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The lows always taste most bitter when they come so soon after the highs, and after yet another great year for British development talent at E3, it was only a few days before the inevitable come-down arrived - in the form of the first Budget to be delivered by the UK's new Conservative - Liberal Democrat coalition government.
In the wake of the financial crisis, austerity and belt-tightening was expected. Even if economists are still divided over whether it's really necessary, politicians have succeeded in convincing a fair chunk of the public, and more importantly, themselves, of the need. Cuts in public spending and rises in taxation were both on the menu, and both promptly delivered.
Even as the country as a whole winced collectively, however, the games business was singled out for a particularly bitter pill. Only a few months ago, years of intensive lobbying finally paid off when plans to extend the film industry's tax relief schemes to videogame development were revealed. The plans were uncontroversial, winning support from all major parties in the house. Earlier this week, they were scrapped outright.
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Today's top stories
Gaikai targets all major publishers by year end
09:49 - Following EA deal, streaming service expects flexible business model to appeal to all publishers and retailers
ELSPA: No "witch hunt" over tax break sabotage rumours
11:02 - Report that publisher forced tax relief U-turn "totally left of field," says Rawlinson
Report blames used games for core sales decline
11:29 - Second month sales for new games down by over 60 percent since 2001
Today's feature
No Relief
The Budget was a bitter pill to swallow for the games biz - but at least there's a sugar coating
The rest of today's news
Apple responds to iPhone 4 complaints
13:06 - Users advised to buy cover or change their grip as launch problems continue
Rumour: Hulu also coming to PS3
10:17 - Deal could be announced next week say reports. Plus iPlayer 3 comes to PS3
Linden Labs CEO resigns
08:44 - Second Life founder Philip Rosedale returns after 30 per cent cut in head count
Sony Worldwide Studios VP denies 3D PSP
09:02 - Sony has "no plans" for 3D tech on a portable, reiterates Rohde
DSi XL sales triple after Japan price-drop and new colours
08:59 - Though other consoles' continued decline sees just 2000 Xbox 360s sold last week
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