your Spanish skills. We have our own studio villa, with a swimming
pool and also a rooftop terrace, which the team really appreciate having access to! It’s nice to do things a little differently to a stereotypical office environment, and allows us to enjoy what we do that little bit more.
What practical or financial support has the business received from local government and business support schemes? Luca Contato: We’ve received significant support from local entities like ZEC (Zona Especial Canaria) and SPEGC (Sociedad de Promoción Económica de Gran Canaria).
Sitara Shefta: The ZEC scheme is a great incentive which reduces corporate tax to 4% for anyone looking to establish a studio.
Luca Contato: Initially, I wasn’t fully aware of the extent of these advantages. However, over recent years, it became evident that various fiscal tools are available that help in mitigating costs and enabling tax rebates. These financial mechanisms have been instrumental in our growth and stability, allowing us to invest more in innovation and talent development.
December/January 2024 MCV/DEVELOP | 37
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