Frequently Asked Questions

Does Texas have any incentives?

Texas' Moving Image Industry Incentive Program offers grants equal to 5% of in-state spending. Projects made in underused areas of Texas are eligible for grants equal to 6.25% of local spending. Grants are available for film, television, commercials and video games.

Texas offers up-front Sales Tax Exemptions on most items rented or purchased for direct use in production.

There are also many non-financial incentives about Texas including the strong infrastructure, low cost of living, clusters of talent, and large entertainment media population. It's just a friendly place to live and work!

What services and assistance can the Texas Film Commission offer me and my game company?

We are here to make it easier for you to do business in the state. Please visit our services page for a list of how we can help.

I am starting my own development studio here. What information do I need to know?

The State of Texas does not require game developers to have a license, however there are still many choices and decisions to make as a small business owner. Here are some helpful resources to guide you through the process:

Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Division
The Small Business Advocate section will take you through the steps of setting up your business, including your tax responsibilities and employer requirements. Economic Development also holds Small Business Summits throughout the year to discuss issues that are of common concern to small business owners.

Chamber of Commerce
Your local chamber of Commerce is a wealth of information about working and living in your city. To find your chamber, visit the Commerce Connection on the Lone Star Internet.

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
The Comptroller's office also has specific information about your franchise tax responsibilities.

You should also become familiar with our sales tax exemptions in Texas available to video game developers (software manufacturers).

Internal Revenue Services
The IRS has information on your Federal Tax responsibilities.

I just moved to Texas and want to be a part of the game development community. What should I do?

First of all, welcome to Texas! We're glad to have you. Your first step should be to visit our Animation & Game Positions on our Job Hotline. You might also be interested in checking out your local organizations, and in attending the various conferences that go on throughout the year. These are good ways to meet people from the local game community.

My son or daughter is interested in entering the video game industry. Do you have any advice?

That's great news! Your son or daughter will want to pursue a school program that will provide him or her with a valuable education in game development. For a list of schools in Texas that offer such programs, you can browse our college and university listings.

What are "serious games"?

Serious games are programs that use game technologies for educational, training, military, medical and even governmental purposes. Estimated to have a 10% share hold in the game industry and climbing, serious games show the innovativeness of this industry's technology.

I just read the information about the sales tax exemption. Are utilities sales tax exempt?

Utilities can be sales tax exempt, but you must do a usage study before you can claim any such exemption. Please see section (f) Determining predominant use: utility studies of Comptroller Rule 3.295

I've heard that you are expanding the Production Manual to include video game developers. Where can I get some information on getting listed?

The Production Manual is going through a lot of exciting changes right now, including a name change. Please read our Production Directory FAQ for all the details.

Does the Texas Film Commission have internships?

Yes. Please visit the internship section of our Web site for further information.