Many studios producing animation, games, or interactive content could claim thousands in R&D Tax Relief. Reinvest your creativity.
The Animation, Games & Apps sector is a hub of creativity and innovation, with studios continually embracing new technologies and production methods. To qualify for Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit, productions must be British-certified, intended for public release and meet minimum thresholds – at least 51% of core production costs on animation overall, with at least 10% spent in the UK.
Note: A separate Video Games Tax Relief scheme applies, which requires a minimum of 25% core expenditure to be spent in the UK or EEA.
Alongside these requirements, R&D Tax Credits reward innovation, from developing bespoke software and animation tools to advancing rendering and VFX processes. Together, these incentives reduce costs or deliver cash injections – helping Animation, Games & Apps businesses accelerate projects, enhance productivity, and achieve sustainable growth.
Which activities qualify for R&D Tax Credits in the Animation sector?
Developing new animation techniques or production pipelines
Advancing rendering, motion capture, or VFX processes
Enhancing realism, interactivity, or visual quality in content
Overcoming technical challenges in cross-platform or interactive releases
Various qualifying costs and expenses
Creating bespoke software, apps, or digital tools for animation and games
Optimising workflows for large-scale or multi-platform productions
Innovating content delivery platforms, including VR, AR, or streaming solutions
Researching new formats, user experiences, or gaming mechanics
Under HMRC rules, your studio does not need to succeed to qualify. If you have attempted to overcome technical uncertainty through new animation techniques, software, or interactive content, you could be eligible for R&D Tax Credits.
An independent game studio based in Staffordshire partnered with randd to identify R&D within their software development and creative production processes. Known for producing original, imaginative games that stand out in a competitive market, the studio combines artistic creativity with…
“Some of these tax credits will help us to expand; it’s definitely helped our business to grow.”
Independent Game Studio
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Client success stories in the Animation, games & apps sector
An independent game studio based in Staffordshire partnered with randd to identify R&D within their software development and creative production processes. Known for producing original,…
An innovative design studio specialising in 3D space design and virtual reality technology partnered with randd to uncover eligible R&D within their creative and technical…
A creative CGI studio based in East Sussex partnered with randd to identify eligible R&D within their digital animation and visual effects production. Well established…
Discover how much your Animation company could reclaim for its innovation with our R&D Tax Credit Calculator.
At randd, our results speak for themselves: we’ve delivered thousands of successful claims, securing hundreds of millions in R&D Tax Relief for our clients.
Our specialist team also offers free, no-obligation health checks on rejected claims, HMRC enquiries, or existing submissions that could have been more rewarding.
Ready to maximise your return? Contact our expert team today and start your R&D Tax Credits claim with confidence.
Read more: Independent Game Studio
