“The Canary Islands are taking positive and proactive steps to support the gaming industry, and the more this continues, the more attractive it will become as a
destination for any gaming studio.” Sitara Shefta
Head of Studio, No Brakes Games
commence our operations and facilitated connections with the vibrant local network of animation and game development studios. Their guidance in navigating the existing programs has been invaluable. These initiatives are designed to cultivate and recruit local talent, and we’re excited to contribute to their ongoing refinement. This collaborative approach ensures that each annual update of these programs is increasingly effective. Financially, we are already realising significant
tax benefits during the game’s development phase. This advantage will prove especially beneficial as we transition to the live-ops phase of our project, where such savings can be strategically reinvested.
No Brakes
Games’ Human Fall Flat has now sold 50 million copies; putting it in the same league as Wii Fit, Terraria, Pokemon Red, The Witcher 3 and Overwatch.
Additionally, ZEC has been a central hub for
information and support. It’s where we could find all the necessary answers and guidance regarding local business incentives and support. Their assistance has been invaluable in navigating the financial landscape and maximising the benefits available to us in the Canary Islands.
Amina Abdien: We’ve received significant support from the outset, both from Avalcanarias, a regional SGR, and from SPEGC, which is always keen on providing liquidity to new companies establishing themselves here. There are other tools like SODECAN, which we haven’t explored yet, but we understand could be very helpful. Perhaps the most crucial tool is the monetisation
of the tax credit. 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. I think, in any case, that people who come here have to know that as well as receiving – which they are going to receive a lot – they have to come with a desire to contribute and invest in the Islands.
Mauricio García: The local government has been instrumental in our smooth transition to the island. They assisted us in securing a temporary location to
38 | MCV/DEVELOP December/January 2024
If Human Fall Flat 2 goes on to sell only half of what the first game has managed, it would still have outshone Horizon Zero Dawn.
What is the local development community like? Are you aligned with other studios? If so, how do you support one another? Luca Contato: The local development community here in the Canary Islands is burgeoning, though still relatively small. But what it may lack in size, it certainly makes up for in camaraderie and willingness to help. The people in this community are incredibly open and supportive, always ready to lend a hand or share insights, which I find truly refreshing.
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